Sep. 23, 2024
Skirting boards are an architectural design necessity in the home, but many people don&#;t really know why. They can be seen as a pretty forgettable feature, but you would soon notice if they weren&#;t there and also, if you don&#;t choose your skirting boards wisely your mistakes can become a very visible and very constant reminder.
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Contents
When considering skirting boards, it is perhaps worth reminding ourselves what their actual purpose is. Skirting boards do actually carry out a series of important functions, albeit many people see them as mere decoration. Traditionally, a skirting board was fitted to hide the junction between the floor and a plastered wall. This often developed cracks or rough edges, and the skirting board was a neat way to cover this up. It also helps to cover rough carpet ends in the same manner.
As a functional feature, a skirting board also acts to prevent the spread of drafts that can come through cracks in the bottom of a wall, and can also hide wires for electrical equipment. Essentially, however, a skirting board&#;s main purpose in a home now, is to provide a barrier to protect your wall and to take the brunt of daily activity in the house involving the kids, pets, vacuum cleaners and general traffic. A skirting board also provides an aesthetic completeness, and while some modern homes may not need them in terms of functionality, it sometimes looks odd when they are not there.
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It is true that there are more influential features in the home in terms of getting the style of your internal design wrong, but skirting boards are definitely a factor in combining a number of features successfully, and they frequently act as a conduit to blending colour and style themes between rooms, to ensure the home is consistent and pleasing-on-the-eye.
Factors that you need to consider, therefore, are the style of the skirting board, the colours you choose, the material you opt for and the finish on the skirting board. All these combine to provide the perfect decorative completion to a room or a series of rooms, and therefore, it is important that you consider them all together and not in isolation.
There are some distinctive and quite unusual skirting board styles that are used in contemporary homes, such as recessed skirting and shadow gaps. These require considerable pre-planning, even when building the home, and therefore aren&#;t really conducive with the kind of discussion we are holding here, i.e. when looking at renovating a property or carrying out some basic home improvements. Therefore, we are faced with a straight choice between contemporary skirting boards and period skirting boards.
Of course, in modern homes a contemporary skirting board &#; often plain, minimalist and without intricate detail &#; will work, but it is possible that period skirting will too, if you blend in colour and furniture to suitably complement it. However, this does not really work the other way around, i.e. a contemporary skirting will not work in a period home where there are also dado rails or door and wall architrave. As with anything in the home, it is about getting the balance right. Georgian and Victorian style homes usually have quite tall and airy rooms, sometimes up to 3 metres high or more, while Edwardian homes are not quite as spacious, and rooms in contemporary homes are smaller still, averaging around 2.4 metres tall, or less. Whatever the style of your home is, however, the key factor is to ensure your skirtings are in proportion to the room size. You don&#;t want high skirtings in a short room, for example, and short skirtings will look somewhat lost and unnecessary in a tall room.
Whatever period of traditional or contemporary skirting you opt for, you need to be consistent in your choice. You are unlikely to get away with mixing and matching periods in different rooms, or in adjacent corridors, and definitely not in the same room. In this sense, you need to consider architrave, coving and dado rails too. Different period skirting can be very distinctive in terms of the curves, ridges and mouldings, so it is very difficult, and certainly not recommended, to put two styles together.
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Colour schemes are a big factor in getting a room right, or enabling a series of rooms and corridors to blend together. It is common to use skirting boards and architrave as a means of creating contrast, but you can also use them to create some subtle variation. Both can work, depending on the style of your home and what other furniture styles you have.
Many people opt for white walls and coloured skirtings. And in that sense, any colours will work as long as they complement the rest of the room and provide a &#;pleasing&#; overall look. With this in mind, coloured skirtings against white walls frame a room very well and offer plenty of scope for wall decoration too. Having white skirting and coloured walls also works well, but is easier to get wrong, and having white skirtings will undoubtedly draw attention to them, so you need to ensure they have a good finish, because this will be detectable.
This sense of contrast can be toned down a little by choosing walls and skirting that have a more subtle variation, i.e. light grey skirting with a darker grey on the walls, or vice versa. But the other end of the spectrum is to have walls and skirting of the same colour. This is a more contemporary solution, and can be a strong statement that also provides a more spacious feel to a room.
