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Cornice Designs

Tilottama Chatterjee
Are you on the lookout for cornice designs that will enhance your room's decor? Here are some useful and innovative ideas.
Cornices are functional elements of décor, which refer to the uppermost part of moldings or any other architectural structures. They most commonly used, horizontally under ceilings and on top of windows. They are generally made out of wood or plaster.
The term originated from an Italian word, which means 'ledge'. They can be modified to suit your individual needs and can also be custom created. The structure will vary according to its intended use.

For Ceilings

These are used at the point where the ceiling of your room meets the walls. More often than not, this type of cornice is painted the same color as the ceiling, and not the wall that it's mounted on. Ceiling cornices when used in this manner are simple and fuss free.
For ceilings, most are made of plaster, and are added as a decorative element on what would have otherwise been a plain surface. In some homes, they can also be modified to conceal lighting fixtures.

For Windows

Window cornices are used most often to conceal the hardware needed for curtains and drapes, essentially curtain rods, and structures to which blinds and drapes are attached. They are generally made out of wood, though some can also be made out of plaster. 
The basic design is an open rectangular box, made of three sides, leaving one length free. This structure fits on top of the window, with the closed length facing the ceiling. The drapes fitted within this fall through the open length. Detailing can be added at the edges to add to the design.
The cornice is covered with fabric to match the upholstery in a room, hence giving it a co-ordinated feel. To avoid drawing attention to it, you can choose to cover it with a wallpaper. Many people choose to add them to give their rooms a finished look and feel.

For the Exteriors

Exterior cornices are generally added to a building, in order to provide a ledge or overhang, which would protect it from rain. Most companies that provide custom designs can give you a wide choice of styles.
Many manufacturers can even replicate a prevalent design style from an architectural era - for instance Victorian or Georgian architecture. This comes in handy, especially during heritage building restorations. 
Exterior cornices generally focus on functionality, but can also work to a decorative advantage. By using different architectural styles, you can make them work like a 'crown' for your building. 
For obvious reasons, they are made from materials like reinforced fiberglass that will withstand the elements. Such materials are low maintenance and are available in a number of finishes, which can be modified to suit the building they are used for.
Exterior cornices are essential architectural elements that offer some amount of protection from the damaging effects of excessive rain, snow, or sun. It's a good idea to ensure that they have a slight slope away from your building to prevent rainwater from stagnating on them.

Custom Designs

As is the case of practically everything in the world today, cornice designs can be custom created. You can highlight them by adding coordinated décor elements, like wallpaper and fabric, and get the cornice customized to your dimensions and textures. Customizing is an expensive option, it can add style, substance, and finish to an otherwise ordinary room.
Cornices are easy to overlook in the grand scheme of things. However, with some good designs, you'll be glad you took the time to pay attention to them!