Cornices To Ceiling Roses: A Guide To London’s Plasterwork

If you walk down almost any street in London, you’ll find that you are surrounded by buildings that reflect centuries of architectural history. This doesn’t just mean the iconic symbols of the capital, such as Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament, but also the “ordinary” townhouses, terraces and villas. 

These buildings, particularly those of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian vintage, help to define the character of the city. Beyond their handsome exteriors, many also contain beautiful original plasterwork such as cornies, ceiling roses, and panel mouldings. 

Here’s a detailed look at these heritage features, and why it’s so important to conserve and maintain them properly. 

Cornices: defining the ceiling line

Cornices (often called coving) are one of the most recognisable plaster features in period homes. Running along the junction between walls and ceilings, cornices soften hard lines while adding visual rhythm and detail to a room.

• Georgian cornices tend to be restrained and classical, often inspired by Greek and Roman motifs.

• Victorian cornices are more elaborate, with bold, heavy mouldings reflecting the confidence of the era.

• Edwardian cornices strike a balance, leaning towards lighter and more refined patterns.

In many London homes, cornices have been damaged or even removed over the years, especially during mid-20th-century renovations when ornate detail fell out of fashion. Today, homeowners and designers are rediscovering their importance. 

Whether simple Edwardian mouldings or highly decorative Georgian plaster cornices, reinstating these features can completely transform a space, restoring its original proportions and elegance.

Ceiling roses: the centrepiece of a room

Ceiling roses are among the most celebrated plaster details. Traditionally used to frame chandeliers or pendant lighting, they act as a focal point in any room.

• Georgian roses were often delicate and understated, with clean floral or geometric motifs.

• Victorian roses grew in scale and complexity, featuring intricate layers of foliage, scrolls, and even fruit.

• Edwardian roses moved back towards simplicity but retained a refined, elegant charm.

In London’s grand townhouses, ceiling roses were a status symbol, demonstrating craftsmanship and wealth. Today, they remain a favourite feature for those restoring period properties. Even in modern interiors, a ceiling rose adds instant character and architectural depth.

Corbels: decorative support with impact

Often found beneath arches, beams, or shelves, plaster corbels provide both decorative interest and practical support. Their designs range from simple scrolls to richly carved faces and foliage. In Gothic-inspired plasterwork, corbels often take on dramatic, medieval-inspired shapes, while in Victorian houses they lean towards naturalistic detailing.

Although they’re less common than cornices or ceiling roses, corbels make a striking statement when restored or reinstated. For those looking to bring subtle but distinctive period charm into their homes, corbels are a perfect choice.

Panel mouldings: framing walls with style

Panel mouldings (sometimes called dado or picture rails when used in certain positions) were widely used across London’s historic homes. They divide walls into sections, frame fireplaces, or add symmetry and proportion to large rooms.

In Georgian houses, panel mouldings reflected classical architecture, often mirroring the strict proportions of doors and windows. Victorians used them more decoratively, sometimes pairing them with rich wallpapers and deep colours. Edwardians simplified them again, favouring lighter, airy interiors.

Restoring or installing panel mouldings is one of the most effective ways to bring authenticity back to a period property. They add depth and interest to plain walls while honouring the original style of the building.

Why restoration matters

London’s historic plasterwork is more than just decoration: it’s part of the city’s cultural and architectural identity. Each feature carries the craftsmanship of a particular era, linking today’s homeowners to centuries of design heritage.

Unfortunately, plasterwork is vulnerable. Damp, structural movement, poor repairs, or simple neglect can lead to cracks, breaks, or complete loss of detail. This is where skilled plaster restoration becomes essential. At our workshop, we carefully assess each feature, repairing where possible and only reinstating when necessary. 

With a large stock range of cornices, ceiling roses, corbels, and panel mouldings, we ensure restorations remain faithful to the original style.

