coving

coving [kōv′iŋ]

n.

a concave molding or arch; cove

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cov·ing (kōʹvĭng) n.

See cove¹.

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or cove

Concave molding or deeply arched section of a wall surface.

The curve typically describes a quarter-circle and serves to connect walls and ceiling (cove ceiling). The arched sections may be used to conceal light fixtures for dramatic effect, hence the term cove lighting. Coving can also refer to the curved soffit connecting the top of an exterior wall to a projecting eave.

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▪ architecture

      in architecture, concave molding or arched section of wall surface. An example is the curved soffit connecting the top of an exterior wall to a projecting eave. The curve typically describes a quarter-circle. The arched sections of a curved ceiling would be coving. Such a coved ceiling serves to join the vertical walls with a flat ceiling.

      Rococo (Rococo style) architecture exploits the angle of coving toward a potential viewer; the frequently broad surface is profusely decorated. A particularly fine example of a coved ceiling is found in the Petit Trianon, Versailles (1762–68), built by Ange-Jacques Gabriel.

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