Skirting boards may seem like a small detail in a room, but they have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home. Often overlooked, these functional and decorative elements provide a visual bridge between your walls and floors, enhancing your interior design while also protecting the walls from damage. Whether you're embarking on a renovation or building a new home, choosing the right skirting boards that match your home’s style can elevate your space and create a cohesive design.
In the competitive Australian home renovation and building market, homeowners and designers are paying close attention to every detail that adds value and aesthetic appeal. This guide will walk you through the process of matching skirting boards with your home’s style, providing practical tips and insights to help you make informed decisions for your project.
Background Information
Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, have been a staple in interior design for centuries. Originally, they served a purely practical purpose—protecting walls from the scuffs and marks caused by furniture or foot traffic. Over time, skirting boards evolved to become an important decorative feature, used to frame rooms and add architectural interest.
Historically, the design and size of skirting boards varied depending on the period and style of the home. For example, homes built in the Victorian era typically featured tall, intricately detailed skirting boards that added grandeur to rooms. In contrast, modern homes today often feature simpler, more streamlined designs.
As interior design trends have shifted, so too have the materials and styles of skirting boards. While timber remains a popular choice, MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) skirting boards have gained popularity due to their affordability and versatility. Today, matching skirting boards with the style of your home is about balancing aesthetics, functionality, and personal preference.
Key Components of Matching Skirting Boards with Your Home’s Style
Skirting Board Profiles
One of the most important factors when selecting skirting boards is the profile, or shape, of the board. Skirting board profiles range from simple designs to more ornate, decorative ones. The profile you choose should align with your home’s overall style.
- Contemporary Homes: Sleek, minimalistic profiles like the ‘pencil round’ or ‘square edge’ are popular in modern homes. These designs are clean and unobtrusive, complementing the simplicity of contemporary interiors.
- Traditional Homes: Homes with classic or heritage styles, such as Victorian or Edwardian, often feature more elaborate profiles like the ‘lambs tongue’ or ‘ogee.’ These detailed mouldings add character and charm, enhancing the period features of the home.
Skirting Board Height
The height of your skirting boards plays a crucial role in achieving the right look for your space. Taller skirting boards tend to suit older, more traditional homes, as they create a sense of grandeur and formality. On the other hand, shorter skirting boards work well in modern or minimalist homes, where the focus is on simplicity.
- High Ceilings: If your home has high ceilings, consider taller skirting boards (180mm or higher) to maintain balance and proportion.
- Low Ceilings: For rooms with lower ceilings, opt for shorter skirting boards (100-120mm) to prevent the room from feeling cramped or overwhelmed by the moulding.
Material Choices
When selecting skirting boards, the material you choose is just as important as the design. While timber is a traditional and timeless option, MDF skirting boards have gained popularity due to their affordability and practicality.
- Timber Skirting Boards: Hardwood skirting boards, such as oak or cedar, are durable and add a touch of natural warmth to interiors. They can be stained or painted to match your décor, making them a versatile choice for both traditional and modern homes.
- MDF Skirting Boards: MDF is a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to timber. It is often pre-primed and ready to paint, making it ideal for homeowners looking for a quick and budget-friendly solution. Additionally, MDF is resistant to warping, making it a practical choice for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms.
Colour and Finish
The colour and finish of your skirting boards can either complement or contrast with your walls and floors, depending on the look you want to achieve.
- Matching Colours: Painting your skirting boards the same colour as your walls creates a seamless, unified look that makes a room feel larger. This is particularly effective in minimalist or contemporary spaces where clean lines are essential.
- Contrasting Colours: For a more dramatic effect, choose a contrasting colour for your skirting boards. For example, white skirting boards against dark walls create a striking visual contrast, drawing attention to the architectural features of the room.