Bringing period plasterwork back to life

Whether you’re a homeowner restoring a Victorian townhouse, an architect working on a Georgian terrace, or an interior designer seeking authentic detail for a modern project, plasterwork can transform a space. From subtle coving to grand decorative ceilings, these features connect us with London’s architectural past while elevating interiors for the future.

Why September Is The Perfect Month For Plaster Restoration

September is a time when many homeowners start to think about making improvements to their living space, as children return to school and the first hints of autumn are in the air. If you live in a period property, then it could be an ideal time to consider plaster restoration or replication work. 

Why autumn is the ideal season for restoration

During the spring and summer, attention on home maintenance and improvements naturally focuses on the outside space: gardening, exterior painting, patio cleaning and so on. However, the evenings are now gradually drawing in, and attention turns indoors. 

The weather is still mild enough to have windows and doors open while work takes place and fresh plaster dries out, minimising any inconvenience. Many homeowners will also be keen for interiors to be looking their very best in time for Christmas, when they may be welcoming family and friends. 

Beautifully restored heritage features such as cornicing or a ceiling rose can add the finishing touch to an interior decor refresh, helping to draw the space together and add refinement and character. This provides a beautiful backdrop to cosy autumnal nights in, or larger festive gatherings. 

The importance of preserving original features

Original plasterwork is not only decorative: it’s part of the story of your home. Each cornice, ceiling rose, or panel moulding tells us something about the period in which the building was created.

For instance:

• Gothic plasterwork often featured pointed arches and intricate tracery.

• Georgian interiors favoured refined, symmetrical cornices with classical influence.

• Victorian design embraced bold, ornate mouldings and grand ceiling roses.

• Edwardian styles softened slightly, with lighter, more delicate detailing.

Losing these features through neglect or poor-quality renovation means losing an irreplaceable piece of heritage. Restoration allows us to maintain the authenticity of the building while ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Furthermore, if you live in a listed building, (a structure deemed to have special architectural or historic interest) you will need to seek permission to carry out any repairs or renovations. It’s likely that if permission is granted, you’ll need to make sure that the work is carried out by specialists who will use like-for-like materials wherever possible.

They should also have the skill and experience to ensure that the restoration is sympathetic to the original style and era of the building. 

Working with specialists

Plaster restoration is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of historic styles, as well as technical knowledge of traditional materials and methods. At Ovolo, we pride ourselves on being plaster restoration specialists, and no project is too big or too small.

We regularly work alongside architects, interior designers, and construction firms, ensuring that restoration is sympathetic to the building’s period. Equally, we work directly with homeowners who want to bring character and detail back to their rooms. 

Our extensive stock range of cornices, corbels, ceiling roses, and mouldings means we can match existing features or advise on the most appropriate design for your property’s era.

September: a time for fresh starts

September is often a sweet spot to carry out a project. With the distractions of summer holidays behind us and the weather still clement, many people feel ready to invest in their homes. The cooler, darker months ahead highlight the importance of interiors. Plaster mouldings can add depth, texture, and elegance to spaces that might otherwise feel flat.

By beginning a plaster restoration project in September, you allow ample time for:

• Assessment and consultation – understanding the condition of your plasterwork.

• Design and planning – deciding whether to restore, match, or reinstate features.

• Completion before Christmas – ensuring your interiors are at their best for the festive season.

No project too big or small

From grand country homes to modest terraced houses, every property can benefit from the reinstatement of plaster details. Even a single ceiling rose can elevate a room, creating a focal point and bringing in the craftsmanship of another age. 

Larger projects, such as restoring entire decorative ceilings or reinstating missing cornices throughout a property, can utterly transform the feel of a home. 

If you’ve been considering plaster restoration, there is no better time to begin: take stock of your interiors this September and identify the areas that deserve attention. Whether it’s a subtle repair or a complete reinstatement of period mouldings, investing in your property’s character will pay dividends in beauty, authenticity, and value. 

What Is A Cornice And How Can I Use Them In My Home?

