27 May What Are Skirting Boards and Which One Should You Use?
Have you ever considered the impact that different types of skirting boards can have on your living space? It’s fascinating how these seemingly small details can truly set your home apart and catch the eye of visitors.
A skirting board is a strip of wood that is installed around the perimeter of a room at the base of the wall. These boards serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Practically, they help to protect the walls from damage, such as scuffs and scrapes. Aesthetically, they can help to create a finished look in a room.
The right skirting can add a touch of elegance, reflect your style, and enhance the overall aesthetic of your rooms. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional design, taking the time to choose the perfect skirting can make a world of difference. Check out our beginner’s guide to pine skirting for a prepared approach to your project.
What are Skirting Boards Used For?
Skirtings are used for various reasons, whether it’s decorative, for protection, or practical. Get the best pine skirting boards from our quality selection.
1. Protection
By installing skirting boards, you provide a buffer between the wall and your furniture. This stops unsightly marks on wallpaper or paint from smudging if furniture is placed close to the walls. This helps protect walls from damage and is particularly useful in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or hallways.
2. Practicality
Sometimes it is challenging for even the most experienced fitters to keep the floor aligned with the walls. There will often be a noticeable space after flooring installation is complete. But a handy solution would be to use skirtings to cover these unsightly gaps.
3. Decorative
Not only do these boards disguise the visible line where the wall and floor meet, they can also be painted to match or contrast with your interior décor. You can purchase more detailed skirting boards to add character.
The design possibilities of skirting boards make them a popular addition for many homeowners. They can create a finished look in your room and act as a frame for your walls, and are also available in a range of different styles, so you can choose ones that complement the overall style of your home.
Types of Skirting Boards
Bullnose
Bullnose skirting has a rounded edge. This exhibits a softer look, which can be suitable for more traditional homes. Bullnose is also easier to install than its counterparts, as the curved edge means that it doesn’t need to be cut. The beauty of this skirting is its simplicity! It works well in modern rooms or cottages where more detailed profiles would look out of place.
Chamfered
Chamfered skirting boards have a 45-degree angled edge. This type of board is more suited to contemporary homes as it has a sharp, clean look. The chamfered style can also be used to create the illusion of more space in a room, as it allows one to see more of the floor.
Pencil
A pencil edge skirting board is a type of skirting board (also known as baseboard) that features a very subtle, rounded top edge, much like the smooth curve you’d find on a pencil. This profile is simple and modern, with clean lines that make it popular in contemporary interior design.
Bevelled
A bevelled edge skirting board features a top edge that is cut at an angle rather than rounded. This creates a slanted or chamfered edge where the face of the skirting board meets the top, giving it a clean but more defined look compared to the soft curve of a pencil edge.
Simple vs Detail Skirting Designs
It can often be challenging to determine which skirting board to use in what room or setting. Our team at Online Building has put together this guide for when to choose a simple design and when to choose a detailed design.
When to Choose a Simple Design
Simpler skirting board designs include our range of pencil or bevelled edge boards. These are typically best for use in modern, minimalistic, or industrial interiors. It is ideal for smaller rooms to avoid visual clutter and homes with clean architectural lines.
If you wish to keep the focus on other elements, like the type of flooring you have installed or furniture, this simple design is ideal. It is timeless, easy to install, and more cost-effective to clean and paint.
When to Choose a Detailed Design
These skirting boards are best used for traditional or classical interiors, especially skirtings with a Victorian style. These are ideal for larger rooms with high ceilings and spaces where you wish to have this trim be the decorative feature of the room. Detailed skirting boards add character and elegance to a space and match other ornate mouldings or architraves.
Online Building now offers a range of skirting boards with various designs to fit any home, whether modern or traditional. Contact our dedicated team for more advice on skirtings and installation, or order yours online today!