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. With a variety of skirting designs, sizes, and materials to choose from, selecting the perfect skirting boards can be daunting. 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.
Key Takeaways
- Choose skirting boards that are proportional to your room’s height for a balanced and elegant look.
- Ensure skirting boards complement 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.
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.
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, etc.
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, smaller skirting boards create a more balanced look without overwhelming the room.
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 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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, you may want to opt for taller, more decorative boards to create a sense of luxury. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skirting boards for your home is an important design decision that can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. 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.
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 taller skirting boards, 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 that blend seamlessly with contemporary or minimalist decor.
What is the best material for skirting boards?
It depends on your needs. MDF is affordable and easy to paint, wood provides a more luxurious look but is pricier, while PVC is moisture-resistant and practical for kitchens or bathrooms.
Can skirting boards hide cables or wires?
Yes, deeper skirting boards can 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.
