Decorative skirting board

Types of decorative skirting board

A decorative skirting board is a narrow strip of wood, plastic, or any other material that runs along the bottom of the wall. It is used to cover the joint between the wall and floor. It is sometimes referred to as a baseboard or just a skirting board. A decorative skirting board is used in home decor to finish, protect, and give an aesthetic view to the walls.

Skirting boards are made with different materials, shapes, and profiles. They can be plain and simple or decorative and detailed. They can be made from different materials such as wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plastic, or even metal in modern homes. A skirting board can be chosen based on the wall and floor type, the home style, and the desired level of detail and decoration.

There are different types of skirting boards based on materials and designs. They include:

• Wood skirting board: These are made of different types of wood, such as oak, pine, or mahogany. They can be used for different purposes. They are versatile and can be used in different homes and styles. Different wood types offer different looks, from simple to more complex. They are also durable and can last a long time. A wood skirting board can be made to fit different homes, whether traditional or modern.
• MDF skirting board: These are made from wood fibers glued together to make a board. They are less expensive than wood skirting boards. They give a similar look to the wood but are cheaper. They are smooth and even, which makes them easy to paint. They can be painted multiple times without showing the old paint underneath. They are great for homes that need a lot of paint jobs.
• Plastic skirting boards: These are made from materials like PVC, which do not rot or get damaged by water. They are resistant to water, which makes them good for areas that get wet, like bathrooms and kitchens. Since they do not rot, they can be used in places near the ocean where the air is salty and can hurt wood. They are best for wet or humid places because they do not get damaged by water.
• Decorative skirting board: These are more detailed and have different shapes. They add a fancy touch to the room. They are made from wood and have more designs and patterns. They can be made from other materials like MDF that have decorative patterns. They can be made to look like older homes with lots of details or newer homes that are sleek.
• Tall skirting boards: These are taller than normal skirting boards. They reach from the floor to above the middle of the wall. Tall skirting boards draw the eye and make the room look fancier. They can make a room look taller if the boards are also tall. Tall skirting boards can be used in rooms where nothing else is needed to make it look better.

Function and feature of decorative skirting board

Decorative skirting boards are designed to cover the gap between the wall and the floor. They serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Below are their features and functions:

• Concealing Gaps

  The main function of a skirting board is to cover gaps between the wall and floor. These gaps may not be seen, but they exist. They are caused by uneven walls or floors. Skirting boards hide these gaps, making the room look neat. They also stop the eye from seeing imperfections where the wall meets the floor.

• Protection

  Decorative skirting boards, especially those made of wood or MDF, help protect the walls from damage. Without them, the walls would be hit by furniture, vacuums, or anything else that brushes against the walls. Skirting boards act as a shield for the walls, preventing scuffs, scrapes, or dents. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms. They also help keep the bottom of the walls clean from dirt or stains.

• Covering Wiring

  Some skirting boards have a hollow space inside. This space is useful for hiding electrical wires and cables that run along the bottom of the wall. Instead of seeing wires going up the wall, they can be tucked inside the skirting board. This keeps the room looking tidy. It also prevents people from accidentally touching or cutting the wires. Hiding wires in skirting boards is a safe way to install lighting or other electronic things in a room.

• Decoration

  Decorative skirting boards are primarily for protecting the walls, but they also make the room look better. They come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. This allows homeowners to pick a style that fits their taste. Some skirting boards are simple and modern, while others are fancy and detailed. The skirting board is like the frame for a picture. It enhances the appearance of the room without being too flashy. The right skirting board adds a finishing touch that makes the whole room feel complete.

• Material Versatility

  Decorative skirting boards come in various materials. Each material has different functions and benefits. Wooden skirting boards give a classic look that works in many styles. They can be painted any color wanted. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) skirting boards are cheaper than wood but still look good when painted. PVC or plastic skirting boards are useful in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens where moisture is present. They don't rot or get damaged by water. They are also very easy to clean. Metal skirting boards, like aluminum or stainless steel, offer a modern appearance. They are very durable and work well in contemporary designs.

Scenarios of decorative skirting board

Decorative skirting boards serve different functional and aesthetic purposes in interior design. Here are some common usage scenarios:

• Traditional Homes

  In traditional homes, decorative skirting boards are used to emphasize classic architectural designs. The intricate details of the skirting boards complement the vintage charm of the house. They also add depth and elegance to the interior spaces. Additionally, the decorative elements of the skirting board contribute to the traditional appeal, making the home feel cozy and inviting.

