A hollow moulding is a moulding or profile whose cross-section is hollow (concave): the surface curves inwards, like a quarter-round hollow. It is the counterpart of the convex moulding. In classical architecture this profile is also called a cavetto or hollow profile.
Hollow mouldings are used to create a flowing transition between two surfaces that meet at a right angle, for example between a wall and a ceiling. The hollow form catches light differently from a convex moulding and therefore gives a soft shadow effect.
Application
- Cornices and entablatures — the hollow moulding is one of the basic profiles from which a classical moulding is built up
- Wall-to-ceiling junction — a hollow skirting or cove softens the corner and conceals the joint
- Furniture and interior joinery — as a decorative moulding along panels and panelling
- Natural stone and plasterwork — profiled edges of sills, mouldings and ornaments
When combining profiles, the hollow moulding often forms a pair with a convex moulding, producing a wavy (ogee) profile. For a clean result, the transition between the hollow and the flat part is the most critical: it must meet at a true right angle.
Related terms
- Mouldings
- Ogee (hollow and round)
- Cornice
- Ogee moulding
- Cove
- Profile
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