Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Cornice mouldings sit where the wall meets the ceiling. They hide uneven joints, frame the room and add a sense of depth. Across Thailand, more homeowners now choose polyurethane over plaster or timber, and catalogues such as the one at https://www.basreliefmouldings.com/ show how wide the range of profiles has become.

Polyurethane suits the Thai climate well. Humidity in Bangkok often sits above 70 per cent, and the monsoon season pushes it higher still. Gypsum absorbs moisture and can crack, while timber may warp or attract termites. Polyurethane resists water, mould and insects. Before buying, compare density and moisture ratings on https://www.basreliefmouldings.com/ or any similar supplier’s technical sheets.

Start with accurate measurements of your room. The steps below, together with the profile drawings available at https://www.basreliefmouldings.com/, will help you match a cornice to your ceiling height, room size and interior style.

Match the Size to Your Ceiling Height

Scale matters more than pattern. Use these general guidelines:

  • 2.4 to 2.7 metres: Choose a slim profile of 50 to 100 mm. This suits most Bangkok condominiums.
  • 2.7 to 3.0 metres: Use a medium profile of 100 to 150 mm.
  • Above 3.0 metres: Opt for 150 mm or larger. This works well in detached houses and shophouse conversions.

A deep cornice in a low room makes the ceiling feel heavier. A thin cornice in a tall room looks lost.

Pick a Profile That Suits Your Interior Style

Look at the existing architecture first.

  • Modern condos: Select clean, stepped or cove profiles with minimal detail.
  • Tropical contemporary homes: Choose simple curves that sit well alongside timber, rattan and stone.
  • Colonial-style villas in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai: Use classic egg-and-dart or dentil patterns.
  • Restored shophouses: Pick ornate profiles that reflect the period of the building.

Keep one profile throughout connected spaces. Mixing styles in an open-plan layout looks disjointed.

Plan for Cove Lighting

Hidden LED strips are popular in Thai living rooms and bedrooms. If you want indirect lighting, choose a cornice with a built-in lighting ledge. Check that the gap fits your LED strip and leaves room for heat to escape.

Check Flexibility for Curved Surfaces

Some rooms have curved walls, bay windows or round ceiling recesses. Standard rigid lengths will not follow these shapes. Ask for flexible polyurethane versions, which bend to a set radius without cracking.

Prepare for Paint and Finish

Most polyurethane cornices arrive primed in white. You can paint them with water-based acrylic or oil-based paint. Pale colours keep small rooms bright. Darker tones or gold accents work in formal dining rooms and traditional interiors.

Follow Good Installation Practice

  • Store the mouldings in the room for 24 hours before fitting. This lets them adjust to local temperature and humidity.
  • Use a polyurethane-compatible adhesive on clean, dry surfaces.
  • Seal all joints with flexible filler. Air-conditioned rooms experience daily temperature swings, and rigid filler may crack.
  • Cut mitres with a fine-tooth saw for neat corners.

Quick Checklist

  • Measure ceiling height and wall lengths.
  • Match profile depth to room scale.
  • Choose a style that fits the architecture.
  • Confirm moisture and density ratings.
  • Decide on lighting and finish before ordering.

Follow these steps, and your cornice will look right and last for years in Thailand’s demanding climate.