Skirting boards are often overlooked in home design, yet they play an important role in framing the room and tying together its overall look. In modern homes, the right skirting boards can add a polished finish, creating a cohesive design that complements other architectural elements. Bold choices like black skirting boards can enhance modern home aesthetics by providing dramatic contrast. With a variety of skirting designs, sizes, and materials to choose from, selecting the perfect skirting boards can be daunting. Modern skirting boards can provide a more contemporary look with simpler, streamlined designs that align with modern interior aesthetics. There are several modern skirting board designs available that can elegantly enliven your living space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some practical tips to help you choose modern skirting boards that suit your home and give it a long-lasting finish.
Introduction to Skirting Boards
Skirting boards are an essential component of any home’s interior design, serving both a practical and aesthetic purpose. They protect walls from damage caused by everyday wear and tear, while also adding a decorative element to a room. With a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes available, choosing the right skirting boards can be a daunting task. However, with a little knowledge and guidance, homeowners can select the perfect skirting boards to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of their living space. Modern skirting boards, in particular, offer a sleek and contemporary look that can elevate the style of any room. Whether you’re looking for a traditional or modern design, skirting boards are a cost-effective solution that can add character to your home.
Key Takeaways
- Choose skirting boards that are proportional to your room’s height for a balanced and elegant look.
- Ensure skirting boards are the perfect match for your home’s modern design, whether minimalist or bold.
- Consider the pros and cons of MDF, wood, or PVC based on your budget and durability needs.
- Skirting boards protect walls and can hide wiring; opt for durable materials in high-traffic areas.
- Paint or stain skirting boards to enhance the overall aesthetic and complement other room features.
- Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is essential for maintaining the fresh look of skirting boards.
Things To Consider When Deciding On The Skirting Designs
Skirting isn’t as elaborate as painting the house or deconstructing and rebuilding walls, but it does involve a fair amount of labour in removing the old one and cladding it anew. Depending on your budget, you can either invest in low-budget skirting or opt for lavish ones.
It isn’t unusual to find children scraping the boards with toys or colours. Sometimes pets could also playfully make scratch marks on the boards. Investing in simple skirts that can be easily replaced would make a sensible choice in such cases. All you would need is to pick a design that complements the overall scheme of your interiors. Bullnose skirting is a versatile choice that adds elegance to both modern and traditional homes.
Start by asking yourself why you want to install new skirts and which type would befit your needs and preference. You might simply consider updating the existing design by little touch-ups or have a completely new design.
If you decide on a design overhaul so that your space looks completely new, you might need to look at the details. For instance, make sure to get a gauge of what dimensions would go best with your home. Also, consider the texture, material, and several factors such as the age of the property, ceiling height, and overall interior design theme.
Consider the Height of Your Ceilings
One of the first things to consider when choosing skirting boards is the height of your ceilings. The size of your skirting boards should be proportional to the dimensions of the room. A general rule is that taller ceilings demand taller skirting boards, as this will enhance the scale and grandeur of the space. In contrast, for rooms with lower ceilings, a shorter skirting board creates a more balanced look without overwhelming the room. While there is no hard and fast rule, the general guideline is to choose skirting boards around 1/18th of the room height.
For modern interiors, skirting boards typically range between 120mm and 220mm in height. Choosing boards around 1/18th of the room height ensures they don’t look out of place. In minimalist or contemporary spaces, taller skirting can create clean, bold lines that draw the eye, without distracting from other design elements.
Matching Skirting Board Styles with Interior Design
Your choice of skirting boards should complement the overall style of your home. In modern interiors, less is often more, with clean lines and simple profiles being the go-to choice. Square edge and chamfered skirting boards are particularly popular profiles in minimalist and contemporary homes. These designs provide a streamlined appearance that blends seamlessly with sleek, modern furnishings.
If your home features more industrial or urban design elements, you might opt for a bolder, deeper skirting board that makes a statement. Colour also plays a critical role in creating cohesion. While white is the traditional choice, modern interiors may benefit from a contrasting colour that highlights the skirting, or a matching shade that seamlessly blends with the walls. Matching skirting boards with other design elements, such as cabinetry or worktops, can create a seamless look in modern interiors.
Material Options for Modern Skirting Boards
Modern skirting boards come in a variety of materials, each with its advantages and drawbacks. The most common options include MDF, wood, and PVC.
- MDF: A popular choice due to its affordability and ease of use. It is easy to paint, which allows for versatility in style, but is not as durable as natural wood. MDF serves as an affordable option that maintains aesthetic appeal when painted or stained.
- Oak or Hardwood: Offers a luxurious, high-end look and is highly durable. Wood can be stained or varnished to match flooring or other features but comes at a higher cost.
- PVC: A practical, low-maintenance option that is moisture-resistant, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. PVC skirting boards are often available in a variety of finishes, including wood effect.
For eco-conscious homeowners, sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled wood may be worth considering, combining style with environmental responsibility.
Modern skirting boards come in various finishes, such as gloss, matte, and natural wood, to match different interior designs.
