Quoins

Quoins

Large stones or bricks (or block-like form) used primarily to decorate and accentuate the corners of a building. (In some masonry construction, a quoin can actually serve to reinforce a corner.)









Most often laid in vertical series with, usually, alternately large and small blocks. (Though not always, see image on right.)

Trompe l'oeil: quoins painted near an entryway in Manchester Park. A slightly darkened edge gives the illusion of depth.





Tile has been added atop these quoins in Arlington Heights.

From behind the security door, a resident asked about my picture taking. "The tile," I asked, "why cover the corner accents with tile?" The voice responded, "we love tile, we think it's beautiful."
"Would you tile your car?" I asked.


In Los Angeles, Quoins are found on many apartment buildings of the 1930's, like this Normandie revival in the Fairfax district.

Here the edges are rough, or quarry faced.