Cornices are often misunderstood and people get confused between a cornice, an architrave and coving. We’re going to demystify cornices and explore the different styles to help you work out how best to incorporate them into your home’s design. 

So, let’s start with the obvious question: what is a cornice? 

What is a cornice? 

A cornice is the uppermost feature, usually on a wall, that projects out. Although they are often referred to in interior design, where they sit at the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling, they are also used in exterior architecture. 

In this instance, a cornice is usually found beneath the roof line. They are often decorative, but their true purpose is to direct rainfall and water away from the building. 

Cornices are usually moulded to add aesthetic appeal and that means they come in many different designs, which we’ll get into shortly.

How do cornices differ from coving and architraves? 

In interior decor, aside from looking pretty, a cornice’s primary purpose is to hide the join between the ceiling and the top of the wall. A cornice and coving serve the same purpose. In fact, coving is simply a term for a plain cornice – in other words one that doesn’t have any moulding or decorative features. 

An architrave looks similar to a cornice but serves a different purpose. It is fitted above any opening in the room, usually a door or window. Sometimes it is also used to describe the vertical, as well as horizontal mouldings that surround the door or window.

The biggest difference between an architrave and cornice or coving is that the former is normally made of wood, whereas the latter two are made from plaster. 

What different designs are there for cornices?

Cornices have been used throughout architectural history, dating from the time of classical Greek and Roman society, which means there are a huge variety of designs that cornices can take.

As we’ve discussed, the simple, smooth designs are generally referred to as coving and this is what you can expect to find in most modern homes. However, if you have a period property that still retains many of its original features, chances are you’ll have decorative cornicing in your home. 

The following are some of the most common cornice styles in UK homes.

1. Victorian cornices
   Many Victorian-era cornices have designs featuring leaves and plants. Vines, fruits and the distinctive acanthus leaf are all common motifs in Victorian-era cornices. In fact, the swirling acanthus leaf design was used on many products and pieces of furniture during the Victorian era. 

   
   The Victorians also revived the popularity of gothic design, so you may find that a gothic cornice is an appropriate option if your home is from this period.

1. Georgian cornices
   Georgian-era cornices adopted a variety of styles, including those inspired by nature. However, they also used modillion designs, which refers to an ornate bracket that would have been used to both support and accentuate the cornice’s design.
   Modillion block cornices can also be much simpler though, with clean lines rather than a lot of intricate detail.
   

2. Art deco cornices
   This period in the 1920s has its own distinctive design aesthetic that can be mirrored in cornices. They typically have clean lines and feature simplified patterns using geometric shapes.
   

3. Egg and dart cornices
   This cornice design is so popular that it spans eras and has been used consistently in interior design for centuries. It is characterised by a rounded oval shape framed by “darts” on either side.

   
   Egg and dart designs are relatively simple, yet elegant, which goes some way towards explaining their enduring popularity.

What are cornices used for beyond decoration?

Although they are predominantly decorative, cornices have various other uses when they are included in interior design. Among them is to help make a room appear larger. They do this by bouncing light around a space. Making a space lighter often makes it appear bigger than it truly is.

Cornices can also offer acoustic advantages. Their presence can help to absorb sounds in a room and prevent echoes, particularly in large spaces like halls or ballrooms. As we mentioned earlier, one of their main uses is to hide the abrupt transition from walls to ceilings. 

This means a cornice can also be used to conceal cracks and you could even use a cornice to hide wiring for lights in a modern home. 

Can you restore a damaged cornice?

Yes, for the most part it is possible to restore cornices that have been damaged. If you have original period features in your home these can add value to the property, not to mention make it feel more unique, so it’s understandable that you’d want to take care of them. 

The price of a restoration project will always be bespoke, because it depends on the level of damage and what’s required to bring a cornice back to its best. 

In some cases, you may simply want to remove paint that has been applied over the years and bring your cornice back to its original glory. It’s important to use the proper technique and products to do so, however, otherwise you risk damaging the original plasterwork that lies beneath. 