• Victorian Style Interior

  Decorative skirting boards with complex moldings and designs are used to accentuate the Victorian style interior. The skirting boards are applied to walls to accentuate the height of the room, making them look more spacious. They also add a touch of luxury and grandeur by incorporating rich colors and textures.

• Modern Minimalist Spaces

  In minimalist spaces, simple and sleek skirting boards are used. These types of skirting boards have clean lines that match the minimalist design philosophy. The skirting boards give the space a defined look without overwhelming the room. They also ensure that the space remains uncluttered and cohesive.

• Coastal-Style Interiors

  Decorative skirting boards with a beach feel are used in coastal-style interiors. These types of skirting boards are usually bright-colored, such as white or light pastel shades. They have simple designs that give a relaxed, airy feel. The skirting boards help to create a seamless transition from the floor to the walls, thus enhancing the coastal vibe of the room.

• Commercial Spaces

  Decorative skirting boards are also used in commercial spaces, such as offices, restaurants, and retail stores. In these spaces, the skirting boards serve to protect walls from damage caused by foot traffic and furniture. They also add a professional and polished look to the interior design. More importantly, the skirting boards can be branded to reflect the identity of a business.

• Historical Restoration Projects

  Decorative skirting boards are used in restoration projects to restore historical buildings to their original design. The skirting boards provide a historical authenticity and attention to detail that is consistent with the building's era. They also help preserve the architectural integrity of the building.

• High-End Luxury Interiors

  In high-end luxury interiors, elaborate and opulent skirting boards are used. The skirting boards are made from expensive materials, such as mahogany or with intricate gilding. They are designed to make a statement and show off the splendor of the space.

How to choose decorative skirting board

Before choosing which type of skirting board to install, it is necessary to consider a few important factors.

The first factor to consider is the budget. Budget plays an important role when deciding on which type of skirting board to purchase. PVC skirting boards are budget-friendly and a good option if the budget is not high. Another factor to consider is the style of the house. If the house has a modern feel to it, then a modern skirting board style should be chosen. If the house is old, then a more traditional-looking baseboard should be installed. Once a style is decided, it is important to choose a material that will match the floor and wall colors. It is important to note that wood color tones differ, and it is important to take into account the color of the wood used on the decorative skirting boards to ensure that it matches the floors and walls. Once all this has been considered, the next step is to measure the area where the baseboard will be installed to ensure that the correct amount is purchased.

When buying decorative skirting boards in bulk, it is important to check the minimum order quantity. Some vendors will offer discounts on certain amounts, and it is worthwhile to know how much is needed to get a discount. Another thing to look at is the lead time so that the boards can be delivered on time to complete the project. Some vendors also offer samples, which are useful in determining if the quality and style of the board are what is needed before making a big purchase.

decorative skirting board Q and A

Q1: Why are skirting boards called baseboards in some places?

A1: The term "baseboard" is commonly used in the United States and Canada to refer to skirting boards or decorative boards. The term "base" refers to the fact that these boards are installed at the base of the wall, where the wall meets the floor.

Q2: What is the purpose of a skirting board?

A2: The primary purpose of a skirting board is to protect the walls from damage caused by furniture, vacuum cleaners, and foot traffic. Skirting boards also cover the gap between the wall and floor, giving a room a finished look.

Q3: Are skirting boards and crown molding the same thing?

A3: No, skirting boards and crown molding are not the same thing. Skirting boards are installed at the base of the wall, while crown molding is installed at the junction of the wall and ceiling. Crown molding serves a similar purpose as skirting boards but adds decorative detail to a room.

Q4: What are the disadvantages of using skirting boards?

A4: One disadvantage of using skirting boards is that they can make cleaning more difficult, as dust and debris can accumulate in the gap between the board and the wall. Another disadvantage is that skirting boards require additional materials and labor to install, which can increase construction costs.

Q5: What is the difference between a door frame and a skirting board?

A5: A door frame is the structure that surrounds and supports a door, while a skirting board is a horizontal board that runs along the bottom of a wall. Skirting boards cover the gap between the wall and floor, but they are not used to cover or frame doors.