Have you ever redecorated and skipped refreshing the skirting or architrave (the bit around your door frame)? If you thought this was a short cut to success then you’ll have soon realised that decorative mouldings are the unsung heroes of interior design! Skirting boards, dado rails and architraves are not just there to finish the look, they can elevate your space by supporting and embellishing the style you’ve chosen for your room.
Skirting boards: a history
Before the Victorians, only the wealthy could afford to have skirting boards in their homes. When the mass production process developed during the 1900s it gave the less wealthy greater access to decorative room accessories and skirting boards became commonplace.
As well as adding aesthetic appeal to a space, skirting boards were practical too – covering up patchy plaster finishes at the bottom of walls, as well as blocking windy drafts, helping to keep homes warm.
Skirting boards would reach up to a bold 30cm in height but in our more modest, modern spaces the average size of a skirting board is 12cm, and there are now hundreds of profiles to choose from.
But do you know the difference between bullnose and ogee? And which look is the right one for you?
Find out more about the right skirting for you at Skirting World.
Skirting board profiles
When choosing skirting boards, it’s important to think about the size of the room. If you’re working with a space that has generous height and lots of light then consider making a statement with a tall profile and plenty of features, such as the elegantly curved ovolo style. For smaller rooms and new-build homes, a simple profile, such as the single-angle edged chamfer or flat-faced bullnose is perfect.
Explore more skirting options at Skirting World
Get the look: Industrial
Straight-profiled skirting boards are the perfect choice if you’re aiming for an urban, industrial look. Clean lines and hard edges are an important factor in getting this style right so opt for a discreet finish when choosing mouldings. Go minimal with skirting to avoid any visual interruption and to create a seamless feel that guides the eye to the floor.
Get the look: Mid-century modern
Light, space and simplicity are all features of mid-century modern – a look that has seen a huge resurgence in recent years. Skirting and architrave is the perfect way to bring in mid-century hues, such as white and cream, and provide contrast against natural accents and black details. Matching classic ogee skirting with the architrave will give you calming continuity.
Get the look: Classic panelling
With a nod to interiors dating as far back as the Tudor period, panelling is a big trend right now and is a guaranteed way to create a statement look in hallways, living rooms and bedrooms. Panelling is surprisingly easy to do, particularly with the lightweight MDF kits that are available and you don’t need to live in a country manor to carry this look off.
Discover more classic skirting board ideas at Skirting World.
Get the look: Gentle boho
If you live in a period house, then embracing its original features is a key part of creating a look that honours its heritage. Use soft shades to accentuate mouldings, such as architrave and dado rails, and create contrast with bolder, darker hues on walls and ceilings. Panelling also works well for this look, and go on the search for antique door handles and light fittings in second-hand shops and car boot sales for an authentic finish.
For more information plus hints and tips about choosing and fitting skirting boards, visit skirtingworld.co.uk.