Coving and cornice are two of the most sought-after decorative features in period properties, enhancing the architectural character of any room. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian, Georgian, or Edwardian home, the addition of coving and cornice can dramatically improve the aesthetics of your space, giving it a polished, refined look. In this blog, we’ll explore how can coving and cornice be installed in period properties in the UK.

What Is Coving and Cornice?

Before we dive into the specifics of installing coving and cornice in period properties, it’s important to understand what these features are and how they differ.

Coving is a curved or concave piece of moulding that joins the wall and ceiling. It softens the corner, providing a seamless transition between the two surfaces. Coving is typically simpler than cornice and appears in both modern and period properties.
Cornice is a more elaborate, decorative moulding placed where the wall meets the ceiling. It often features intricate patterns, such as floral designs or geometric motifs, and is typically seen in grander or more traditional homes.

Both elements serve a similar purpose, enhancing the look of a room, but cornice tends to be more decorative, while coving offers a simpler, more contemporary style.

You can explore a variety of coving and cornice styles in our shop.

Coving and Cornice in Period Properties: A Perfect Match

Period properties, such as Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, and Regency homes, often have high ceilings, which makes them ideal candidates for coving and cornice installation. These features originally hid the junctions between walls and ceilings and helped with structural issues like cracks or expansion. As homes evolved, coving and cornice became more decorative, adding grandeur to rooms.

When installed correctly, coving and cornice can highlight the architectural details of a period home and provide a sense of cohesion across rooms.

For a wide range of coving and cornice designs suitable for period properties, check out our shop.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Period Property

When selecting coving or cornice for a period property, it’s essential to match the design with the architectural period and style of your home.

Victorian and Edwardian Homes: These properties typically feature larger rooms with high ceilings, making them ideal for elaborate cornices with intricate detailing. Think floral, scroll, or egg-and-dart motifs, which were popular in these eras. Coving can also be used to complement the cornice, providing a more subtle finish for the room.
Georgian Homes: Georgian properties often have a more restrained and classic design. For these homes, consider simpler cornices or coving with clean lines and geometric patterns. This creates an elegant but understated effect, which complements the symmetrical architecture typical of Georgian properties.
Regency Homes: Regency homes often feature a blend of classical and neoclassical styles. Coving and cornice in Regency homes can be more ornate, with a combination of curved and straight lines. This type of architecture allows for both bold and subtle moulding styles.

No matter your period property, Coving Online offers an array of coving and cornice designs to suit your needs. Visit our shop to view our selection.

Consider the Material of Your Coving and Cornice

The material of your coving and cornice is also a crucial factor when choosing the right option for your period property. Historically, plaster was the material of choice for coving and cornice in older homes. However, today, there are several materials available, each with its advantages.

Plaster Coving and Cornice: For authenticity and a classic look, plaster coving and cornice remain the best option. Plaster is heavy and can be prone to cracking, but it provides a high-end, traditional feel that works well in period properties.
Polyurethane Coving and Cornice: A more modern alternative, polyurethane coving and cornice offer the look of traditional plaster but are lighter, easier to install, and more durable. They also require less maintenance, making them a great choice for homeowners who want the look of plaster without the fragility.
MDF Coving and Cornice: MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a cost-effective material that can be used in period properties. It can be painted to match the existing décor and is easy to handle during installation.

For a range of materials, visit our installation page for more information on the best materials for your period property.

How to Install Coving and Cornice in Period Properties

Installing coving and cornice in a period property requires precision and attention to detail. It’s not just about aesthetics – the installation process can also be tricky, especially when dealing with older, uneven walls and ceilings.

Uneven Walls and Ceilings: Period properties, particularly those that are older, often have uneven walls and ceilings. While this may pose a challenge, it’s still possible to install coving and cornice. Professional installers can use specific techniques, such as using flexible materials or creating custom mouldings to fit the space. For some situations, lightweight polyurethane coving can be ideal, as it is more forgiving when it comes to imperfections.
Professional Installation: Because of the intricacies involved in installing coving and cornice in period properties, we recommend hiring a professional for the job. Our team at Coving Online provides expert installation services to fit your coving and cornice seamlessly.

For more information on coving and cornice installation, visit our installation page.

Maintaining Your Coving and Cornice

Maintaining your coving and cornice is essential, especially in period properties where the coving and cornice may have been in place for many years. Plaster coving and cornice require regular maintenance to avoid damage, while polyurethane options are easier to maintain and more durable.

Here are some tips for keeping your coving and cornice in good condition:

Regular Cleaning: Dust your coving and cornice regularly to prevent dirt build-up, which can make it harder to clean.
Touch-Up Paint: For painted coving and cornice, touch up any chipped areas to keep the finish looking fresh.
Check for Damage: Inspect your coving and cornice periodically for any cracks or damage. Polyurethane coving is less prone to cracking, but older plaster coving may require repairs.

For more information on maintaining coving and cornice, get in touch with our experts at Coving Online

Conclusion

Adding coving and cornice to a period property enhances its architectural beauty while preserving historical charm. Renovating a Victorian home or updating a Georgian property, the right coving and cornice elevate the space and highlight features.

At Coving Online, we offer a range of styles, materials, and installation services that are perfect for period properties. Explore our wide selection in our shop, and don’t hesitate to contact us for advice or to book professional installation services.

Add elegance and style to your period home with coving and cornice from Coving Online!

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Can Coving and Cornice Be Installed in Period Properties?