Architrave vs. Cornice — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Architrave frames doorways and windows, providing a visual transition, whereas a cornice tops off walls, serving as a decorative crown between walls and ceilings.
Difference Between Architrave and Cornice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Architraves are molding or trim found around the frames of doors and windows, aiming to cover the gap between the frame and the wall, enhancing aesthetics and structural integrity. Whereas, cornices are positioned at the top of walls, often used to decorate the area where the wall meets the ceiling.
The architrave is generally simpler in design, primarily serving a functional purpose to finish and conceal joinery details. On the other hand, cornices can be highly decorative, sometimes featuring intricate patterns and designs that contribute significantly to the overall decor of a room.
While architraves are essential in framing an opening and can be minimal or ornate depending on the architectural style, cornices are more about creating a visual "cap" for a space, often emphasizing luxury and depth in a room's design.
Architraves, being closer to eye level, can be touched and examined up close, making their finish and detail critical to interior aesthetics. In contrast, cornices are usually out of reach and viewed from a distance, which influences the scale and type of decorative elements used.
In modern construction, architraves can also serve to hide imperfections or uneven spaces between different materials, making them both functional and decorative. Cornices, while they can also conceal joints, primarily function to enhance the grandeur of a space, adding to the architectural language of luxury and finish.
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Comparison Chart
Position
Around doors and windows
At the top of walls
Function
Covers gaps, frames openings
Decorates and caps wall edges
Design
Simpler, can be ornate
Often more elaborate
Visibility
Close-up, detailed examination
Viewed from a distance
Construction
Hides imperfections, joins materials
Adds architectural grandeur
Compare with Definitions
Architrave
A molding around a door or window.
The wooden architrave around the old door was intricately carved.
Cornice
An exterior architectural feature that crowns a building.
The building's facade was distinguished by an ornate cornice, visible even from afar.
Architrave
The lowest part of an entablature in classical architecture.
The architrave in the museum's Greek exhibit was a replica of one from an ancient temple.
Cornice
A decorative molding at the junction of a wall and ceiling.
The room's high ceilings were accentuated by a beautifully painted cornice.
Architrave
A structural element that frames vertical openings.
Each window was defined by a distinctive architrave, setting it apart from the plain wall.
Cornice
An element used to create a formal appearance in room interiors.
They installed a plaster cornice to give the living room a more formal look.
Architrave
An interior design feature to enhance doorways.
We chose a simple architrave to complement our minimalist decor.
Cornice
The uppermost section of moldings in classical entablature.
The cornice was adorned with acanthus leaves, typical of Corinthian style.
Architrave
A beam or lintel that rests on the capitals of columns.
The architrave was carefully positioned on top of the newly installed columns.
Cornice
A horizontal molded projection that finishes or crowns a building.
The cornice along the rooftop was restored to preserve the building's historic integrity.
Architrave
In classical architecture, an architrave (; from Italian: architrave "chief beam", also called an epistyle; from Greek ἐπίστυλον epistylon "door frame") is the lintel or beam that rests on the capitals of columns. The term can also apply to all sides, including the vertical members, of a frame with mouldings around a door or window.
Cornice
In architecture, a cornice (from the Italian cornice meaning "ledge") is generally any horizontal decorative moulding that crowns a building or furniture element – the cornice over a door or window, for instance, or the cornice around the top edge of a pedestal or along the top of an interior wall. A simple cornice may be formed just with a crown, as in crown moulding atop an interior wall or above kitchen cabinets or a bookcase.
Architrave
The lowermost part of an entablature in classical architecture, resting directly on top of the columns. Also called epistyle.
Cornice
A horizontal molded projection that crowns or completes a building or wall.
Architrave
The molding around a door or window.
Cornice
The uppermost part of an entablature.
Architrave
(architecture) The lowest part of an entablature; rests on the capitals of the columns.
Cornice
A strip of molding that runs along the upper part of a wall just below the ceiling.
Architrave
(architecture) The moldings (or other elements) framing a door, window or other rectangular opening.
Cornice
An ornamental horizontal molding or frame used to conceal rods, picture hooks, or other devices.
Architrave
The lower division of an entablature, or that part which rests immediately on the column, esp. in classical architecture. See Column.
Cornice
An overhanging mass of windblown snow on a ridge or the crest of a mountain.
Architrave
The molding around a door or window
Cornice
To supply, decorate, or finish with or as if with a cornice.
Architrave
The lowest part of an entablature; rests immediately on the capitals of the columns
Cornice
(architectural element) A horizontal architectural element of a building, projecting forward from the main walls, originally used as a means of directing rainwater away from the building's walls.
Cornice
A decorative element applied at the topmost part of the wall of a room, as with a crown molding.
Cornice
A decorative element at the topmost portion of certain pieces of furniture, as with a highboy.
Cornice
An overhanging edge of snow on a ridge or the crest of a mountain and along the sides of gullies.
Cornice
(transitive) To furnish or decorate with a cornice.
Cornice
Any horizontal, molded or otherwise decorated projection which crowns or finishes the part to which it is affixed; as, the cornice of an order, pedestal, door, window, or house.
Cornice
A decorative framework to conceal curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing
Cornice
A molding at the corner between the ceiling and the top of a wall
Cornice
The topmost projecting part of an entablature
Cornice
Furnish with a cornice
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of an architrave?
To cover the gap between the wall and frame of a doorway or window, enhancing the finished look.
What materials are commonly used to make cornices?
Materials like plaster, wood, and polystyrene are common for making cornices.
Can cornices be functional as well as decorative?
Yes, besides being decorative, cornices can help conceal structural elements like beams and joints.
Do architraves support any structural loads?
Typically, architraves are not load-bearing but may support minor weights depending on their placement and construction.
What is the typical width of an architrave compared to a cornice?
Architraves are narrower, as they frame openings, whereas cornices can be wider to make a dramatic impact at ceiling level.
What are some common motifs found in cornice designs?
Motifs such as dentils, egg-and-dart, and acanthus leaves are common in cornice designs.
Is there a difference in the installation complexity between architraves and cornices?
Cornices may require more intricate installation due to their decorative nature and placement, compared to the straightforward installation of architraves.
Can the absence of an architrave or cornice affect room aesthetics?
Yes, lacking these elements might make a space feel unfinished or less detailed, impacting the overall aesthetic appeal.
Are architraves found in modern architecture?
Yes, architraves are commonly used in modern architecture to provide clean lines and finish around openings.
Can architraves and cornices be painted or finished differently?
Yes, both can be painted, stained, or finished to match or contrast with other interior elements.
How does a cornice differ visually from an architrave?
A cornice is generally more elaborate and decorative, positioned at the top of room walls, whereas architraves are simpler and frame openings.
How do architects decide when to use architraves or cornices?
Architects choose based on functional needs, aesthetic considerations, and the architectural style of the building.
How do cultural influences affect the design of cornices and architraves?
Cultural and historical contexts heavily influence designs, with certain patterns and motifs being characteristic of specific periods and places.
How does the choice of material for architraves impact the cost and maintenance?
Material choice affects both initial cost and ongoing maintenance; for example, wood requires more upkeep than materials like PVC or MDF.
Are there historical styles where cornices are more prominent?
Yes, styles like Baroque and Victorian architecture often feature prominent, ornate cornices.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
