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] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.