Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, are a key element in interior design, both practical and aesthetic. They cover the seams between walls and floors, protecting walls from wear, knocks, and furniture damage while adding a sophisticated look to any room.
They protect walls from damage caused by foot traffic, cleaning equipment, and furniture.
Skirting boards add a decorative touch, hide uneven edges, and provide a continuous transition between walls and floors.
They can hide wires or gaps for a neater look.
Solid Wood Skirting Boards
Made from natural wood, they have a classic and timeless appeal. They can be stained or painted to match interior decor but may require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance.
PVC Skirting Boards
Made from polyvinyl chloride, they are strong, durable, and have excellent moisture resistance, making them ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are also cost-effective and easy to install.
Stone skirting boards
Made from materials such as marble or granite, they look luxurious and are very durable, often used in high-end designs.
Aluminum Skirting Boards
Aluminum skirting boards are known for their modern look and durability. They are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for modern interiors.
Stainless Steel Skirting Boards
They have a stylish industrial look and are very durable, suitable for residential and commercial spaces.
Cork Skirting Boards
Often made from pine or fir, they are more affordable but may not be as durable as hardwood skirting boards.
Hardwood Skirting Boards
Made from woods such as oak or walnut, they are strong and durable, with a high-quality finish, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
MDF Skirting Boards
Medium-density fiberboard is an affordable and versatile option that is easy to paint and install. However, it is not moisture-resistant.
Tile skirting boards
Commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, they are made of ceramic or porcelain tiles to match the look of tile floors and offer excellent moisture resistance.
Bullnose skirting boards
Simple, rounded top edge for a minimalist, modern look.
Chamfered skirting boards
Straight edges that slope toward the wall for a subtle, decorative effect.
Ogee skirting boards
They are usually S-shaped and have a beautiful look. They add a touch of elegance to your floor.
Ovolo skirting boards
Raised curves for a classic, understated decorative detail.
Lambs tongue skirting boards
Features a subtle curve that leads to a straight line, blending traditional and modern styles.
Square skirting boards
Straight, square edges are perfect for modern, minimalist designs.
Torus skirting boards
It includes a rounded profile and a recessed detail underneath and is commonly used in various interior styles.
Rounded skirting boards
Fully rounded top edge for a soft, minimalist aesthetic.
3.1 Solid color hem
Off-white
Light gray
Light navy blue
Light taupe
Peach
Lavender
Coffee
Light pink
Light green
3.2 Neutral skirting board
Dark black
Pure white
Cool grey
Classic beige
Earth brown
Create a harmonious look by matching skirting boards with door frames.
Provides a seamless transition between floor and wall, making the space appear larger.
Provides a subtle yet cohesive look that allows other design elements to stand out.
The height of the skirting board should be proportional to the size of the room. If the room ceiling is high, it is advisable to choose a higher skirting board (height above 150mm), while standard rooms usually use 120mm high skirting boards.
Measure the room and cut the skirting boards to the required length according to your measurements.
Use a miter saw to create accurate corner joints.
Apply adhesive to the back of the skirting board or use nails/screws to fasten it to the wall.
Fill any gaps or nail holes with filler, sand smooth, and paint or stain as required.
Choose a material that suits the room's function and desired aesthetic.
Choose a profile that complements the style of your interior design.
Make sure the color of the skirting board matches the other elements in the room for a unified look.
Cleaning and maintaining skirting boards vary depending on the material used:
Regular dusting with a soft-bristle brush will prevent dust accumulation. If necessary, you can use a slightly damp microfiber cloth and a mild wood cleaner for a deeper clean. Avoid using too much water to prevent the wood from warping or damaging.
These skirting boards are more resistant to moisture and can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Make sure to dry thoroughly after cleaning to maintain a clean appearance.
Dust regularly and use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to remove stains. Avoid soaking, as MDF absorbs moisture, causing it to swell.
Whether or not to leave a gap under baseboards depends on a variety of factors, including the type of flooring and the method of installation:
The usual practice is to install the skirting board directly to the floor without leaving a gap in between. The carpet is then laid over the skirting board and secured in place with clamping rods. This method provides a neat surface.
Baseboards are often installed after the flooring is installed, without a gap, to cover the expansion joints and ensure a seamless appearance.
Some professionals advocate leaving a small gap to allow air circulation, preventing moisture accumulation and potential structural problems. However, this practice varies by regional building standards and specific project requirements.
Looking ahead to 2025, several trends emerge in skirting board design and application:
The growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials has led to an increased use of recycled or sustainably sourced materials in skirting board production.
Modern skirting boards are evolving to incorporate features such as LED lighting, hidden cable management, and smart sensors, thus blending aesthetics with technology.
Clean lines and understated shapes are increasingly popular, in line with the trend towards contemporary minimalist interiors.
Advances in manufacturing processes allow for greater customization, enabling homeowners to choose shapes, colors, and finishes that match their unique design preferences.
Skirting boards play a key role in improving the aesthetics and functionality of your interior space.
Proper maintenance, smart installation practices, and awareness of evolving trends ensure that these elements help us enhance our living spaces. As materials and designs evolve, skirting boards remain a testament to the fusion of form and function in architectural detailing.
CREATEKING is an interior decoration material manufacturer that provides many types of skirting board options. Why not contact us?
