Coving and Cornice Styles in the UK: Trends & Ideas

What Are the Most Popular Styles of Coving and Cornice in the UK?

Coving and cornice are key decorative elements in interior design, especially in the UK. They not only cover unsightly joints between walls and ceilings but also add a touch of elegance and charm to any room. The right coving or cornice can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space, whether you prefer a traditional, modern, or contemporary look. In this blog, we will explore the most popular styles of coving and cornice in the UK and help you choose the perfect option for your home.

1. Traditional Victorian Coving and Cornice

Victorian style is one of the most iconic and beloved styles in the UK, characterised by intricate detailing, elaborate floral motifs, and a grandeur that defines traditional British homes. The Victorian style of coving and cornice often includes ornate patterns, such as scrolls, leaves, and roses, creating a stunning visual impact.

Features of Victorian Coving and Cornice:

• Elaborate Detailing:

  Victorian designs often feature intricate flourishes, floral patterns, and deep curves that add a touch of sophistication.

• Symmetry:

  Traditional Victorian coving and cornice are symmetrical, ensuring they complement the room’s architecture seamlessly.

• Materials:

  Plaster was traditionally used for Victorian coving, as it allows for detailed moulding, but polyurethane versions are also available for easier installation and maintenance.

If you’re looking for a classic style that exudes elegance, this is a perfect choice. Victorian-style coving and cornice are particularly suited for period homes with high ceilings.

For high-quality Victorian-style coving, check out our coving collection here.

2. Art Deco Coving and Cornice

Art Deco is a design style that rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. It is known for its bold geometric patterns, sharp lines, and luxurious finishes. Art Deco coving and cornice often feature angular shapes, clean lines, and symmetrical designs, providing a modern yet retro feel to a room. This style works beautifully in both period and contemporary homes that aim to make a statement.

Features of Art Deco Coving and Cornice:

• Geometric Patterns:

  Art Deco designs are dominated by bold, straight lines and sharp angles.

• Metallic Finishes:

  This style often includes metallic paints, such as gold or silver, to add a sense of opulence.

• Streamlined Designs:

  Art Deco coving typically has clean, straight lines, giving it a more modern and sleek appearance.

Art Deco cornice can bring a sense of glamour and luxury to your living space. It’s ideal for rooms with a modern aesthetic, but it also works well in period homes looking to create a contrast with more traditional elements.

Explore more about Art Deco designs and installations on our installation page.

3. Modern and Contemporary Coving

For those who prefer a minimalistic approach, modern and contemporary coving and cornice styles are perfect. These designs typically feature clean lines, subtle curves, and a focus on simplicity. They don’t have the ornate detailing found in traditional styles but offer a fresh, up-to-date look that suits modern homes.

Features of Modern Coving and Cornice:

• Simple, Clean Lines:

  Modern coving tends to have minimal curves and simple angles, giving the room a more contemporary feel.

• Subtle Curves:

  Instead of ornate detailing, modern designs have soft, subtle curves to blend into the room’s architecture.

• Neutral Colours:

  These styles often use neutral colours like white, grey, or off-white to maintain a sleek, understated look.

Modern polyurethane coving is especially popular in contemporary homes due to its lightweight nature and ease of installation. You can find various designs that suit everything from minimalist spaces to those with a more industrial edge.

Discover more about contemporary coving options on our trade page.

4. Edwardian Coving and Cornice

The Edwardian style is another classic British design, widely used in homes built between 1901 and 1910. Edwardian coving and cornice are less ornate than Victorian designs but still feature decorative elements like floral patterns, gentle curves, and subtle detailing. They exude a charming elegance that fits beautifully into both traditional and modern homes.

Features of Edwardian Coving and Cornice:

• Simpler Detailing:

  Edwardian designs are more restrained than Victorian coving, focusing on understated elegance.

• Soft Curves:

  The coving usually has soft, flowing curves, often with a small amount of patterning along the edges.

• Natural Elements:

  Floral motifs and nature-inspired patterns are common in Edwardian designs, creating a sense of calm and tranquillity.

This style of coving is perfect for homeowners seeking a more understated yet stylish look in their living rooms, dining rooms, or hallways.

5. High-Quality Polyurethane Coving

While plaster coving was once the only option, polyurethane coving has grown in popularity due to its many benefits. Polyurethane coving is lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Modern manufacturers offer a variety of polyurethane coving styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary, to suit a wide range of tastes and home styles.

Features of Polyurethane Coving:

• Lightweight:

  Polyurethane coving is much lighter than plaster, making it easier to install.

• Durable:

  It’s resistant to cracking, denting, and moisture, making it more durable in the long run.

• Variety of Styles:

  Polyurethane is available in a wide range of designs, allowing homeowners to choose between modern, traditional, or ornate styles.

You can find polyurethane coving that mimics the look of plaster or choose from sleek, modern styles.

Check out our collection of polyurethane coving here.

6. LED Coving and Cornice Lighting

One of the most innovative trends in coving and cornice design is the incorporation of LED lighting. LED coving and cornice are designed with grooves or cavities where LED strips can be placed, adding both function and beauty to the room. This type of coving is perfect for creating ambient lighting, mood lighting, or even task lighting depending on the room’s requirements.

Benefits of LED Coving:

• Energy-Efficient Lighting:

  LED strips are highly energy-efficient and can last for years, making them a cost-effective option for lighting.

• Creates Ambience:

  LED coving can be used to create soft, indirect lighting that enhances the room’s atmosphere.

• Versatile:

  You can change the colour of the lights to suit the mood or occasion, making LED coving a versatile addition to any room.

LED coving adds a modern touch to any room, whether it’s used for accent lighting or functional illumination.

For more information on LED coving, visit our contact page.

Conclusion

Coving and cornice are essential elements in the world of interior design, and their popularity in the UK continues to grow. Whether you’re looking for the intricate detailing of Victorian style or the clean, minimal lines of modern design, there’s a style to suit every taste and home. From Edwardian elegance to the luxurious appeal of Art Deco, coving and cornice styles provide endless possibilities for enhancing your living space.

At Coving Online, we offer a range of high-quality coving and cornice styles that can suit your design preferences. Whether you’re looking for plaster, polyurethane, or LED coving, we have the perfect options for your home. Visit our installation page for professional installation services, or explore our online shop for inspiration.

For homeowners seeking the perfect finishing touch, coving and cornice provide the opportunity to elevate your interior design. Choose from the most popular styles, and let your home shine.

Explore our full range of coving and cornice products here.