It would be a mistake to ignore the importance of the material you choose for your skirting boards, as this can be a big factor in how they look, how easy they are to fit and how long they will last. MDF is widely used in modern homes, but can&#;t be machined or formed in the same way that natural wood can, and therefore can&#;t be applied to period styles of skirting. That&#;s fine if you have a modern home and want contemporary skirting, but it is a limiting factor.
MDF is also cheap and affordable, so is great if you are on a budget, but it can be susceptible to warping, chips and cracks, so you may find you need to replace it. Also, if you are spending money on a renovation or quality home improvements, sometimes it is worth spending a little bit extra on the qualities that natural wood offers.
Wooden skirting such as oak, pine, tulipwood or sapele, is durable and adaptable to many different styles. Most natural wood types are easy to machine and are also versatile in terms of the type of finish that can be applied, i.e. they will look great sanded down, or oiled, or varnished or painted. You can&#;t beat the natural look of a hard or softwood, however, and that is something that MDF simply can&#;t replicate.
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There are a number of ways you can finish your skirting boards, and much of this is dependent on what materials you choose and the style of your room. Leaving natural wood looking natural, is perhaps not the wisest choice. It can look a little raw and of course is open to damage and moisture ingress. You can enhance or restore the natural look of wood with oils and varnish, which creates a more striking appeal and of course, adds some longevity to your skirting boards. Most natural woods can be sanded down easily and the resulting surface will take most finishes, even paint. The same can&#;t be said for MDF, which can be painted but will never give you a natural wood effect and can&#;t be sanded to then apply varnish, as the surface will become rough and unworkable. Therefore, MDF is only suitable for a contemporary skirting that you want to paint, and in that sense will leave you with a smooth finish that is very easy to apply.
In terms of painting natural wood skirting, you can opt for a gloss finish, which provides a nice lustre and contributes to the skirting becoming a striking feature in the home, or you can apply a matt or satin finish that tones this down a little. Undoubtedly, natural wood skirting offers you more versatility in terms of design detail and how you want the room or series of rooms to look.
In summary, when choosing your skirting boards you need to consider practical materials to reflect the nature and function of your rooms, you need to consider longevity and how often you want to replace your skirtings, and you need to consider how they look adjacent to other features of the home. It is quite straightforward to swap skirting board styles like-for-like, but this doesn&#;t mean you can&#;t change the style, even from one period to another. You just need to consider other features such as architrave and dado rails, and hence, invest in a complete makeover.
Perhaps the most important factor is consistency, because this ties practicality, longevity and aesthetics together. Skirtings help rooms flow from one to another, and in corridors acts as an important means of using interior design detail to make a house work. So don&#;t underestimate the importance of skirting boards and don&#;t take any half measures when considering renovation or replacement. You might be of the opinion that skirting boards are an inconsequential item in the home, but get them wrong and you will quickly revise that opinion.
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Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, provide seamless transitions between walls and floors, protecting walls from scratches and bumps while adding a decorative touch to the space. Choosing the right baseboards not only reflects the style of the room but also affects the overall decorative effect.
With advances in materials and technology, there are now various types of skirting boards available on the market for consumers to choose from. From traditional wooden styles to modern metal or MDF materials, different skirting board profiles can offer different visual effects and practical functions. This article will introduce 12 different types of skirting board profiles to help you make an informed decision.
Flush recessed skirting boards are an innovative choice for modern interior decoration, seamlessly integrating with the walls and remaining smooth as new. These baseboards fit perfectly with the walls, eliminating the traditional gaps between walls and furniture, thus elevating the sophistication of modern spaces. This design not only enhances the appearance by keeping it neat but also reduces the accumulation of dust, serving as an ideal solution for minimalist aesthetics and practical maintenance.
This type of skirting board comes in various materials and colors for selection, allowing for coordination with or stark contrast against the walls and floors as needed. Some models even integrate LED lighting systems that can be adjusted through dimmers, adding functional illumination and decorative elements to the room. This versatility and practicality make flush-mounted baseboards the top choice for modern designers, meeting the demands for both style and utility in contemporary living environments.
