When you see a feature that appears to be a ceiling skirting board, what you are actually seeing will either be coving or cornice. Both are similar, however, coving or cornice is fixed to the ceiling, and a skirting board runs along the bottom of a wall.
Cornices
In architectural terms, cornices are any horizontal decorative moulding or trim which crowns a building or furniture element. These may be present in a range of places such as, doors and windows, but are most commonly found running along the top of an interior wall. This creates a “border” around the edge of the room and hides the joint between the wall and the ceiling, allowing the two spaces to blend with ease.
Interior cornices are typically made of wood or plaster, and as they have been a popular feature across several different time periods they also vary in terms of design and style. For instance, you may notice that cornices crafted during the Victorian era feature more elaborate, floral designs. Meanwhile, Edwardian cornices are fairly stark and plain in comparison. Art Deco-style cornices may make use of bold geometric patterns and sunbursts.
Coving
Also known as “coves”, ceiling coving is a simpler, more uniform version of cornicing. Both are designed to add a decorative touch to the walls and ceilings of an interior location, but the aesthetic difference will help to inform you of which you are looking at.
The most common types of coving to be found are those which project across a ceiling the same amount of distance that they drop down a wall. This is often called the “traditional quarter profile” and forms the shape of the letter “C”. A traditional quarter profile is typically favoured for coving because, in the post-war era, the material was cheap to obtain and crafting pieces in this fashion was both easy and produced a clean finish, and the practice hasn’t stopped. This is also why most coving is not as ornate or complex in design as cornicing.
In the modern era, it is possible to purchase coving in more ornate patterns and styles. But the plain “C” profile version of this feature remains most popular.
Is it Possible to Use Skirting Boards on Ceilings?
Technically speaking, it is possible to use skirting boards for ceilings.
However, it is important to remember that skirting boards are not designed to be used for ceilings; they are designed to be fitted to the bottoms of walls.
Our Finely Crafted Plaster Coving and Cornices
We are often called to assist homeowners and property managers install the ready-made or bespoke plaster cornice and coving that they require for their interior spaces. If these have been ordered with ornate architectural details and designs that have not been seen before, our team will fashion a mould for these from a hand-finished model.
For bespoke requests that have been made in order to complete the rejuvenation of an older property, we are also able to complete a match-to-existing service. This is carried out using an impression mould, also known in the industry as a “site squeeze”, and is taken from a section of a decorative feature in order to form the basis of a replica mould.
Once made, this mould will then be used in the manufacture of a replacement section, meaning that the new section will perfectly match any previous design that has been lost.
For a Quote on Decorative Mouldings
If you are in need of exquisitely-made decorative moulding designs in order to create a seamless transition between the walls and ceilings of your property, contact our team today. Our team will be glad to speak with you about the specifications you have for your project, whether you require cornices, coving, or something more similar to plaster panel mouldings. We will also be happy to offer you a quote for the work required.
Our master craftsmen will set to work and complete each piece your require for your interior to the exact requirements and description you have set out with us. As a result of this, you will always be guaranteed precision accuracy in the finished pieces that you need. Whether you are restoring a neglected period property to its former glory or bringing a classic touch and timeless charm to a newer build, you may rest assured that we can provide.