I was recently asked this question by a friend after posting
a description of a new listing I have in Como
area of St Paul.
This home is a typical 1950’s one and a half story bungalow but it is loaded with details
only seen in the finest homes constructed today. Coved ceilings and other vintage
details are not unique to homes in St
Paul. They can be found in many homes across the north
and east Twin Cities metro. But they are rarely seen outside the 1940-1960
construction period. The craftsmanship of homes built in the 50’s was in the
details….the hardwood, the arched doorways and the coved ceilings.
So what is a coved ceiling anyway? In a nutshell, it is an
architectural detail where the ceiling is rounded instead of coming to a 90 degree angle at the edge.
Many of these 50's era ceilings also featured detailed swirled finishes rather than
blown popcorn look finish of the 70’s and 80’s or the knock-down look (flattened
popcorn) seen in homes today. I did a quick bit of research and coved ceilings
can be added to a home today; but it is labor intensive and will add to the
cost of construction. That is what makes a well maintained older home so desirable.
Touches like coved ceilings, built-in cabinetry and arched doorways are only affordable
when buying a vintage home.
