Cornice molding vs crown molding
This is a bit of a trick question, because cornice molding is actually a kind of crown molding. It’s called that due to its distinctive rounded design, which hearkens back to the crown-like decorations worn by royalty in centuries past. Crown molding can be any type of decorative piece placed around the top edge of a wall where it meets the ceiling—not all crown moldings are cornice moldings, but any cornice molding will also be a crown molding.
Cornice Molding vs. Crown Molding: What’s the Difference?
The defining difference between cornice and non-cornice crown moldings is what side they’re installed on. Cornices are made for use along walls; their rounded bodies give them an elegant look that adds depth and visual interest to interior decoration. Non-cornice crowns, on the other hand, are made specifically for installation against ceilings—they usually have flat or straight sides that allow them to fit snugly into corners while adding an air of grandeur to large rooms like living rooms and conference halls
What is a cornice molding?
A cornice is a decorative molding that is installed at the top of the wall. In a room without crown molding, cornice molding is a great way to add a little flair to your home. Cornice molding can be decorated or plain, depending on your aesthetic preference. Cornice molding is often used to hide the seams between the ceiling and the wall.
Cornice moldings are sometimes confused with crown moldings due to their similar shapes and placement in the home. Crown moldings are also decorative trim work installed at the top of walls and ceilings, but they differ from cornices in terms of materials used, functionality, placement and cost.
What is crown molding?
Crown molding is a decorative trim that’s often used to hide imperfections where walls meet ceilings, or add a high-end look to otherwise plain spaces. It can be made of wood, plaster, polyurethane or polystyrene. Crown molding comes in all shapes and sizes—and installing crown molding is one of the few DIY projects you can take on to absolutely transform the look of your home.
How to install crown molding
- Always measure twice and cut once.
- Use a miter saw to make your cuts.
- Find the wall studs with a stud finder, then fasten the molding via nails or glue.
- Use a level to make sure the molding is straight as you go.
Cornice molding plaster
All hail the plaster cornice molding.
Plaster cornice moldings are decorative ceiling features that can be a pain to install, but they look phenomenal. Their weight makes them a bit more involved than other kinds of cornice molds, so you might need to hire a professional installer to do it for you. But what are you going to do? Cornice moldings are truly a labor of love.
So how much will this cost? Well, it’s hard to say, since these babies have to be custom made. They can run anywhere from $10-$20 per linear foot (if your ceilings are 12 feet high, that’s about $200-$400 for the room). Still, if you’re trying for an old-world vibe in your home and want some extra pizzazz on your ceiling line, this is not an unreasonable price range for such a distinctive finishing touch.
Plaster cornice molding
Plaster cornice molding is the type of cornice molding that is made from plaster. Like other types of cornice moldings, plaster cornice molding is commonly used on ceilings. Plaster cornice molding can be installed as trim around doors or windows, and it can also be used to frame mirrors or art pieces. Some homeowners use a polyurethane version of this type of molding because it looks like real plaster but weighs less and is easier to install. The polyurethane version may not last as long as the real thing, however. It may also be prone to chipping in high-traffic areas such as door frames, so you may want to consider using real plaster over these spots for increased durability.
Cornice molding designs
Cornice molding is any type of trim that projects outwards from the wall and then curves back in against the ceiling, sometimes called “cove” moldings.
Crown molding is a decorative form of cornice molding, which angles out and up against the ceiling at a 45-degree angle. Crown moldings come in a variety of shapes and sizes; it can be carved or plain, and most are made from hardwood. The point is to create an intriguing focal point on your walls.
The term “cornice” probably comes from an old Italian word for “ledge.” This makes sense because cornice moldings were designed to cover up gaps between two surfaces—the top of doors or windows, for example—and make them look cleaner and more finished. Today, modern builders use drywall to hide these kinds of gaps so they no longer require cornice moldings.
Crown molding and cornice molding are not the same thing.
Crown molding and cornice molding are not the same thing. Crown molding is a general term for a decorative trim that is applied to the junction of the wall and ceiling. Cornice molding, on the other hand, is a specific type of crown molding—specifically, one that is installed at the top of walls.
Confused? Don’t worry; we’ll clear things up.
