When it comes to home design, it's easy to focus on the big ticket items —like selecting flooring or finalising your kitchen layout, but there's also lots of small decisions that need to be made to achieve the look you're after for your home.
One of those often-overlooked details is your ceiling / wall joins. Traditionally always corniced, in recent years different options such as square set or shadowline ceilings have become increasingly popular, lending a more modern look to interior designs.
Let's look at the differences between the most common ceiling corner options: paper cornices (such as cove, stepped or decorative), square set and shadowline ceilings or decorative plaster cornices (with a vast range to chose from) with the pros and cons of each, to help you work out the best fit for your home.
Cove Cornices
Cove cornices are one of the most common types, featuring a simple, curved profile that creates a smooth transition between the ceiling and the wall. The standard 90mm cornice profile in most Australian homes built in the last 40-50 years. Its easily installed as it sits over the ceiling and wall gyprock joins and hides any imperfections.
Pros:
Affordability: Typically one of the most budget-friendly cornice options available in 55mm or 90mm sizing.
Ease of Installation: Relatively quick and easy to install, making them a good option for budget conscious projects.
Cons:
Basic Design: Lacks the wow factor of more decorative or modern styles. Used as the basic cornice profile throughout homes for the last 50 years.
Limited Customisation: Not ideal for homes that require a more unique or intricate design.
Trends:
Cove cornices are a classic choice that has stood the test of time. They’re a popular option for homeowners looking for a simple, cost-effective solution that still provides a polished finish.
Step Cornices
Step cornices are a little more bold. They feature multiple levels or “steps” that give your ceiling a more defined, geometric look. This style is perfect if you’re after a contemporary design.
Pros:
Step cornices add a modern flair and some visual interest to your space.
You can choose 3 different step sizes, from 2, 3 or 4 steps to work with the scale of your room.
They work well in both high and low ceiling spaces, making them super versatile.
Cons:
The cost can vary slightly depending on the design and number of steps, but it is still a great budget option.
What’s Trending:
Step cornices are becoming more popular in new builds and renovations that lean into modern, geometric design elements. They’re especially eye-catching in spaces like living rooms or entryways where you want to make a statement.
Shadow Line Cornices
Shadow line cornices feature a recessed edge between the ceiling and the wall, creating a subtle shadow effect. This sleek style is a popular choice for modern homes and is often seen in high-end custom builds. Concealed LED lighting can also be incorporated into the recessed edges or bulkheads to create a low light moody atmosphere in the space.
Pros:
Modern Appeal: Offers a contemporary look with a unique, sophisticated edge.
Clean Lines: Complements minimalist interiors with smooth, uninterrupted transitions.
Customisable: Can be adapted to various ceiling heights and wall finishes.
Cons:
Installation Difficulty: Requires expert installation to achieve the precise shadow effect across long distances.
Pricing: A little higher installation costs than cove cornice per metre. Additional costs if customised lighting is integrated.
Trends:
Shadow line cornices are frequently used in luxury homes or those with modern-style interior design. They’re often paired with concealed lighting and bulkheads to accentuate the shadow effect. We love this option for bathrooms as it allows you to tile all the way to the ceiling and incorporate strip lighting into the ceiling for ambience.
Square Set Cornices
If you’re after a clean, minimal look, square set cornices might be right for you. These create a seamless transition between the wall and ceiling—no moulding is used like cove cornice above. This style is all about sharp, straight lines that fit right in with modern and contemporary homes.
Square set cornices are becoming a go-to in modern homes, especially in open-plan spaces where clean lines are key. If you're into the minimalist vibe, this style is right on trend.
Pros:
Seamless Finish: They give your space a sophisticated, high-end look without screaming for attention.
Flexibility: They work well with just about any ceiling height or design style.
Cons:
Installation Difficulty: Requires precision during installation, as any imperfections will be more noticeable due to straight lines across long distances.
Cracking: May not be suitable for all properties as movement of the foundation, walls or trusses bracing can increase the likelihood of cracks or minor bumps appearing in the join.
Trends: Square set cornices have become increasingly popular in contemporary homes, especially those with open-plan living spaces. They’re the current standard for architects and designers aiming for a minimalist aesthetic.
Decorative Plaster Cornices
Decorative plaster cornices come in various styles, from classic to ornate, and are made from plaster, providing an elegant touch to traditional homes. They can range from simple curves to elaborate patterns.
Pros:
Variety: Available in many designs to suit different architectural styles.
Durability: Plaster is strong and can be repaired if damaged.
Timeless Appeal: Ideal for heritage homes or those with a more traditional interior.
Flexibility: Moulded options available when your style is not available anymore
Cons:
Installation Difficulty: Can be labour-intensive and may require specialised skills, particularly with intricate designs.
Pricing: Costs vary based on the complexity of the design and the size of the cornice.
Trends:
While modern homes often lean toward minimalist styles, decorative plaster cornices remain popular in period homes and renovations that aim to retain historical charm.
Moulded Plaster Cornices
If you’re working on a home with a bit of history, or you’ve got an intricate design in mind, moulded plaster cornices could be your best bet. These cornices are custom-made, often replicating older, more traditional profiles that aren’t widely available anymore.
Pros:
Moulded plaster cornices can be created to match just about any existing profile, which is a lifesaver in heritage homes or when you're trying to maintain architectural integrity.
They’re highly customisable, allowing you to replicate intricate details that mass-produced cornices just can’t achieve.
Cons:
Matching an existing cornice that no longer exists commercially is possible, but it’s a specialised and expensive process. A mould is made of the existing cornice, and from there, a perfect match can be created. However, this kind of work doesn’t come cheap. Creating custom moulds and installing these cornices can be expensive due to the skilled craftsmanship involved.
Despite the cost, it’s worth the investment if you’re renovating a period home or need to repair a damaged cornice that you can’t replace off the shelf.
Trends:
In heritage restorations or homes where the focus is on preserving history, moulded plaster cornices are essential. They allow you to maintain the original look and feel of the home while ensuring that even damaged or missing cornices can be perfectly replicated.
Choosing the Right Cornice for Your Home
When selecting a cornice, consider the overall style of your home, your budget, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Minimalist options like square set and shadow line cornices are ideal for modern homes, while decorative plaster or Art Deco cornices can add elegance and charm to traditional or vintage-inspired spaces.
Contact us today to get started on your renovation and new build!