What Is a Cornice on a House? Purpose, Types & Modern Design.
Quick Answer
A cornice is the horizontal architectural trim that finishes the top of a house’s exterior wall, typically where it meets the roofline. It can serve both a practical role – helping shed water – and a decorative one, with its appearance varying significantly by style and material, which we break down below.
What Is a Cornice in Architecture & Construction?
In classical architecture, a cornice is the uppermost section of an entablature, positioned above the frieze and architrave. More broadly, a cornice is the projecting horizontal feature that finishes the top of a wall or building façade. Historic cornices were often made from stone, wood, or metal, while modern exterior cornices may also use materials such as fiberglass (FRP), GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete), and polyurethane.
As manufacturers of custom architectural elements since 2001, we’ve seen a major shift toward lightweight, low-maintenance materials that replicate traditional profiles while improving long-term performance.
What Is a Cornice on a House?
On a house, a cornice is the finished horizontal trim at the top of the exterior wall or roofline. It may be simple and modern or highly detailed with classical elements such as dentil molding, brackets, or corbels.
Cornices can also appear inside a home at the ceiling line, where the term may overlap with crown molding. Exterior cornices, however, are designed for outdoor exposure and are typically selected with weather resistance and long-term durability in mind..
Where Is a Cornice Located on a House?
A cornice is typically located:
At the roofline where the wall meets the roof
Along the top of exterior walls
Above windows or entryways
On exterior applications, the cornice is often part of the eave system, helping manage water runoff while visually finishing the building.
See real examples in our Cornice Gallery.
Types of Exterior Cornices
Exterior cornices aren’t limited to a fixed set of standard types, the design usually depends on the building’s architecture, the desired projection and profile, and the amount of decorative detail required. Common approaches include:
- Box or open cornice – common eave configurations: a box cornice encloses the eave for a clean, finished look, while an open cornice exposes the rafter tails for a more traditional appearance.
- Classical or decorative cornice – more detailed profiles that may include dentils, brackets, corbels, or other traditional elements.
- Custom or restoration cornice – project-specific profiles created to match an existing building or reproduce historic details.
Because the shape is often project-specific, custom exterior cornice profiles are typically designed and quoted individually rather than selected from a fixed catalog of types.
What Is the Purpose of a Cornice?
A cornice serves both functional and aesthetic roles:
Functional
- Helps shed water away from the wall
- Reduces direct runoff over windows and architectural detail
Aesthetic
- Defines the roofline
- Adds depth and shadow
- Creates a finished transition between the wall and roof
- Coordinates visually with columns, pediments, brackets, and other exterior details
Cornices are often used together with columns, pediments, and other architectural elements to create a cohesive exterior design.
Exterior Cornice: Materials, Installation & Modern Uses
Modern exterior cornices are available in several materials selected for factors such as appearance, weight, durability, and project requirements.
Common Materials
Fiberglass (FRP) – Lightweight and durable, with custom profiles available for residential and commercial applications
GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) – Provides the appearance of cast stone or concrete in a thinner, lighter architectural system
Polyurethane – Lightweight and suited to decorative exterior applications
Explore options:
Cornice Systems
Cornice CAD & BIM Files
These materials can be used to create a wide range of cornice profiles while offering alternatives to traditional wood, stone, or metal construction.
Cornice Installation
Cornice installation varies by material, profile size, and project conditions. For a closer look at the installation process, watch our fiberglass cornice installation guide
Expert Observation
In over 20 years working with architectural projects, we’ve seen exterior wood cornices require ongoing maintenance as they age and remain exposed to moisture and weather.
For projects where lower maintenance is a priority, fiberglass (FRP) or polyurethane can provide durable alternatives while preserving the desired architectural profile.
Cornice vs Crown Molding
| Feature | Cornice | Crown Molding |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Primarily exterior | Typically interior |
| Function | Practical + Decorative | Decorative |
| Materials | FRP, GFRC, polyurethane, wood | Wood, plaster, polyurethane |
| Use | Rooflines, façades | Wall-to-ceiling transitions |
Are Cornices Still in Style?
Yes. Exterior cornices are still widely used in residential, commercial, and historic-restoration projects. Modern designs often favor cleaner profiles and simpler forms, while traditional architecture continues to use more detailed classical cornices with dentils, brackets, or other ornament.
Planning a cornice project?
Choosing the right cornice involves material selection, scale, and installation details. Whether you’re designing a new build, restoring a structure, or working from architectural drawings, we can help.
Contact us or Call 877-970-8710. Or send us your drawings, photos, or dimensions for a free quote.
For architects and designers, explore our Cornice CAD & BIM Files to streamline your project planning.