The Torus skirting board is widely appreciated for its elegant curves and clean design. Its distinctive feature is a prominent semi-circular arch at the front end, gracefully adorning the profile, while a subtly curved slope is present below. It&#;s worth noting that the top surface is square-shaped, appearing thinner compared to other parts, adding a touch of delicacy to its overall appearance.
Additionally, Torus baseboards are particularly common in properties with a sense of timeless aesthetic appeal. They typically offer a variety of finishes and materials to choose from, making them the preferred choice for current renovation projects.
The Ogee skirting board is renowned for its classic &#;S&#; shaped curve and opposing arcs, boasting a luxurious style and decorative charm. This design not only adds decorative flair to the edges of walls, concealing any expansion joints but also brings a cohesive and luxurious contour to the space. These baseboards are made from durable materials like medium-density fiberboard (MDF), featuring moisture resistance to prevent warping and cracking.
This type of skirting board is available in various heights, typically ranging from 57 millimeters to 168 millimeters, allowing you to choose based on the specific requirements of your space, whether it&#;s for minimal coverage or significant decorative impact.
Chamfered skirting boards are favored by builders and DIY enthusiasts for their simplicity and versatility. This profile is highly regarded for its angled edges, which cleverly and effectively facilitate the transition from the wall to the floor. The length of the chamfer can vary, offering choices suitable for different tastes and environments.
Furthermore, chamfered skirting boards are highly favored for their safety performance and ease of maintenance, making them the optimal choice for families with young children. The absence of intricate designs reduces cleaning time, while the softened edges help minimize the risk of toddlers being bumped or scratched as they learn to walk.
Bullnose skirting boards, also known as pencil round baseboards, are renowned for their simplicity and suitability for various indoor environments. This shape is typically referred to as a rounded single edge, characterized by a distinctly circular top edge. The bullnose design is sleek, with a streamlined surface and no intricate details, making it highly favored by builders and carpenters.
The surface of bullnose skirting boards is smooth and flat, minimizing dust buildup and simplifying painting tasks, making maintenance remarkably easy. Its safety features are noteworthy; lacking sharp edges, it&#;s a safer choice for families with children. Additionally, it comes in various heights, offering both primed options for painting and wood effect options for staining, allowing for flexible customization.
The characteristic feature of the lamb&#;s tongue skirting board is its intricate chamfer that combines rounded and squared edges, typically ending in a vertical surface. This design technique, known as the lamb&#;s tongue chamfer, is beloved by carpenters and woodworkers alike. It&#;s often used in various wooden furniture pieces, adding a touch of style while softening sharp edges.
This type of skirting board not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a room but also protects the lower portion of walls from everyday wear and tear, offering practical value. Its versatility makes it suitable for various interior decorating styles, from Victorian to modern, making it a popular choice in home design.
The Ovolo skirting board is highly popular in both modern and traditional residences due to its versatile and intricate design. Unlike the pronounced curves of Ogee and Torus styles, the curvature of Ovolo is softer, ending not in carved lines but in a small convex point, giving it a distinctive contour.
This type of skirting board is a timeless choice in baseboard design, able to blend classical charm with modern minimalist design styles, making it highly favored. Besides its aesthetic appeal, these baseboards are also very practical, providing protection for walls against everyday impacts while being easy to install and maintain.
Victorian-style skirting boards typically feature intricate carvings and decorative patterns, reflecting the luxury and intricacy of the Victorian era. This profile is suitable for traditional-style homes, especially those seeking a sense of history and artistic ambiance.
In addition to their decorative function, the rounded, traditional contours of Victorian-style skirting board not only enhance the beauty of traditional spaces but also protect these areas from impacts and scratches, thus contributing to their preservation.
A square edge skirting board is the preferred choice for modern interior decor that embraces minimalism and clean lines. Characterized by their square-shaped top, these baseboards look neat and uncluttered, seamlessly blending into any room&#;s design. The sharp, precise edges not only enhance continuity between the baseboard and architrave but also help visually expand the space, especially when contrasting colors are used between the baseboard and walls.