For instance, we typically use a combination of a chemical stripper and high-pressured dry steam to lift paint and other dirt off of old cornices without causing too much damage. However, it’s important to note that after the layers of old paint have been removed, remedial work is often needed to fully restore a period cornice. 

Ultimately, cornices have the power to really elevate an interior and are an excellent way to ensure that you are staying true to your home’s overall design, be it Georgian, Victorian or from a more modern era. 

If your property is only decades, rather than centuries, old, you may find that plain coving is most appropriate. However, changing this for more ornate cornices is a good way to redesign your interior if you would like to give your property a different look.

Decorative Cornicing: From Georgian Elegance To Modern Style

If you are familiar with period properties, or perhaps are lucky enough to live in one, you might have noticed that the interiors feature decorative cornicing. This is the band of plaster moulding that runs along the top of the wall, where it meets the ceiling join. It provides a pleasing finish and helps to draw the space together. 

However, cornicing is more than just a way of finishing a ceiling: each era has its own distinctive style and craftsmanship, from the grandeur of Georgian homes to the bold curves of Art Deco and the sleek lines of contemporary interiors. Here’s a look at how cornicing has evolved over time, why it remains an important feature in homes today. 

Georgian elegance (1714–1837)

Georgian interiors are renowned for their balance, symmetry, and elegance, and cornicing played a vital role in achieving this refined aesthetic. Georgian cornice mouldings typically featured classical motifs inspired by Greek and Roman architecture: for example, acanthus leaves, dentils, and egg-and-dart patterns.

These designs weren’t just decorative; they reflected the ideals of order and harmony that defined the period. In stately homes, cornices were often elaborate, while in more modest properties, they were kept simple but still finely crafted.

Today, restoring a Georgian plaster cornice requires specialist skill. Many homeowners of listed properties choose to replicate damaged mouldings to preserve authenticity, ensuring the original proportions and detail are respected.

Victorian grandeur (1837–1901)

As the Victorian era ushered in industrialisation and mass production, plasterwork became more accessible to the growing middle classes. Victorian cornices tended to be bolder and heavier than their Georgian predecessors, often featuring floral patterns, scrolls, and layers of detail.

Ceiling roses also became popular in this era, providing a decorative focal point around chandeliers and gas lights. In grand townhouses, you’d often find richly ornamented cornicing paired with high ceilings and heavy drapes, creating interiors designed to impress.

For homeowners today, Victorian cornice restoration can dramatically enhance the character of a room, especially when paired with other original features such as fireplaces and sash windows.

The bold lines of Art Deco (1920s–1930s)

Fast forward to the early 20th century, and the plasterwork aesthetic had shifted once again. Art Deco design brought bold, geometric shapes and sweeping curves into interior architecture. Cornicing in this period was less about intricate detailing and more about making a strong, modern statement.

In Art Deco homes, plaster cornices often echoed the streamlined forms of the era – zigzags, sunbursts, and chevrons were all common motifs. Though less ornate than Georgian or Victorian styles, they carried a sense of drama and confidence.

Restoring or replicating Art Deco plaster cornices can be particularly rewarding for anyone looking to bring back the original glamour of the 1920s and 30s.

Contemporary cornicing: minimalist refinement

In modern homes, decorative cornicing continues to play a role – though the look is often more understated. Contemporary ceiling cornices typically focus on clean lines and subtle shadows rather than elaborate patterns. This simplicity allows them to complement minimalist interiors while still adding depth and refinement to a space.

For architects and homeowners designing new builds or renovations, contemporary cornicing provides a way to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. It’s proof that cornices are not a relic of the past, but a versatile design feature that can adapt to any era.

The role of restoration and replication

One reason cornicing has survived across so many centuries is the ability to restore and replicate plasterwork. Skilled plaster specialists can take impressions of surviving mouldings and recreate them with remarkable accuracy. This is particularly important in listed building restoration, where maintaining historical integrity is essential.

