Coving for Kitchens: Enhance Your Space with Style

Coving is an excellent design feature that adds both aesthetic appeal and functionality to any room, including the kitchen. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or building a new one, coving can enhance the look of your walls and ceilings while providing a seamless transition between the two.

In this article, we’ll explore how coving for kitchens can transform your space, what styles are best suited for kitchens, and why coving is a practical choice for modern kitchen designs.

Why Use Coving in the Kitchen?

Coving in the kitchen is not only a decorative feature, but it also serves several practical purposes. Here are some reasons to consider adding coving for kitchens:

1. Aesthetic Appeal

Coving adds a touch of elegance to a kitchen, creating a clean and professional finish between the walls and ceiling. It softens the harsh lines that are often found in kitchens and provides a smooth, continuous look. Whether you opt for modern coving or a more traditional style, the right coving can complement your kitchen’s overall design.

2. Concealing Imperfections

Kitchens often have uneven walls and ceilings, especially in older properties. Coving can help conceal imperfections by covering gaps, cracks, and seams. If your kitchen has been subjected to settling or shifting over time, coving can mask these issues, leaving the space looking polished.

3. Easier Cleaning

Kitchen walls and ceilings can accumulate grease, dust, and food particles, which can make cleaning difficult. Coving can help reduce this build-up by providing a smooth surface that’s easier to wipe down. Additionally, coving in kitchens helps avoid areas where dirt can collect, particularly in the corners where the walls meet the ceiling.

4. Water Resistance

Many coving materials, such as polyurethane and PVC, are water-resistant, making them ideal for kitchens where moisture levels are high. These materials won’t absorb water, reducing the risk of mould or mildew growth. Additionally, some coving can be easily wiped down, making them highly practical in a space that experiences frequent spills.

5. Add LED Lighting

One of the more modern uses for coving for kitchens is integrating LED lighting. LED coving can provide indirect lighting that enhances the mood of your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing meals or enjoying a meal with family, soft lighting from coving can create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.

Best Styles of Coving for Kitchens

When choosing coving for kitchens, it’s essential to consider the style and overall design of your space. Different types of coving can give your kitchen either a contemporary or traditional look. Here are some popular styles of coving:

1. Modern Coving Styles

For a sleek, minimalist look, modern coving is the way to go. Simple coving profiles, such as quadrant coving or OG profile coving, are perfect for modern kitchens. These styles offer clean lines without the ornate details of traditional coving. LED coving is often incorporated into modern kitchens for added illumination and to complement contemporary design trends.

2. Traditional Coving

If you have a traditional kitchen, you might want to opt for more decorative cornice or coving styles. Plain or enriched coving profiles with subtle patterns or detailing, such as egg-and-dart or fluted coving, can add a touch of luxury and class. Traditional plaster coving is also an option if you’re after an authentic and timeless design.

3. Victorian Coving

For period properties or kitchens with vintage charm, Victorian coving is a fantastic choice. The intricate detailing of Victorian coving adds character and grandeur to any kitchen. Orac Decor offers a range of Victorian-style coving that provides the same aesthetic as traditional plaster, with the durability and ease of installation of modern materials.

4. PVC and Polyurethane Coving

When choosing coving, PVC and polyurethane are the most practical materials. Both are lightweight, durable, and moisture-resistant, making them perfect for kitchens. They also come in a wide range of styles and finishes, from plain coving to more decorative options. Polyurethane coving is often preferred due to its flexibility, ease of installation, and ability to withstand wear and tear in high-moisture environments.

How to Install Coving for Kitchens

Installing coving can be a straightforward process, but it’s important to take the right steps to achieve a flawless finish. Here’s a general guide on how to install coving for kitchens:

1. Measure Your Kitchen

Before purchasing coving, accurately measure the perimeter of your kitchen to determine how much coving you need. Take into account any corners, angles, or irregularities in your kitchen layout.

2. Prepare the Surface

Clean the area where the coving will be installed. If you’re replacing old coving, remove the old material carefully to avoid damaging the walls or ceiling. Make sure the surface is smooth and free from debris before proceeding with installation.

3. Cutting the Coving

Use a saw or mitre box to cut the coving to the required lengths. If you’re installing cornice, you may need to cut the pieces at angles to fit corners.

4. Apply Adhesive

Apply a strong adhesive to the back of the coving, ensuring even coverage. For polyurethane coving, make sure the adhesive is suitable for the material. Press the coving firmly into place and hold it for a few seconds to ensure a good bond.

5. Finishing Touches

Once the coving is installed, use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess adhesive. If you’re installing LED lighting, carefully install the LED strips inside the coving. Then, check that everything is secure and functioning before completing the finishing touches, such as painting or sealing.

Conclusion

Coving is a versatile and stylish addition that can enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your space. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern look or a traditional design, there’s a coving style that will complement your kitchen perfectly.

For kitchens, polyurethane and PVC coving are ideal choices due to their durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. Integrating LED lighting into your coving can also add a contemporary touch while providing soft, ambient lighting.

If you’re interested in exploring more options, visit Coving Online, where you can find a variety of coving in different styles and materials, as well as installation services to help bring your kitchen vision to life