History of Cornices: From Stone and Horsehair to Modern Foam

Discover the fascinating history of cornices—from ancient stone and horsehair plaster to today’s lightweight, modern XPS foam cornices.

The most common question asked on the internet about cornicing is “Are cornices out of style?” Its an interesting question when we look at it from the point of trends- trends are things that come and go -will cornicing came 2500 years ago and it never really left. Here we will explore the History of Cornices when they started what where they made from and how have they changed to be the modern cornices we have today.

A Craft That’s Stood the Test of Time

Cornices have been part of architecture for thousands of years, framing ceilings and adding beauty where walls meet the roofline. From hand carved stone to precision cut foam, each era has left its mark on this timeless decorative feature.

 

 Ancient Origins

The word cornice comes from the Italian term for “ledge,” and the earliest examples date back more than 2,500 years to Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Builders carved cornices from limestone, sandstone, or marble, or moulded them in stucco (lime plaster mixed with sand and marble dust). These designs served both form and function protecting walls from rain while creating elegant visual breaks.

 

 The Georgian and Victorian Eras: Lime Plaster and Horsehair

As architecture shifted indoors, ornate plaster cornices became a hallmark of European homes in the 1700s–1900s it was often formed with a crown where we get the term crown moulding from. Craftsmen mixed lime putty, sand, and animal hair usually horsehair, but sometimes goat or ox hair to strengthen the plaster and prevent cracking. This fibrous mix allowed intricate detail and flexibility when installed on timber laths or canvas backing. If animal could not be found they used human hair instead.

 

If you uncover a heritage cornice reinforced with hair strands, it likely dates from this era proof of the extraordinary craftsmanship that defined early plasterwork.

 

 Industrial Innovation: Gypsum and Paper-Faced Cornices

 

By the early 20th century, gypsum plaster (Plaster of Paris) revolutionized cornice making. It set faster, held detail better, and worked well with hessian or jute scrim, leading to mass production of fibrous plaster cornices.

Later, paper-faced and cement-based cornices dominated new builds cheaper and consistent, though heavy and prone to cracking with movement or moisture.

 

 Lightweight Revolution: The Birth of Foam Cornices

In the 20th century, innovation moved toward lighter, more efficient materials. Builders discovered Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) strong, moisture-resistant foams that could be easily cut and shaped. First used in theatre and commercial interiors, these materials soon became the smart alternative to plaster for both modern and heritage restorations.

 

 Today- Precision-Cut XPS Cornices

At Cornice Pro, we continue this evolution with high-density XPS foam cornices. Using CNC technology, we replicate traditional profiles or create modern square-set and LED-ready designs with millimeter accuracy. Making our cornices : lightweight and easy to handle, Moisture resistant, Eco friendly- XPS is a great insulator meaning it helps to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter it is also 100% recyclable: Versatile it is such an adaptable product – from steps to minimalistic to LED integrated.

What once took days to carve in stone or cast with horsehair can now be produced precisely, cleanly, and sustainably.

 From the Past to the Future

The story of cornices is one of innovation each generation refining the materials and methods to suit its time. From ancient masons to Victorian plasterers, and now to CNC-cut XPS foam, the craft continues to evolve while preserving its decorative purpose.

 At Cornice Pro, we’re proud to lead the next chapter bringing the elegance of traditional cornices into the modern age with lightweight, sustainable, and beautifully engineered foam solutions. Cornicing is not a trend that will go out of style it has been a part of our history and homes and it’s the very thing that makes a house feel like a home so if you are ever sitting wondering why your house just doesn’t feel complete I would take a look at the cornices- cornices made easy -cornices make homes feel like home.