Benefits of Matching Skirting Boards with Your Home’s Style
Enhances Overall Aesthetic
Matching skirting boards with your home’s style helps to create a cohesive and polished look. Well-chosen skirting boards act as the finishing touch to your design, framing the room and adding depth to your walls and floors. Whether you’re going for a contemporary, classic, or eclectic style, the right skirting boards can tie your design together and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
Case Study: A recent renovation in Sydney's inner suburbs saw a Victorian terrace restored with custom skirting boards featuring an intricate ogee profile. These skirting boards perfectly complemented the period features of the home, preserving its heritage charm while giving it a fresh update.
Adds Value to Your Home
Well-designed interiors can increase the value of your property, and skirting boards are an often-overlooked detail that can make a big difference. Potential buyers are drawn to homes that feel complete and well-finished, and skirting boards that match the home’s style show attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Protects Your Walls
In addition to their decorative role, skirting boards provide practical protection for your walls. They shield the lower portion of your walls from damage caused by furniture, vacuum cleaners, or foot traffic, ensuring that your walls stay looking fresh and clean.
Customization for Unique Spaces
Custom skirting boards offer endless possibilities for personalization. Homeowners can work with manufacturers to create bespoke skirting boards that match their unique vision. Whether you want a specific profile, height, or finish, custom skirting boards ensure that every detail aligns with your home’s style.
Challenges of Matching Skirting Boards with Your Home’s Style
Overwhelming Choices
With so many profiles, heights, materials, and finishes to choose from, selecting the right skirting boards can be overwhelming. Many homeowners struggle to find skirting boards that match their design vision, especially if they are renovating a period home or blending styles.
Solution: Consider consulting a design professional or working with a skirting board manufacturer that offers expert advice. At Australian Moulding and Door Company, we help homeowners navigate the wide range of options to find the perfect skirting boards that complement their home’s style.
Installation Challenges
Installing skirting boards requires precision, and improperly installed skirting can detract from the overall look of your home. This is especially true for homes with uneven walls or floors, where achieving a perfect fit can be tricky.
Solution: Hiring experienced tradespeople ensures that your skirting boards are installed correctly, enhancing your home’s design rather than diminishing it. Custom skirting boards that are made to measure also help eliminate installation challenges, ensuring a seamless fit.
Balancing Style and Budget
Custom skirting boards are a great way to elevate your interior design, but they can come at a higher cost compared to off-the-shelf options. Homeowners may find it challenging to balance their design preferences with their budget.
Solution: MDF skirting boards offer a cost-effective alternative to timber without compromising on quality or style. By choosing MDF, you can achieve the look you want while staying within budget.
Future Trends in Skirting Boards
Sustainable Materials
As sustainability becomes a growing priority for homeowners and builders, skirting boards made from sustainable materials, such as reclaimed timber or eco-friendly MDF, are gaining popularity. These materials offer the same durability and aesthetic appeal as traditional options while reducing environmental impact.
Minimalist Designs
While traditional, decorative skirting boards will always have their place, there is a growing trend toward minimalist designs that focus on clean lines and simplicity. In contemporary homes, skirting boards are becoming more streamlined, with subtle profiles that blend seamlessly into the walls.
Integrated Lighting
A future trend in interior design is the incorporation of LED lighting within skirting boards. This innovative design element adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating a soft, ambient glow along the floor while highlighting the architectural lines of the room.
Conclusion
Matching skirting boards with your home’s style is a vital part of creating a cohesive and polished interior design. From selecting the right profile and height to choosing the perfect material and finish, every detail matters. Skirting boards not only enhance the aesthetic of your home but also provide practical benefits, such as protecting your walls and adding value to your property.
At Australian Moulding and Door Company, we specialize in custom skirting boards that are designed to match your unique vision. Whether you're renovating a heritage home or building a sleek, modern space, we can help you find or create the perfect skirting boards to complement your design.
Ready to elevate your home’s interior with custom skirting boards? Contact us today on (03) 8771 4729 or sales@australianmoulding.com.au to learn more about our wide range of profiles, materials, and finishes, and let’s start creating the perfect skirting boards for your project.
