Cornice

A decorative horizontal molding that crowns a building or the top of a room's walls. Often projecting outward, cornices serve an aesthetic purpose, adding a finished look to the structure. Historically, they were also designed to direct rainwater away from the building's walls, protecting them from erosion. Cornices can be simple or elaborately ornamented, made from materials like wood, stone, plaster, or metal, and can be found in various architectural styles, from classical to contemporary.

Cornice meaning with examples

• The grand Victorian mansion featured a meticulously crafted cornice adorned with intricate carvings, reflecting the opulent taste of the era. The cornice extended far beyond the walls, creating a shadow play against the sunlight.
• During the renovation, they discovered the original cornice hidden beneath layers of paint. Restoring it brought back the building's historical character, while they needed to repair the water damage to the old cornice.
• The modern office building’s sleek design included a minimalist cornice, providing a subtle horizontal accent to its glass facade. The contractors installed the pre-fabricated cornice with a crane.
• The plaster cornice in the dining room had suffered water damage, requiring careful restoration to preserve its delicate detailing. The damage to the cornice was not covered by the insurance.
• The artisan spent weeks meticulously replicating the cornice design for the historic theater's restoration, which had originally been built in 1928. The team worked tirelessly to put the cornice in place and the theater's show was able to open on schedule.