Pros and Cons of Installing a Shadowline Cornice

What is a Shadowline Cornice?

Just like contemporary shadowline ceilings, a shadowline cornice can add a sleek, elegant effect to a space. Characterised by its minimal effect, this style of cornice comes with a range of mouldings that can be applied, allowing a touch of personality and character.

Aesthetic Appeal

Pro: Some people love that the installation of a shadowline cornice immediately gives their living spaces a clean, sleek, contemporary look. If you are looking to give your home a style upgrade, this style of cornice is a discreet alteration that can have a big impact. 

Pro: The contemporary lines of this cornice allow for a sense of personality and character on the existing ceiling. This is because it comes in a range of mouldings that can be applied. It is a great way to add a little edge to any living space.

Con: While the shadowline cornice can create a contemporary design aesthetic, it could limit your interior design and furnishing choices. However, with careful planning and intentional purchases, you could make it work to your advantage. 

Installation Times

Pro: A shadowline cornice is much easier and quicker to install than a shadowline ceiling, while providing the same design effect. Choosing to install the cornice also leaves more room for errors as they can easily be hidden or repaired, whereas a shadowline ceiling has to be installed precisely by a professional ceiling contractor.

Con: If you have an older home, its structure will most likely have uneven ceiling support. This makes it difficult to install the cornice in a straight line. Improper installation can leave the corners of the cornice sticking out, especially if you attempt to install it yourself without the right tools or previous training. 

Price Point

Pro: The shadowline cornice is a much more affordable alternative to installing an entirely new shadowline ceiling. You can choose to install the cornice during a home renovation, whereas a shadowline ceiling is best installed when you are in the stages of building a home to minimise error and to get the exact style you want from the very start. 

Pro: A similarly modern and minimalist style of cornice is the square set cornice, which can be prone to cracking as a building settles over time. However, the gap in a shadowline cornice allows the structure to expand and contract without damaging the plaster.

Con: Installing the shadowline cornice can be more labour-intensive than installing a regular cornice. This is because creating a shadowline style requires each sheet to be cut to a much finer tolerance, with more setting and sanding involved. It is best to hire a professional ceiling contractor to get it done to a high standard.

Style and Function

Pro: Not only can a shadowline cornice add to the overall aesthetic appeal of a room, but it can also serve a functional purpose. If you are looking to add a touch of elegance to a space, an innovative way to do so is to install recessed curtain tracks in the gap of the cornice. Long curtains discreetly flowing down from the top of the wall to graze the skirting can add a sense of space and height to a room.

Pro: Another practical idea is to add subtle light to the room by installing lights in the gap of the cornice. This could create a beautiful glow around the perimeter of the room to allow for other points of interest to stand out.

Con: Like any other cornice and corners of a room, bugs and cobwebs can sometimes hide in the gap between the ceilings and walls. They might be a little hard to reach but an occasional sweep with a duster will do just the trick.

Decide on a Cornice that Best Suits Your Home

Serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose, introducing a shadowline cornice to your living spaces can make a big impact on the overall feel of your home. When you are deciding which style of cornice is right for your home, think about the size and height of each room, the existing decorations, the furnishings, and the age of the building. 

Creating a beautiful space is all about making each of the elements work together, so choose what works best for the overall interior aesthetic. It is a good idea to do some research into the different styles of cornices to see what is available on the market and draw up a budget before contacting a ceiling contractor for a quote. A little bit of planning can make a huge difference. 

Choose the Right People for the Task

If you have decided to install the shadowline cornice, make sure to hire a reliable ceiling contractor. Improper installation can lead to damages and leave unsightly cracks and rough edges in the ceiling that can’t really be hidden using paint. You don’t want to risk compromising the overall structural integrity of the room if the contractor has no past experience with installing this style of cornice.

Our experienced team of ceiling contractors Perth here at Heron Ceilings are ready to work with you in bringing your design vision to life, as well as answer any questions you might have. We pride ourselves in crafting durable, high quality ceilings that our clients know to expect. Enquire today about how we can craft the perfect cornices for your home.