Square-edge design is an ideal choice for both residential and commercial environments, excelling in situations where a simple and practical solution is needed without the need for intricate decorative details.
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The characteristic of the stepped skirting board is its concise and clear step design, which features two steps of the same height, making it particularly suitable for modern and contemporary interior decoration. The design without grooves simplifies the finishing process, resulting in a stylish and neat appearance.
The skirting boards draw inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the s, incorporating strong rectangular geometric lines and step patterns that echo the innovative and avant-garde design style of that era. While Art Deco may be considered a tribute to the past, its influence has made a resurgence, making these kickboards a timely and fashionable accessory for any room.
Continuous skirting can serve as a continuation of any element or component within an interior space, unifying the color across the entire area. Especially in areas such as stairwells where other structures are adjacent to walls, this type of skirting can also be used in conjunction with stairs or any other structural features. This design can only be achieved when using wallpaper and maintaining consistency with the interior decoration color scheme.
Modern skirting boards are favored for their minimalist design and minimal space occupation, making them particularly suitable for humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. These types of skirting boards are typically made from materials like aluminum alloy or stainless steel, which not only ensures durability but also offers excellent corrosion resistance, maintaining their aesthetic appeal over time.
The smooth and flat design, along with a variety of surface treatments, makes them both functional and visually appealing. They effectively conceal imperfections at the junction of walls and floors and provide moisture protection. Installation is convenient, and the design that flushes with the wall means no loss of space is incurred.
Wood skirtings are highly favored for their natural beauty and strong durability. They provide a warm, natural feel that enhances the cozy atmosphere of any space. There is a wide selection of wood types available for wooden baseboards, including oak, walnut, and pine, each with its unique grain and color that can be chosen to match different interior design styles. Additionally, wooden baseboards can also be painted or stained to accommodate a broader range of design requirements.
MDF skirtings are an economical and practical choice, widely used in modern homes due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of processing. The MDF material is smooth and texture-free, which makes it easy to paint and allows it to blend seamlessly with various interior decoration styles. Because of its higher density, MDF baseboards have good durability and resistance to compression, making them suitable for areas with frequent use.
Laminated skirtings are made from layers of composite materials, with a surface that is typically covered by a protective film with a printed pattern that can mimic the appearance of various natural materials such as wood or stone. The main advantages of this material are its water resistance and wear resistance, making it an ideal choice for environments with high humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas prone to moisture.
Laminated baseboards are reasonably priced and easy to install, making them a preferred choice for families who are looking for high cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.
Vinyl skirtings are renowned for their high durability and water resistance, making them an ideal choice for commercial spaces and humid environments. This material is flexible and has strong impact resistance, effectively protecting corners from damage. The surface treatment of vinyl baseboards is diverse, capable of imitating the textures of natural materials such as wood and stone, bringing a modern feel to interiors while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Installation of vinyl baseboards is straightforward and quick, and the maintenance cost is low, making them an ideal choice for those seeking an economical and practical solution.
Metal skirtings, typically made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, are highly valued for their extreme durability and modern appearance. These materials have a high luster that can add an industrial or contemporary feel to a space. Metal baseboards are suitable for high-traffic areas because they can withstand heavy weight and frequent use.
Although the initial investment can be higher, the durability and virtually maintenance-free nature of metal baseboards make them a cost-effective choice for a one-time investment that offers long-term benefits.
PVC skirtings are popular in many homes and commercial spaces due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. This lightweight plastic material is easy to cut and install, offering a wide range of colors and styles to suit any interior decor style. PVC baseboards have good water resistance and chemical resistance, making them an ideal choice for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that may be exposed to moisture.
Additionally, PVC is easy to maintain, requiring only regular wiping to keep it looking its best.
Plaster skirtings are renowned for their exquisite molding and detailing, making them well-suited for interior designs that require intricate decoration and a traditional style. This material is highly malleable and can be shaped into various delicate patterns and shapes, adding a sense of classic luxury to any space. Gypsum baseboards are commonly found in historical buildings and high-end residences, especially in projects that pursue an art deco or Victorian style of decoration.
