What is cornice and pelmet?
Cornice is decorative trim fitted above wall units, and pelmet is trim fitted below them, both used to finish cabinetry runs and conceal fixtures like under-cabinet lights.
Cornice and pelmet are trim profiles that frame kitchen wall units. Cornice is a decorative molding fitted to the top edge of wall-mounted cabinets, where they meet the ceiling or soffit. Pelmet (also called a valance) is the trim board installed beneath the units, running along the underside.
Both serve practical and aesthetic purposes. Cornice hides the gap between cabinet tops and the wall above, giving cabinetry a finished, built-in appearance. It also protects the wall from dust and damage. Pelmet, meanwhile, sits below the units and conceals wiring, under-cabinet lighting fixtures, and any unevenness in the wall surface below. It creates a clean sight line when looking up at the run of units from counter height.
In Bristol kitchens, cornice and pelmet choices range from simple, clean-lined profiles that suit contemporary schemes to more ornate or curved styles that complement traditional joinery. They are typically made from the same material as the cabinetry or chosen to coordinate with it, so they appear as one unified design element rather than afterthought details. When planning a bespoke kitchen, these trim pieces are factored in early because they affect the overall visual weight and proportion of wall cabinetry and influence how lighting is integrated.