Skirting boards, baseboards, or moldings are commonly overlooked in interior design and home improvement. However, these humble additions can significantly impact your home’s appearance and functionality. Options like the chamfer skirting board serve practical and aesthetic purposes, making them essential when designing or renovating your living space.
Skirting Type Easy Explanations
Skirting boards or baseboards, as some folks call them, are like the cherry on top of a sundae for your walls. They add that extra touch of style while protecting your walls from any bumps and scrapes.
- MDF Skirting Boards: MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is your friend when watching the pennies. It’s made from wood fibres and a resin binder. It’s tough, can be painted any color you like, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
- Pine Skirting Boards: Pine is a super flexible softwood that’s easy to work with. You can stain it to get the perfect finish you’re after. Just watch out – it’s a bit more susceptible to dings and scratches since it’s softer than some other woods.
- Oak Skirting Boards: Oak is your guy if you’re after something more high-end. This hardwood is robust, long-lasting, and has that fancy feel. It’s a bit pricier, but worth it for that plush look.
- Plastic/PVC Skirting Boards: Plastic or PVC skirting boards are like the easy-going cousin in the family. They’re super simple to install, don’t need much looking after, and don’t mind getting wet – making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Vinyl Skirting Boards: Vinyl is a lot like PVC, but it’s extra tough. It loves high-traffic areas, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
- Metal Skirting Boards: Think industrial chic with metal skirting boards. They’re rare in homes but quite popular in commercial or industrial settings. They’re usually made of aluminum or stainless steel, and boy, are they sturdy!
- Tile Skirting Boards: Got tiles? Then consider tile skirting boards. They provide a seamless finish and can perfectly match your floor tiles.
- Bullnose Skirting Boards: These are more about the style than the material. Bullnose skirting boards have a round top, giving your room a softer look.
- Ogee Skirting Boards: Ogee skirting boards are your ticket if you’re after a bit of drama. They have a double curve, a bit like an S, which gives them a traditional, decorative look.
- Torus Skirting Boards: Torus skirting boards are all about elegance. They have a convex shape, sort of like a semi-circle sticking out. They’re classy and timeless.
Remember, the best skirting board for your room will depend on the style of your space, how much foot traffic it gets, and what you personally like in terms of materials and how much care and maintenance you’re up for.
My 4 Benefits Of Skirting For Your Home
1. Enhances Your Home’s Interior Design
Skirting boards play a crucial role in tying together the various elements of your interior design. Skirting boards create a sense of cohesion and completeness in any room by providing a finishing touch to the edges of floors and walls. They act as a visual transition, covering the joint between the wall and the floor, which can often be uneven or unsightly. Additionally, skirting boards come in a wide range of designs, sizes, & materials, allowing you to choose one that complements your home’s style and theme. Whether you prefer a classic, ornate design for a traditional look or a sleek, minimalist option for a modern aesthetic, skirting boards offer versatile alternatives to enhance the appeal of your living spaces.
2. Protects Walls and Floors
In high-traffic areas, such as hallways and living rooms, walls can be susceptible to damage from accidental bumps, scuffs, and abrasions. Skirting boards act as a barrier between furniture, vacuum cleaners, and other objects that might come into contact with the walls, safeguarding them from potential damage. Similarly, skirting boards protect the lower parts of walls from dirt, moisture, and cleaning agents used on the floors. This protection is particularly beneficial for homes with wooden or laminate flooring, as skirting boards shield the vulnerable edges from water and cleaning solutions, preventing warping and swelling.
3. Conceals Unsightly Cables and Pipes
Managing cables and wires can become challenging with the increasing number of electrical appliances and technology in modern homes. Skirting boards offer a convenient solution to conceal unsightly cables and pipes running along the base of walls. Many skirting boards come with built-in cable management channels, allowing you to neatly tuck away wires, creating a more organized and visually appealing space. This feature is handy for home offices, entertainment areas, and living rooms with numerous electronic devices and entertainment systems. Skirting boards create a clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing environment by keeping cables out of sight.
Read more: Eco-friendly Electrical Solutions for a Greener Home.
4. Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Alternatives like the chamfer skirting board not only protect walls and floors but also contribute to easier maintenance and cleaning of your home. They act as a buffer zone, preventing dust and debris from accumulating in the gaps between the wall and the floor, which can be challenging to clean. Most skirting boards are made from wood, PVC, or MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which are easy to clean and maintain. Regular dusting and cleaning using a damp cloth are usually sufficient to keep skirting boards looking pristine. Moreover, if you opt for skirting boards with a moisture-resistant coating, you can prevent water damage and facilitate quick and easy cleaning in areas prone to spills, like kitchens and bathrooms.
Read more: How To Clean Temporary Wallpapers.
A Few Final Words
Skirting boards may seem small, but their impact on your home’s overall look and function may not. Investing in quality skirting boards will add value to your property and contribute to a more visually appealing, organized, and well-maintained living space.
