Which skirting board should I choose?

If you’re renovating your house, you perhaps didn’t anticipate all of the small design decisions you would need to make along the way. Choosing skirting boards and architraves may seem like a minor design decision, but they can have a huge impact on the final look of a room. Do you want to make a statement? Or do you want these architectural details to recede, to let your furniture and furnishings stand out?

Simple and modernist

You might consider the paired back, unfussy look if you are undertaking a modern renovation or minimalist new build. Here are some examples of modern, minimalist profiles. Click on the images below to see more and here to see a full selection:

 

Bullnose (rounded edge) – sleek and simple

 

Chamfered edge – plain and interesting

 

Square edge – crisp and clean

 

Bevelled edge – classic

 

Contemporary and decorative

These modern profiles are there to be noticed! Click on the images below to see more and here to see a full selection:

Groove – an eye catching twist on the common square edged profile

 

Chamfered and grooved

 

Stepped profile – this would create a fabulous Art Deco look

 

Deep rounded groove 

 

Traditional yet simple

You might choose one of the below if you are renovating an existing period property and want to choose a profile to match the architectural era. Choosing one of the more retsrained profiles will give a nod to the history of the building without clashing with modern furnishings or fittings. Click on the images below to see more and here to see a full selection:

 

A modern take on a traditional profile

 

Torus – the classic traditional profile

 

Simple curves

 

Georgian style

 

Decorative

These skirting boards are perfect if you want to achieve a luxurious, traditional aesthetic. They work really well as tall skirtings, particularly in rooms with high ceilings for the ultimate opulent effect. Click on the images below to see more and here to see a full selection:

 

‘Athens’ – A classical look

 

‘Antique’

 

‘Bella’ – A smooth elongated decorative profile

 

Elizabethan

 

 

Should I choose an MDF or pine skirting?

You would usually choose pine if you are looking for real wood effect. You can stain or varnish to get the colour and finish you require. If you plan to paint your skirting boards, you can buy primed MDF boards (HDF option is very to popular too). There is a sometimes a misconception that MDF is lower quality because of the lower price, but it can actually provide a very robust and smooth finish when painted.