Coving for Bathrooms: Stylish and Practical Design Ideas

Coving for Bathrooms: Stylish and Practical Design Ideas

Coving is a popular decorative feature used in various rooms across the home, but it is especially beneficial in bathrooms. Not only does coving add elegance and style to the space, but it also serves a practical purpose by protecting your walls from water damage, improving the overall functionality of the room. Whether you’re renovating an existing bathroom or designing a new one, incorporating coving for bathrooms can be a great design decision.

In this blog, we explore how coving can be used in bathrooms, the types of coving most suitable for wet areas, and the benefits of installing it in your bathroom.

What is Coving?

Coving is a form of moulding that is typically installed where the wall meets the ceiling, creating a curved or angled transition. It can be made from various materials, including plaster, polyurethane, PVC, and gypsum, each offering different benefits and styles. Coving is primarily used to add a decorative touch, but it can also serve functional purposes, especially in bathrooms where moisture is a concern.

Benefits of Coving for Bathrooms

Prevents Moisture Damage

Bathrooms are often subject to high levels of moisture, which can lead to issues like peeling paint, discolouration, and water stains. Installing coving around the edges of your bathroom can help prevent water from collecting in the corners, reducing the risk of damage to the walls and ceiling. PVC or polyurethane coving is particularly effective in wet areas due to its resistance to moisture.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Coving for bathrooms can be made from materials that are easy to clean and maintain. PVC coving, for example, is water-resistant and can be wiped down with ease. Since bathrooms tend to accumulate moisture and soap scum, choosing a coving material that is simple to clean will help keep your bathroom looking pristine.

Enhances the Aesthetic Appeal

Coving adds a polished, finished look to a bathroom. It helps to soften the harsh angles where the wall meets the ceiling and can elevate the overall design of the room. Coving with LED lighting can also create a soft, ambient glow, perfect for setting a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom. Whether you opt for modern or traditional designs, coving enhances your bathroom’s aesthetic value.

Hides Imperfections

If your bathroom walls or ceiling have imperfections, coving is an excellent solution to hide them. Small cracks, gaps, and uneven edges can be concealed by a well-placed piece of coving, giving the room a seamless and sophisticated appearance. Plaster coving works well for this purpose, as it can be moulded and shaped to fit the contours of the room.

Creates a Seamless Look

For bathrooms with integrated designs, coving can help create a seamless look that ties all the elements together. Whether you have wall panels, tiles, or painted walls, coving acts as a finishing touch that makes the room feel cohesive and well-planned.

Best Materials for Bathroom Coving

1. PVC Coving

For a bathroom, PVC coving is often the best choice. This material is highly resistant to moisture, which is essential in a room that is exposed to water regularly. PVC coving is also durable and relatively inexpensive, making it a practical option for many homeowners. It is available in a variety of profiles, including traditional and contemporary styles.

2. Polyurethane Coving

Another popular choice for bathroom coving is polyurethane. Like PVC, polyurethane coving is moisture-resistant and long-lasting. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it a favoured option for DIY projects. Polyurethane also provides the flexibility of more intricate designs, offering more options for homeowners looking to add a touch of elegance to their bathroom.

3. Plaster Coving

While plaster coving offers a traditional and elegant look, it is less commonly used in bathrooms due to its susceptibility to moisture damage. However, if you’re working on a bathroom with adequate ventilation and want to maintain a vintage or classical design, plaster coving can still be a viable option. Just ensure proper sealing and regular maintenance to protect the plaster from water damage.

Where Can You Install Coving in the Bathroom?

Coving can be installed around the perimeter of the bathroom, where the walls meet the ceiling. This placement creates a clean and sophisticated transition, giving the room a polished appearance. Coving with integrated lighting can be used around the ceiling edge for added style and function, particularly in bathrooms with high ceilings or large mirrors.

It’s also worth considering installing coving around other features in the bathroom, such as windowsills or door surrounds, to create a uniform look. In smaller bathrooms, coving can make the room feel more spacious by adding visual height to the walls.

How to Install Coving in a Bathroom

Installing coving in a bathroom is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the right steps to ensure a successful installation. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Choose the Right Coving Material

As mentioned earlier, PVC or polyurethane coving is ideal for bathrooms due to its moisture resistance. Select a material that suits your budget and the style of your bathroom.

2. Measure the Space

Before purchasing your coving, measure the perimeter of the room where the coving will be installed. Make sure to account for any corners and angles. If the room has high ceilings, you may need to choose a more substantial coving profile to maintain proportions.

3. Prepare the Surface

Ensure that the walls and ceiling are clean, dry, and free from mould or mildew before installing the coving. Coving should be installed on smooth surfaces to ensure a strong bond with the adhesive.

4. Cut the Coving

Using a saw or coping saw, carefully cut the coving to the correct lengths for each wall section. It’s essential to make precise cuts, especially at the corners, to create neat and professional-looking joins.

5. Install the Coving

Apply adhesive to the back of the coving, and press it into place along the wall and ceiling. Ensure the coving is level and straight before securing it with nails or additional adhesive. Use a strong adhesive that is compatible with the coving material.

6. Seal and Paint

Once the coving is in place, you may need to seal the edges to ensure no moisture can get behind it. If desired, paint the coving to match the bathroom decor. Polyurethane coving can be painted to match the room’s style, and a fresh coat of paint can make the coving blend seamlessly with the walls and ceiling.

Conclusion

Coving for bathrooms is an excellent way to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your space. Whether you’re looking to add modern coving with integrated LED lighting or prefer a more traditional style, coving provides a polished finish while helping to protect your bathroom from water damage. By choosing the right materials and ensuring proper installation, you can enjoy the benefits of beautiful, practical coving in your bathroom for years to come.

Explore a wide range of coving for bathrooms on Coving Online and make your bathroom more stylish and functional today!