Equally, for homeowners who want to add period character to a modern space, replicated cornice mouldings offer a way to introduce elegance without compromising on structural integrity.

Why cornicing still matters today

Cornices are more than decorative flourishes: they serve as a bridge between wall and ceiling, softening the transition and creating a sense of proportion within a room. Whether ornate or minimalist, they add layers of visual interest that elevate interiors.

For period property owners, well-preserved plasterwork is often a key selling point, while for those designing contemporary homes, a simple cornice can add architectural distinction. In both cases, cornicing continues to be a symbol of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Why Plasterwork Restoration Matters More Than Replacement

Period properties are sought after not only because of their elegant proportions and outward appearance, but also the original features contained within. One of the most striking and beautiful interior details is often original plasterwork in the form of ceiling roses, panel mouldings or cornices. 

These elements were handcrafted by skilled artisans many years ago, and have become part of the character of the building. They tell the design story of a past era, and give an insight into the people who once lived there. It’s natural that the plasterwork may show signs of age and wear and tear, but this does not necessarily mean that it’s beyond repair. 

Here’s a look at why original plaster restoration is a preferable option to replacement. 

Why restoration is the best first line of action

Property owners or even architects can be surprised at how much can be saved with specialist plaster restoration. Cracks, water damage, or missing sections do not necessarily mean that original plasterwork is beyond repair, and often they can be rendered good as new by expert hands. Restoration has three key benefits:

• Preserving authenticity – No new moulding, however well made, can replicate the subtle imperfections and character of original plasterwork.

• Protecting value – Period features are one of the strongest selling points of historic homes and commercial properties. Proper restoration safeguards this value.

• Environmental impact – Repairing rather than replacing reduces waste and lowers the environmental footprint of construction and renovation.

Furthermore, if your property is a listed building, you will need consent from the local authority for repairs to plasterwork. If permission is granted, it may include a stipulation that like-for-like materials are used wherever possible. This can be achieved if you work with plaster restoration experts. 

Understanding different architectural styles

A sensitive restoration hinges not only on the use of correct materials, but also on a sound understanding of the plastering style. Each era was characterised by different design features, and an experienced restorer will be able to sympathetically recreate every detail. 

• Gothic plasterwork is known for its dramatic arches, ribbed vaulting, and religious motifs.

• Georgian interiors favoured symmetry, clean lines, and classical influences such as columns and dentil cornices.

• Victorian plastering brought exuberance, with intricate ceiling roses, decorative corbels, and highly detailed mouldings.

• Edwardian design softened some of the Victorian grandeur, often blending simplicity with subtle elegance.

Our team has decades of experience restoring plasterwork across all these periods, ensuring that every detail is accurate and true to the building’s age. Where necessary, we create new moulds taken directly from surviving sections, so that any reinstated features blend seamlessly with the original.

Balancing tradition with modern design

Decorative plasterwork is not just about heritage restoration. Many interior designers and architects now integrate traditional plaster features into contemporary spaces, adding character and craftsmanship to otherwise minimalist designs.

Cornices, coving, ceiling roses, and panel mouldings are increasingly sought after in modern builds. When sourced and installed carefully, they provide a timeless elegance that elevates a space far beyond simple plasterboard walls. Our large stock range makes it easy to incorporate these features into new projects, whether for residential or commercial clients.

We often work alongside architects, conservation officers, interior designers, and construction companies to ensure that each project achieves the right balance between design, history, and practicality. 

The importance of working with specialists 

While general builders and plasterers may offer repair or replacement, few have the specialist training, tools, and knowledge required for true restoration. Without this expertise, irreplaceable details can be lost forever. 

Heritage plasterwork experts will ensure that the restoration or replicas are faithful to the original design and period, the correct materials and techniques are applied, and that work will be of high quality and last for many decades to come. 

What Are The Expectations For An Owner Of A Listed Building?

If you own a listed building, you are the custodian of a vital part of British heritage, and this means that not only are there some specialist needs when it comes to restoration and repairs, but there are some additional expectations and legal obligations for the owner.

