Cornice coving and architrave definitions
The terms cornice, coving and architrave are frequently used incorrectly, or used as if they are interchangeable.
A cornice is a profiled moulding used to conceal the joint between a wall and a ceiling so that it does not have to be finished and any cracking along the joint is hidden.
A cornice can be plain or highly decorative.
Plain cornice may be referred to as ‘coving’.
[above, decorative cornice]
[above, plain cornice or coving]
Typically cornice and coving are made of plaster, paper-covered plaster, polyurethane, expanded polystyrene or timber.
An architrave is a moulding that sits above a door, window or other opening, where the architrave extends across the top of the side mouldings to the opening. However, in the modern construction industry, the term architrave it is frequently used to refer to any horizontal or vertical mouldings that form the surround to a door, window or other opening.
Typically an architrave will be made from timber, although if it is ornate it may be made from similar materials to cornice and coving.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Public engagement in London Borough of Enfield's heritage strategy.
Reviewing the Roadmap to Recovery
Engineering services in the spotlight.
The Government's Summer 2020 economic update.
Britain's underground asset register
Getting organised below the surface.
Securing suitable water systems.
Love them or hate them, they are popping up everywhere.
The initiative to enhance the environment continues.
Could underused community spaces offer an alternative to working from home?
Keeping workers and workplaces safe in the United States.
A history lesson in geographic information systems.
A low tech, easy to use method of extinguishing small fires.
How can these valued spaces be reused?