Home Improvements

4 Reasons to Choose Polystyrene Cornices

Cornices are designed to disguise unsightly joints between your wall and roof, and there are various types of cornices to consider. You might like the way plaster or wooden cornices look, but polystyrene cornices have recently emerged as a leading favourite for homeowners and contractors alike.

Keep reading to find out more about these types of cornices and why you should use them.

Polystyrene cornices are great for detailing along ceilings and the seam between the ceiling and walls. Image description: grey ceilings with detailing, white walls

1. Easy to Install

Polystyrene cornices are the easiest type of cornice to install. This is because – unlike wood or plaster – polystyrene is extremely lightweight. This makes it easy to cut and glue the pieces in place.

Polystyrene is also a flexible material. This makes it more forgiving if the surfaces you’re placing them on aren’t 100% straight. If you used more rigid cornices you’d need to fill in the gaps with wood filler or wood putty. This can be very difficult if you use more decorative cornices.

Unlike other cornices, these can also be adhered to various surfaces including vinyl, steel, plastic, and marble.

Image description: vibrant orange walls with a simple white ceiling and plain white polystyrene cornices.

2. Easy to Paint

These types of cornices come with a smooth, white surface. If you’re attaching them to white walls all you’ll need to do is apply a single coat of white water-based paint to ensure the whites match.

These cornices don’t require undercoats and you can usually coat them with a single layer of paint. You can even spray paint polystyrene cornices to save time. 

If you don’t want to paint them yourself you can always hire an experienced painter to do the work for you!

Image description: doorway looking onto a dining area, the door frame has been framed by cornices that have been painted white.

3. Extremely Durable

Polystyrene is durable and resistant to water damage. The material also provides thermal insulation, meaning it helps keep the house warm. 

Since polystyrene is flexible the cornices are less likely to crack and break as your house naturally moves and expands with the weather.

Image description: close up of detailed cornices. Polystyrene cornices can be intricately designed.

4. More Variety

Polystyrene cornices come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This means you’re able to find a cornice that matches your design style without needing to get it custom made.

These cornices also allow you to have intricate designs on a single piece of polystyrene. It’s a lot of effort and customisation to do this in other materials. 

Image description: close up of a corner of a room with ornate gold cornices along grey walls and white ceilings with gold detailing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polystyrene Cornices

What are the benefits of these types of cornices?

They are easy to install, making it a great DIY project. These cornices are also easy to paint and extremely durable. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes for you to choose from.

Can I use these types of cornices in kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes you can! Polystyrene is highly resistant to water, making it the perfect material to use in areas that get a lot of moisture.

Image description: iron lattice staircase railing in the foreground, background includes false window frames with ornate cornices underneath them.

Consider Polystyrene Cornices for Your Home

Polystyrene cornices don’t just complete a room, they insulate it at the same time. From highly decorative designs to clean edges, there’s a polystyrene cornice out there that matches your style.

If you’re in need of new cornices, hire a handyman to install some polystyrene cornices in your home today!

You’re in good company