# What Are Cornices?
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Architectural Design
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On the exterior walls of a building, a cornice is a decorated portion of the eaves that projects past the wall. The purpose of a cornice is to protect the wall face from rain, ice and snow. These cornices can vary from plain to highly ornamented based on the style of the building. Similarly, a cornice can also refer to any element of the building that serves this type of function, such as a short eave over a doorway.
Decorative Molding
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Crown modling is a popular type of cornice molding. Inside a building, a cornice often refers to molding placed along the top of the wall, where it meets the ceiling. The cornice molding provides a decorative transition from the wall to the ceiling. One of the most popular styles of cornice molding is crown molding. For this look, a single piece of molding is installed at an angle between the wall and the ceiling. Specifically, the word cornice refers to a single piece of molding placed along the top of the wall, but additional pieces can be added for a more dramatic look.
Window Treatment
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A cornice decorates the top of the window and hides the curatin rod. In interior decorating, the term "cornice" signifies a decorative piece that covers the top of a window. Made from wood or metal, cornices can be left uncovered, or they may be upholstered to match the decor of the room. Decorators often use cornices with other window coverings such as drapes or sheers so the curtain rods and hardware are concealed by the cornices.
Natural Formation
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Wind causes snow to form an overhang, called a cornice. In nature, a protruding mass of snow is called a cornice. The name comes from its similarity to an architectural cornice. When wind causes snow to pile up and overhang near a sharp break in the terrain, like a ridge, this looks like building's exterior cornice. Nature's cornices should be treated cautiously as they can break off unexpectedly, causing an avalanche.
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