The natural properties of gypsum allow for fine sanding and painting, enabling it to be matched very precisely with other decorative elements within the interior. While gypsum baseboards offer an unparalleled decorative effect, they also require more maintenance because they are more fragile and susceptible to physical damage. Moreover, the installation process for gypsum baseboards is more complex and typically requires professionals to ensure accurate installation and finishing.
As the home decoration styles continue to evolve, the trends in baseboard design for the year have also shown clear innovation and diversity. Here are some upcoming trends in baseboard design that focus not only on aesthetics but also on functionality and environmental sustainability.
With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, more and more families are choosing sustainable materials for home decoration. For example, baseboards made from recycled wood, bamboo, and recycled plastics will become increasingly popular. These materials not only reduce the impact on the environment but also bring a natural and warm atmosphere to the home.
In pursuit of a more streamlined and modern interior design, concealed baseboards are emerging as a significant trend. This design involves installing the baseboard flush with the wall, making it nearly invisible and providing a seamless visual effect. Such a design is particularly well-suited for homes that embrace a modern minimalist aesthetic.
Integrated LED lighting in skirting boards represents another burgeoning trend that not only fulfills the traditional roles of protection and decoration but also adds a layer of functionality. These skirting boards come equipped with built-in lighting that can serve as a night light or provide additional ambient lighting, enhancing the modernity and technological sophistication of the home.
Beyond their fundamental roles of protecting walls and serving as decorative elements, baseboards are increasingly evolving to become more multifunctional components within the home. For instance, new types of skirting boards may integrate storage spaces, concealed power outlets, or other smart home functionalities. This transformation positions them not merely as decorative accents but as genuine multifunctional solutions that contribute to the overall utility and convenience of the home.
Although neutral colors continue to be popular, it is anticipated that in , bolder and more vibrant colors will be utilized in baseboard designs, making them a focal point within interior design. Pattern designs are also expected to become more personalized, potentially featuring intricate geometric shapes or patterns inspired by nature, reflecting the homeowner&#;s individuality and style.
Through these trends, we can observe that skirting boards are transitioning from traditional decorative elements to modern home components that offer both practicality and aesthetic value. These trends suggest the innovative directions and possibilities for baseboards in future home design, highlighting their potential to be more than just a functional element but also a statement piece that enhances the overall design and character of a living space.
Skirting boards, while a small detail in home design, play a significant role that shouldn&#;t be underestimated. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space but also serve a functional purpose by protecting the walls. Making the right choice in terms of material and style of baseboards can elevate the overall look of the interior environment and ensure durability and practicality, meeting the needs of different spaces.
Selecting the appropriate purchasing channels, such as local stores, online retailers, or custom suppliers, allows for an effective selection of the most suitable baseboards based on individual needs and budget, thus perfectly completing the interior decoration project.
Furthermore, if you are looking for custom or bulk purchases of metal skirting boards, feel free to contact us at any time. We will provide you with low minimum order quantities and competitive pricing.
Choosing the best type of skirting board primarily depends on your specific needs, including your budget, the durability required, and the style of your interior decoration. Wooden baseboards are popular for their natural beauty and durability; while MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) baseboards are favored for their cost-effectiveness and ease of painting.
Modern alternatives to skirting boards include hidden baseboards and integrated wall designs, which offer a cleaner, more streamlined appearance suitable for contemporary minimalist interiors.
Typically, MDF skirting boards are the most economical choice because they are less costly and easy to produce in large quantities. Additionally, PVC skirting boards are also a relatively inexpensive option, especially in environments where moisture resistance is required.
Metal skirting boards, such as those made from stainless steel or aluminum, are among the most durable options due to their excellent longevity and resistance to damage. These materials are particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas or commercial spaces.
The choice between pine and MDF skirting boards depends on personal preference and specific use cases. Pine baseboards offer the aesthetic appeal of natural wood grain and a certain level of durability, while MDF baseboards provide a smoother surface that is easier to paint and is generally more resistant to moisture and warping.
Skirting boards are commonly installed in new constructions because they not only help protect walls from damage but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the interior decoration. The style and material of the skirting boards can be chosen to align with the overall design style of the building, ensuring harmony with the interior decor.
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