Not only are there older construction materials and techniques to look after, but if you want to modernise the building to help meet more stringent insulation, fire safety and energy efficiency regulations, the work can be more complex and thus more costly due to the need for specialists.

The best way to plan the work and understand what you can and cannot do with your listed building to preserve its character is to understand your legal obligations and general expectations.

With that in mind, here are some of the bigger consequences of owning a listed building that you should keep in mind when you are either thinking of buying one or have inherited one.

Keeping Building Carefully Maintained

Every homeowner wants to make sure that their building keeps looking great, is well-maintained and any lingering issues are rectified before they become serious problems. However, this is not just an expectation with a listed building but can become a legal obligation.

The law is complex when it comes to the upkeep of listed buildings; as UK government guidance suggests, it is not a specific duty of care, but local authorities have the power to require the owner of a building to carry out works in cases where they are at risk of losing their historic character.

As Historic England notes in guidance regarding the use of the various enforcement powers the local government has, this is not a statutory obligation on the part of an owner.

Instead, it is used when, in the belief of the relevant local authority, Historic England or the Home Secretary, the building is being allowed to deteriorate and it is having an effect on preservation efforts or the local area.

The three main ways in which this is enforced are:

• Repairs notices, when specific repairs are considered necessary to preserve the building and can lead to a compulsory purchase as a last resort if no reasonable steps are being made to protect the building.

• Urgent works order, where a building that is empty or the unused part of a partially occupied listed building has emergency repairs carried out, charging the owner of the building reasonable costs for doing so.

• A Section 215 Order, a broader part of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 that requires an owner to remedy the condition of their land within 28 days if the condition of a listed building affects surrounding amenities in the view of the relevant local authority.

Additional Consent And Permission

When you own a listed building and want to make alterations and expansions to make the space suit your needs better or enable the building to be used for purposes outside of its initial intention, it is vital to check if you need to acquire not only planning permission but also listed building consent.

Checking with your local planning authority for planning permission is important regardless to ensure that any works would fit with the restraints of permitted development rights, but if you want to alter a listed building in a way that might affect its historic character, you may need listed building consent.

Typically, the conservation officer of your LPA is the first person to ask regarding consent, as consent is typically only required when adjusting elements that are considered of historic or architectural interest, and this can sometimes require a more detailed examination of the plans.

Whilst you should always ask for permission rather than forgiveness with any work that might not be considered permitted development, unauthorised work is a criminal offence that can lead to fines or even prison sentences, depending on the scale and wilful nature of the offence.

Some listed buildings are in an area under an Article 4 direction, where existing permitted development rights may be restricted in order to meet the conservation goals of a particular area. As ever, your local planning authority is the first port of call if you are unsure.

Using Appropriate Materials

When undertaking restorations, repairs or alterations, you will need to use appropriate materials that are sympathetic to the original building to avoid long-term damage and harm to the underlying structure of the building.

The most common example of this is historic stone buildings, which must be restored using breathable materials such as lime mortar rather than concrete in order to reduce the risk of damp, mould and other structural damage.

What Was The First Listed Building Registered In England?

The designation of a listed building is a huge event that has ramifications not only for the owner of a particular building but also for the community as a whole.

It is typically a point of particular pride; if a building is listed, it means your home, office, or other building is of such significant cultural, architectural or historic interest that it is on a public register to ensure it is protected for future generations.

However, with this pride also comes some degree of responsibility and stewardship to protect the building for future generations. It also requires some specialist work to maintain and restore heritage features if they do get damaged.

The ultimate benefits of protecting England’s architectural heritage, and the journey the concept of conservation took to get to the first ever listed building, is as illustrative a demonstration as it gets to the reasons why conservation is needed so much.

The Anti-Scrape Movement

It remains somewhat remarkable that preserving architectural history is a relatively recent invention, but English heritage as we know it today is less than a century old, and it took another half century to reach that point.

