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Molding vs Cornice - What's the difference?

molding | cornice |

In architecture terms the difference between molding and cornice

is that molding is a plane, or curved, narrow surface, either sunk or projecting, used for decoration by means of the lights and shades upon its surface and to conceal joints, especially between unlike materials while cornice is   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. See also: eaves, fascia.

As nouns the difference between molding and cornice

is that molding is the act or process of shaping in or on a mold, or of making molds; the art or occupation of a molder while cornice is   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. See also: eaves, fascia.

molding

English

Alternative forms

* moulding (mainly UK)

Noun

(en noun)
  • The act or process of shaping in or on a mold, or of making molds; the art or occupation of a molder.
  • Anything cast in a mold, or which appears to be so, as grooved or ornamental bars of wood or metal.
  • (architecture) A plane, or curved, narrow surface, either sunk or projecting, used for decoration by means of the lights and shades upon its surface and to conceal joints, especially between unlike materials.
  • (woodwork) A planing machine for making moldings.
  • (founding) A machine to assist in making molds for castings.
  • (milling) A mill for shaping timber.
  • (founding) A kind of sand containing clay, used in making molds.

    • cornice

    English

    (wikipedia cornice)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (architecture)  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. See also: eaves, fascia.
  • A decorative element applied at the topmost part of the wall of a room, as with a crown moulding.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)
    • , title=(The China Governess) , chapter=1 citation , passage=The half-dozen pieces […] were painted white and carved with festoons of flowers, birds and cupids. […]  The bed was the most extravagant piece.  Its graceful cane halftester rose high towards the cornice and was so festooned in carved white wood that the effect was positively insecure, as if the great couch were trimmed with icing sugar.}}
  • A decorative element at the topmost portion of certain pieces of furniture, as with a highboy.