How To Measure Cornice

Getting your cornice measurements right from the start saves time, money, and guesswork, whether you're replacing a damaged section or choosing a new profile. Knowing how to measure cornice size helps ensure the style and scale work for your space and align neatly with your existing features.

We’ve put together this practical guide to help you measure with confidence, using the same tips and techniques our team uses every day.

Why Getting the Measurements Right Matters

Cornices aren’t just decorative, they play a key role in framing your room. When measured correctly, they fit neatly into place, complement your ceiling height, and balance out the proportions of your space. Measure wrong, and it can throw everything off, leaving you with a profile that feels too heavy or too small once installed.

If you're replacing existing cornice, accurate measurements also make it easier to match a current profile. You can view our how to replace cornice guide for more help.

Understanding Cornice Dimensions

Before you grab the tape measure, it’s helpful to know what you’re actually measuring. Cornice profiles are described using three key terms:

• Drop: How far the cornice comes down the wall
• Projection: How far it extends across the ceiling
• Face: The diagonal face you see when looking straight at it

When learning how to measure cornice, it’s the drop and projection that matter most. The face might be the most visible part, but it doesn’t give you the right sizing info.

What You’ll Need Before You Measure

You don’t need fancy equipment to get accurate measurements. Just a few basics:

• A reliable measuring tape
• Pencil and paper or phone notes
• Step ladder (if measuring in place)
• A level (optional, but helpful for uneven ceilings)

If you have a piece of the cornice that can be safely removed, that’s ideal. If not, measuring while it's in place works just fine; just be mindful of getting straight horizontal and vertical readings.

How to Measure Cornice Size: A Simple Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to get a reliable measurement:

1. Measure the Drop

Hold your tape vertically and measure from the ceiling to the bottom of the cornice where it meets the wall.

2. Measure the Projection

Next, measure from the wall out to where the cornice ends on the ceiling. Keep this measurement straight and level.

3. Ignore the Face

The diagonal face is the most visible part of the cornice but it’s not used for sizing. Stick with drop and projection to avoid ordering the wrong size.

You can view our cove cornice range for simple, clean-lined options that suit a wide variety of spaces.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

There are a few pitfalls that come up regularly when people try to measure cornices:

• Measuring the face instead of drop/projection: It’s the most visible, but not the right way to size up your cornice.
• Assuming all cornices are standard: There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cornices. Always measure.
• Forgetting ceiling height: A cornice that looks great in one room might feel out of place in another with lower ceilings.

Taking the time to measure carefully is worth it. If you're still unsure, bring your measurements or a sample into our showroom; we’re always happy to help match the right profile.

Picking the Right Size for Your Room

Once you’ve got your measurements, you can start thinking about what fits the space best:

• Small cornices (under 130mm): Great for rooms with lower ceilings or tall fixtures like kitchens and bathrooms
• Medium cornices (130–200mm): Ideal for standard rooms with 2.7m ceilings
• Large cornices (200mm and up): Suited to high ceilings (3m+) or when you want a bolder, more traditional look

Browse our full decorative cornice range or cove cornices for something simple and timeless.

Get in Touch Today

Need help with measuring, matching, or choosing the right cornice for your home? We’re here to help. Give us a call or visit our showroom, and we’ll walk you through your options; no guesswork needed.