Cornice over the ages – A history of design

Cornice has been a popular feature of architecture for centuries, and has seen many variations and designs over that period.

Design generally reflects the dominant architectural styles of each era.

Here’s a look at some key styles that emerged over the last 3 centuries:

18th Century (Georgian Era):

• Features: Simple, clean lines. Common profiles included:

• Dentil Cornice: Flat molding with evenly spaced, small rectangular blocks (dentils) underneath.
• Cove Cornice: Rounded molding with a concave upper section.
• Box Cornice: Rectangular projection with minimal ornamentation.

• Use: Primarily in grand homes and public buildings, often paired with plasterwork details.

19th Century (Eclecticism):

• Federal Style (Early 19th Century): Evolved from Georgian, featuring dentil cornices and sometimes egg-and-dart molding (a recurring motif with alternating egg-shaped and pointed ovals).
• Greek Revival (Mid-19th Century): Inspired by ancient Greek temples. Used cornices with dentils, mutules (flat slabs) underneath a soffit (underside), and metopes (rectangular panels between mutules) for a more elaborate look. 
• Victorian Era (Late 19th Century): A period of great variety.

• Italianate Style: Featured bracketed cornices with overhanging eaves supported by decorative brackets. 
• Second Empire Style: Grand and ornate, often with bracketed cornices, dentils, and modillions (S-shaped brackets). 

20th Century (Modernism and Beyond):

• Early 20th Century: Transition period with simplified versions of historical styles and the emergence of the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized clean lines and natural materials. Cornices became less prominent.
• Mid-20th Century (Modernism): Minimalism took center stage. Cornices were often eliminated entirely or became very simple moldings.
• Late 20th Century (Postmodernism): A return to historical references, but with a playful twist. Cornices could be reintroduced with exaggerated proportions or unconventional shapes.
• Art Deco (Throughout 20th Century): Geometric patterns and bold colors influenced some cornice designs, featuring stepped profiles or chevrons.

21st Century (Contemporary):

• Emphasis on clean lines and functionality. Cornices can be minimal or absent. When present, they might be:

• Shadow Gaps: Recessed sections at the wall-ceiling junction that create a subtle definition.
• Indirect Lighting Cornices: Integrated with lighting for a modern effect.
• Material Play: Cornices made from various materials including lightweight options.

This is only a general overview, and variations would have existed within each style which are too numerous to list here.

Today, architects can choose from a vast repertoire of historical references or create entirely new cornice designs for a unique look.

Visit our shop to see the range of classic cornice or art deco designs available, or contact us to talk about custom design or matching a cornice design.