Skirting boards are often the unsung heroes of interior design. Despite their small stature, skirting boards play a substantial role in framing a room, protecting walls, and adding a touch of style. The options can seem endless, from MDF to oak, flat to grooved, modern to traditional. How do you go about choosing the perfect skirting board for your skirting boards uk property? Here’s the lowdown on what to consider.
Understanding Skirting Board Styles
Skirting boards come in a variety of styles, but three key designs dominate the UK market: the torus, the ogee, and the chamfered. Each offers a different level of detail and can be the finishing touch that brings your room design together. The torus shape, with its semi-circular top and usually convex profile, is the most common and versatile. The ogee style provides a more complex profile while the chamfered offers a sleek and modern look with a straight-line edge.
It’s also important to consider the height of your skirting board. Taller skirting boards, around 200mm high, are popular in period properties, as they emphasize the height of a room. Meanwhile, in modern homes, a skirting board height between 120mm to 150mm is typically used to maintain proportionality.
Material Matters
The material you choose for your skirting board will have a significant impact on both the look and longevity of the product. MDF skirting boards, usually the most cost-effective option, offer versatility and can be painted to match your decor. However, they are not as hard-wearing as solid wood and can be damaged by water or impacts.
Solid wood skirting boards, such as oak or pine, are the premium option, offering a natural finish that is hard to replicate. While more expensive, they add value to your property and can be sanded and repainted or varnished to refresh the room’s look over time.
Balancing Aesthetics with Practicality
When choosing skirting boards, it’s not just about what looks good – you also need to consider how the skirting will function within the space. For example, if you’re installing skirting boards in areas with lots of foot traffic, such as hallways, you may want to opt for a taller skirting board that provides greater protection for your walls.
Similarly, if you’re skirting a room with damp, such as a bathroom or kitchen, a water-resistant material like PVC or a properly sealed hard wood will ensure your skirting board remains in top condition, free from the warping and damage that moisture can cause.
The Finishing Touches
The final step to selecting your perfect skirting board is the finish. You can choose a skirting board that comes pre-finished with varnish or paint, which can save you time and money on installation. Alternatively, you may prefer to apply the finish yourself to ensure it perfectly complements your room.
Be mindful of the skirting board profile as it can work with or against other design elements in your room. A skirting board with a rounded profile, for instance, can soften the look in a modern, angular room, while a sharper, more pronounced profile can add detail to a more traditional setting.
In conclusion, skirting boards are not merely the backdrop to your room’s decor; they can elevate the design and contribute to the overall aesthetic. By considering the style, material, practicality, and finishing touches, you can ensure that the skirting boards you choose are the perfect fit for your UK property, giving you the polished look you desire.