There were three main inciting incidents that led to the development of a robust heritage listing system.

The first was the activism of William Morris, who was one of the first public figures to speak out against what he saw as harmful restoration.

In the Victorian age, several buildings were “restored” to a somewhat fictional standard inspired by earlier English Gothic movements of the 13th and 14th centuries, much to the horror of Mr Morris and other influential figures such as John Ruskin.

They saw these “restorations” as highly destructive and idealised “forgeries” that caused permanent damage to the original building, and established the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) as an early advocate for heritage as we understand it today.

This helped to establish early “anti-scrape” legislation, named for scraping the unoriginal plaster that had been added to old buildings and revealing the historic stonework beneath. However, this only protected ancient monuments.

Disposable Heritage

The second and third major steps came between and following the two World Wars of the 20th century, where the limitations of the old laws meant that the law could not stop over a thousand country houses from being destroyed.

The Ancient Monuments Protection Act 1882, also known as Lubbock’s Law, was not focused on protecting private property, which meant that the owners of country houses could demolish them and heavily modify them as they liked.

The First World War fundamentally changed society in the UK. By the 1920s, the landed gentry were on the decline, meaning that their large country houses were a tax burden with no benefit. By 1955, a country house was demolished every five days.

The Blitz also led to a lot of country houses either being demolished, defaced or permanently altered in the name of the war effort, and the near-destruction of St Paul’s Cathedral was the final straw.

Protecting Gosfield Hall

The first building to be protected by the listed building provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 was Gosfield Hall in Essex.

A Grade 1 listed country house, it proved to be the exact kind of historic 16th-century building at considerable risk of wanton destruction. It had been used as a military base during the 1940s, but following the war, it had been abandoned.

The listing spared it from destruction, as whilst its history since then has been somewhat chequered, a vital and beautiful part of British history has endured ever since.

What Is Lath & Plaster And Why Is It Still Relevant Today?

Lath and plaster is a traditional method of wall and ceiling construction, and many examples can still be found in historic buildings across the UK today. Here’s a look at what it involves, and why it’s important to consider carefully how to proceed if you have a property with lath and plaster walls. 

What exactly is lath & plaster?

Before the introduction of modern plasterboard techniques involving drywall, most walls and ceilings in British homes were made with lath and plaster. This involves nailing thin narrow strips of wood called laths across timber wall studs or ceiling joists. Plaster made from a mixture of lime and animal hair was then applied in multiple coats to cover the laths. 

This created a breathable surface that was strong and durable, and also lent itself well to moulding and creating perfect smooth finishes. If you live in a Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian property with authentic cornicing or ceiling roses, then it’s likely to contain traditional lath and plaster.

This traditional plaster has other advantages, including good soundproofing (an important consideration in a terraced house) and it also helps to slow the spread of fires.

Why did it fall out of use?

Despite the advantages of lath and plaster, it was gradually replaced with plasterboard during the 1930s and 40s. The mass-produced drywall was quicker, easier and cheaper to manufacture and install. Lath and plaster is a skilled craft, whereas installing plasterboard doesn’t take a lot of time or training to do. 

Why lath & plaster still matters

If you are renovating a property, ripping out old lath and plaster walls might seem to be the obvious course of action. However, it’s not quite as straightforward as that. The first point to consider is that if it’s a listed building, you will need consent from the local planning authority before carrying out repairs or replacements. 

It’s an offence to alter or demolish a listing building without consent, and it could result in significant legal penalties. The second point to consider is that even if permission is granted to make the changes, tearing out old plasterwork could affect the breathability of the building and lead to issues with damp and mould. 

Can lath & plaster be repaired?

If the basic structure of the wall or ceiling is sound and cracking or sagging is limited to localised areas, it may be possible to repair the lath and plaster. However, this is a skilled technique, and you should consult professionals who have established expertise in this area. 

If any sections are beyond repair, they may be able to replicate the original construction methods or combine them with modern techniques for a high quality and sympathetic restoration.