Choosing coving involves balancing its size and style with the dimensions and character of your room, with ceiling height being a particularly important factor.
Key Factors in Choosing Coving
Selecting the right coving helps define the space, add architectural interest, and soften the transition between walls and ceilings. Consider these factors:
Ceiling Height is Crucial
A primary consideration when selecting coving size is the height of the ceiling. As a general rule of thumb, derived from common practice in interior design:
- The higher the ceiling in a room, the bigger the cornice you can use.
Using large coving in a room with low ceilings can create an out-of-proportion effect and make the room appear smaller and feel oppressive. Conversely, small coving in a very tall room might look insignificant.
According to a guideline provided on 05-Jul-2017: "200mm coving (8 inch) is used when the ceilings are 4.3 metres (14 foot) or higher." This specific example illustrates how significantly the coving size can increase with very high ceilings.
Here's a simple way to think about it based on typical ceiling heights:
| Ceiling Height (approx.) | Recommended Coving Size (approx.) | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (2.4m - 2.7m) | 75mm - 120mm | Subtle detail, appropriate scale |
| High (2.7m - 3.5m) | 100mm - 150mm | More pronounced detail, adds grandeur |
| Very High (> 3.5m) | 150mm - 200mm+ | Significant architectural feature |
| 4.3m+ (14ft+) | 200mm+ (8 inch+) | Large, statement cornice/coving |
(Note: These are general guidelines; exact recommendations can vary based on the specific design of the coving profile)
Room Size and Proportion
While ceiling height is key, the overall size of the room also plays a role. In a very large room, slightly larger coving (within the appropriate range for the ceiling height) might look better than smaller coving, helping to anchor the expansive space. Conversely, a very small room might benefit from more delicate coving, even with standard height ceilings.
Style and Period
Consider the architectural style of your property or the desired aesthetic of the room:
- Period Properties: Often feature traditional coving profiles like Victorian, Edwardian, or Georgian styles, which can be elaborate or simple depending on the specific period.
- Modern Properties: May suit simpler, cleaner coving lines or even contemporary profiles like stepped or plain curved designs.
- Matching Trim: Consider if you want the coving style to complement other mouldings in the room, such as skirting boards or architraves.
Material
Coving is available in various materials, each with different properties:
- Plaster: Traditional, durable, often used in older properties. Can be heavy and requires skilled installation.
- Polyurethane/Polypolystyrene: Lightweight, easy to cut and install, resistant to moisture. Wide range of styles available.
- Polystyrene: Very lightweight and cost-effective, but less durable and the profile can be softer.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice is yours! Consider the feeling you want to create in the room. Do you want the coving to be a subtle detail or a prominent feature?
By considering ceiling height first and then balancing it with room size, style, and material, you can select coving that enhances your space beautifully. Getting samples is always recommended to see how a profile looks in your room's light and scale.