Skirting Board Profiles
Skirting board profiles refer to the shape and design of the skirting board. There are various profiles available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. The most popular profiles include the ogee profile, torus profile, and bullnose profile. The ogee profile features a sweeping curve, while the torus profile has a rounded edge. The bullnose profile, on the other hand, features a rounded edge with a flat top. When choosing a skirting board profile, it’s essential to consider the style of your home, as well as your personal preferences. For example, a traditional home may benefit from a classic profile, such as the ogee or torus, while a modern home may look better with a more contemporary profile, such as the bullnose or square edge. Additionally, the height of the skirting board can also impact the overall look of the room, with taller skirting boards creating a more dramatic effect and shorter skirting boards producing a more minimalist aesthetic.
Functionality and Practicality
When selecting skirting boards, it’s essential to consider their functionality, not just their aesthetic appeal. Skirting boards protect walls from scuffs, knocks, and wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. If you have children or pets, durability should be a priority. In this case, materials like PVC or hardwood would be better suited, as they’re easier to clean and resistant to damage.
Modern skirting boards often come pre-cut and can be easily trimmed, contributing to easy installation.
Skirting boards can also serve a practical purpose, such as concealing wiring or pipes, creating a cleaner and more streamlined look in modern interiors. Opting for a slightly deeper skirting board can give you the flexibility to hide unsightly cables while maintaining a neat finish. The curves and profiles of skirting boards create a cohesive look that enhances the overall decor of a room.
Room-by-Room Skirting Board Selection
Each room in your home may require different considerations when it comes to choosing skirting boards. For instance, in living rooms or bedrooms with high ceilings, you may want to opt for taller, more decorative boards to create a sense of luxury and enhance visual balance. In contrast, for kitchens or bathrooms, where practicality is key, shorter, moisture-resistant skirting boards, such as those made from PVC, may be a more appropriate choice.
High-traffic areas such as hallways or entryways also benefit from more durable skirting boards that can withstand heavy use, while still contributing to the modern aesthetic of the space. Well-chosen skirting boards can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home and attract potential buyers.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve selected the right skirting boards, the finish is equally important. The choice between painting or staining depends on the material and desired effect. MDF skirting boards, for example, are ideal for painting in any colour to complement the room. Wood skirting boards, on the other hand, may look best when stained to reveal the natural grain.
If you’re going for a modern look, consider a satin or eggshell finish, which gives the boards a subtle sheen without looking too glossy. This choice can provide a polished look that enhances the overall aesthetic. Also, think about how your skirting will work with other features, such as door frames, architraves, or even window sills, to ensure a cohesive design. Check for more ideas on how you can paint your skirting boards at https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Skirting-Boards.
If you aren’t comfortable painting your own skirting board or home, then house painters in Hawthorn or painters wherever you live will be able to take care of the painting for you. Painting your entire home by yourself can seem enticing with the savings you may incur, but if you aren’t confident with your painting skills, you may waste resources and your precious time. Well-finished skirting boards can significantly enhance the aesthetic of any modern space.
Installation Tips
While DIY installation of skirting boards is possible, it can be tricky to achieve the perfect fit, especially in older homes with uneven walls. Fitting skirting boards in corners can be challenging and may require specific skills like scribing. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, hiring a professional can save you time and ensure a high-quality finish. When installing, make sure the boards are level and the joins are neat, as any imperfections will stand out against the clean lines of a modern interior. Choosing a high-quality material, such as MDF, natural wood, or PVC, will also help ensure durability and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skirting boards for your home is an important design decision that can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. Contemporary skirting boards are essential in enhancing a home’s aesthetic appeal and increasing its market value. When you consider all the contributing factors like ceiling height, material, and functionality, you can ensure that your skirting boards not only look great but also serve a practical purpose. Whether you’re revamping one room or refreshing your entire house, well-chosen skirting boards can provide the perfect finishing touch. Modern houses often feature smaller, minimalist skirting boards that align with current design trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should my skirting boards be?
The height of skirting boards should be proportional to the height of your ceilings. A general rule is to choose boards around 1/18th of the room height. For taller ceilings, opt for a taller skirting board to create a more balanced appearance, while lower ceilings work better with smaller boards.
Which skirting board style works best for modern interiors?
For modern interiors, simple, clean profiles such as square edge or chamfered skirting boards work best. These styles create sleek lines and feature minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with contemporary decor.
What is the best material for skirting boards?
It depends on your needs. MDF is affordable and easy to paint, wooden skirting boards provide a more luxurious look but are pricier, while PVC is moisture-resistant and practical for kitchens or bathrooms.
Can skirting boards hide cables or wires?
Yes, deeper skirting boards serve to effectively conceal unsightly cables or wiring, making your home look cleaner and more streamlined.
Should I paint or stain my skirting boards?
This depends on the material and the look you want to achieve. MDF skirting boards are ideal for painting, while wood skirting can be stained to showcase the natural grain. Satin or eggshell finishes are often recommended for a subtle, modern sheen.
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the fresh look of skirting boards.
