The Technique of FURNITURE MAKING

Cornices

Cornices are now rarely used, but were a feature in traditional work. Strictly speaking, a cornice is the top moulding of the entablature to a column which, in Classic architecture, included frieze mould, frieze (usually ornamented) and cornice moulding; but the term cornice in furniture is usually taken to include all three.

Cornices can be applied to the carcass (196:2) or treated as a separate unit (196:3), and the latter is the better method. In 196:2 a solid frieze board is applied to the carcass head on the front and glue blocked to the carcass top, with the small part (A) mitred in as a separate piece to hide the end grain of the frieze board on the return. The mouldings are then applied to the frieze board and returned along the sides, but if a minimum projection only is required, they can be trenched into the frieze board as shown. Solid carcass sides may, however, present problems as the inevitable shrinkage across the width will tend to reject the long-grain return mouldings. Doors are usually overlaid (closing over carcass sides) with this type of cornice (196:2). Figure 196:3 shows a built-up cornice framed up in the same manner as a plinth, with the cornice mould, frieze and frieze moulding applied as one solid section, or as a series of independent mouldings applied to the cornice frame. Dust panels are fitted in the best work, rebated/rabbeted into the moulding and glued and pinned; while the cornice unit is positioned on the carcass top with stub dowels or locating blocks and is left detachable to allow for shrinkage in the carcass. Figure 196:4 shows a solid cornice mould mitred and glue blocked for a dust panel which is screwed up or down to the carcass top.