Skirting boards are one of the most underrated aspects of an interior design job but these provide a massive impact on how polished your home looks and feel.
Not only do the cable ducts disappear so beautifully between wall and floor, but they also make walls resistant to kicks, scuffs, or pieces of furniture.
Skirting boards can make or break the look of a room, so choosing them wisely is vital to your space. This write-up outlines the simple factors to rely upon when selecting your skirting board and guarantees that you make a wise decision in harmony with the design of your home.
Material Matters
- MDF or medium-density fibreboard
MDF is used for inexpensive cost and adaptability. Extremely easy to paint, gives you a coarse surface that can go with any decor. Yet MDF, whilst not as robust as a natural timber solution and more prone to water damage, does have specific advantages over anything else for higher humidity areas.
- Hardwood
Luxury woods like oak or walnut, skirting boards, and trims will offer a timeless and classic finish. As a result, they last longer and are resistant to scratching which furthermore makes it worth investing for long-term use.
This material is elegant in any room and gives it a special appearance since you can finish the hardwood floors with lots of sheen, resulting in an intense shine.
- Softwood
Softwood like pine is an in-between choice of MDF and hardwood. Composite decking is much cheaper than hardwood but provides a natural timber look.
Most of the softwood skirting boards will take paint, while staining is a bit more difficult as they need substantial sanding and are not usually finished in a way that holds the color.
Height
The height of the skirting board affects how we perceive a room. Higher skirting boards can help a space to feel grand and classic, while shorter ones lend themselves more readily to the contemporary style.
Usually, rooms with high ceilings are used in higher plinths and accordingly where the low ceiling – is shorter.
Color and Finish
The color and finish of the skirting should match with the walls and flooring. White skirting boards are timeless, opening a room up and giving it more space.
Or if you prefer, we can even paint or stain the skirting boards in line with your current decor. High gloss finishes are easier to clean and maintain whereas matte finishes give a delicate yet classy look.
Protection
They play a protective role on your walls and protect them from damage when you vacuum, move furniture, or with everyday use. If you have kids or pets, choosing hardwoods or a sturdier MDF can be worth considering because they are less likely to sustain damage as easily over time.
Long-Term Value
It might be more expensive to invest in higher-end skirting board materials but cheaper options are likely going to need replacing sooner and so can work out less cost effective.
There are many things to take into account when choosing your perfect skirting board such as the materials, style frontrunner, purpose, and cheapness of each design.