When it comes to adding the finishing touches to your home interior, skirting boards play a much bigger role than many people realize. Not only do they cover the joint between the wall and the floor, but they also protect your walls from scuffs, impacts, and everyday wear and tear. Among the various styles available, wide skirting boards have become increasingly popular for their bold aesthetic and practical benefits. This guide will help you choose the perfect wide skirting boards for your space, ensuring both style and functionality.
Understanding the Purpose of Skirting Boards
Before diving into sizes and styles, it’s important to understand why skirting boards matter. Traditionally, skirting boards were installed to hide uneven edges between walls and floors. Over time, they’ve evolved into essential decorative elements that enhance a room’s overall look. Wide skirting boards serve the same purpose but with a more prominent visual impact. They create a sense of grandeur, elongate the appearance of walls, and complement both traditional and modern interiors.
Why Choose Wide Skirting Boards?
1. Visual Impact
Wide skirting boards draw attention to the perimeter of a room, framing it elegantly. They make walls appear taller and add architectural depth, making them ideal for spaces where you want to make a statement.
2. Perfect for High Ceilings
If your home features high ceilings, standard skirting boards may look undersized. Wide skirting boards balance out proportions, ensuring the room feels cohesive and well-designed.
3. Enhanced Wall Protection
Since wide skirting boards cover more surface area, they offer extra protection against furniture bumps, vacuum scuffs, and general wear. This is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
4. Aesthetic Versatility
Wide skirting boards come in a range of designs—from sleek, contemporary styles to ornate, classic profiles—allowing you to match them with virtually any interior theme.
Choosing the Right Height for Wide Skirting Boards
The right height depends on your room dimensions and design preferences. Generally, skirting boards range between 120mm and 220mm in height. However, wide skirting boards can exceed these measurements, offering a more dramatic look. For rooms with ceilings higher than 2.7 meters, boards around 180mm to 220mm often work best. For lower ceilings, opt for something more proportionate—between 120mm and 150mm. The key is maintaining balance; overly tall boards in small rooms can make the space feel cramped.
Material Options for Wide Skirting Boards
When selecting wide skirting boards, material choice is just as crucial as design. Each material offers distinct advantages:
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
One of the most popular choices, MDF is affordable, smooth, and easy to paint. It resists warping and cracking, making it perfect for modern homes that require clean, crisp finishes.
Solid Wood
For those seeking natural beauty, solid wood skirting boards are unbeatable. Oak, pine, and walnut offer timeless appeal and can be stained or varnished to highlight the wood’s natural grain. However, they can expand or contract with humidity, so they require careful installation.
PVC or Plastic
PVC skirting boards are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. While they may lack the warmth of wood, their practicality is hard to beat.
Veneered Boards
These boards combine the strength of MDF with a real wood veneer, offering a premium look without the high maintenance of solid timber.
Choosing the Right Design Profile
Wide skirting boards are available in a variety of profiles, each contributing to a room’s aesthetic:
Bullnose
A simple curved edge that works well in modern minimalist spaces.
Ogee
Featuring elegant curves and detailing, ogee profiles are perfect for traditional or Victorian-style interiors.
Chamfered
This design has a clean, slanted edge, giving a contemporary touch to any room.
Torus
A classic choice, torus profiles have a semi-circular curve and are commonly used in period homes.
When choosing a design, consider your room’s overall style. For instance, if your interior leans modern, go for sleek, simple profiles. If your home features ornate décor or period architecture, a detailed profile may be more appropriate.
Paint or Natural Finish?
Another decision to make is whether to paint your skirting boards or keep them natural. Painted wide skirting boards—usually in white or off-white—create a crisp contrast against colored walls. On the other hand, natural wood finishes bring warmth and texture to interiors, especially when paired with wooden floors. Whichever you choose, ensure the finish complements the surrounding design elements.
Installation Considerations
Installing wide skirting boards requires precision. Because of their size, any gaps or uneven surfaces become more noticeable. Always ensure the walls and floors are level before installation. Use adhesive and nails for secure fixing, and apply caulk along the edges for a flawless finish. For external corners, mitre joints provide clean angles, while internal corners may require scribing for a snug fit.
If you’re replacing existing skirting boards, remove the old ones carefully to avoid wall damage. Also, paint or finish the new boards before installation to make the process cleaner and easier.
Matching with Architraves and Flooring
To achieve a harmonious interior design, your wide skirting boards should match or complement your architraves and flooring. Consistency in color and profile creates a seamless look throughout the home. For instance, pairing oak skirting boards with oak flooring maintains a cohesive aesthetic. Alternatively, using contrasting tones—like dark skirting against light walls—can add visual interest and depth.
Maintenance and Longevity
Proper maintenance ensures your skirting boards look great for years. Regular dusting and occasional cleaning with a damp cloth are usually sufficient. If painted, retouching small scuffs or chips will keep them pristine. For natural wood finishes, occasional polishing or waxing helps preserve their luster. PVC boards require minimal upkeep and are easy to wipe clean.
Cost and Value Considerations
The price of wide skirting boards varies depending on material, size, and finish. MDF options are generally the most cost-effective, while solid hardwoods and veneered boards fall on the higher end. Although the initial investment for wider boards may be slightly more, they add significant aesthetic and practical value to your home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect wide skirting boards can completely transform your home’s appearance. They add elegance, depth, and protection, tying together your flooring and wall finishes seamlessly. By considering factors like height, material, design profile, and finish, you can achieve a balance between functionality and style. Whether you’re renovating an old property or designing a new one, investing time in selecting the right skirting boards will enhance your interior for years to come. Wide skirting boards are more than just a decorative trim—they’re an essential design feature that defines the character of your space.