What Are the Most Popular Skirting Board Styles in the UK?

When it comes to finishing touches in a home, skirting boards play a surprisingly vital role. Not only do they protect walls from scuffs and marks, but they also add style and character to any room. For homeowners in the UK looking to enhance their interiors, understanding the different skirting board options is essential. In this guide, we will explore the most popular skirting board styles in the UK, with a focus on “Skirting Board UK” and “Oak Architrave,” and show how Period Mouldings can help you achieve a polished look.
Why Are Skirting Boards Important in Home Design?
Skirting boards serve more than just a decorative purpose. They cover the joint between the wall and the floor, preventing damage from vacuum cleaners, furniture, and general foot traffic. Additionally, they hide gaps caused by uneven floors and provide a seamless transition in your room’s décor.
In the UK, skirting boards are considered a hallmark of quality interior design, with homeowners often investing in styles that complement their period properties or modern interiors. Choosing the right skirting board can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home.
Which Skirting Board Styles Are Trending in the UK?
1. Victorian Skirting Boards
Victorian skirting boards are a classic choice for traditional British homes. Known for their intricate detailing and tall profiles, these boards add grandeur and elegance to a room. Typically, Victorian skirting boards feature a combination of curves and linear motifs that make them stand out as a decorative feature.
These skirting boards are ideal for high-ceilinged rooms or heritage properties, giving interiors a timeless feel. Using a complementary Oak Architrave can further enhance the refined look, adding a rich wooden accent to doors and windows.
2. Modern Minimalist Skirting Boards
For contemporary homes, minimalist skirting boards are becoming increasingly popular. Unlike the ornate Victorian styles, modern skirting boards have clean lines, low profiles, and subtle detailing. This style emphasizes simplicity and functionality, making rooms appear more spacious and streamlined.
Modern skirting boards often come in painted MDF or hardwood, and when paired with matching Oak Architrave, they create a cohesive, sleek interior that’s perfect for apartments or newly built homes.
3. Georgian Skirting Boards
Georgian skirting boards are another traditional favourite in the UK. They are slightly simpler than Victorian boards but still retain an elegant design. Typically, they feature gentle curves and bead details, offering a refined appearance without overwhelming the space.
Georgian skirting boards work well in both period and modern homes. They pair beautifully with timber doors and Oak Architrave, creating a classic, harmonious look throughout your home.
4. Shaker Style Skirting Boards
Shaker style skirting boards are characterised by their straight lines and minimal ornamentation. They are perfect for homeowners who love a subtle and timeless aesthetic.
The beauty of Shaker boards lies in their simplicity—they can complement both traditional and contemporary interiors. A Shaker skirting board paired with an Oak Architrave offers a natural, earthy feel that adds warmth to living spaces.
5. Bullnose Skirting Boards
Bullnose skirting boards are identified by their rounded edges, offering a soft, elegant transition from wall to floor. These boards are particularly popular in period homes, but they can also be adapted for modern interiors.
The rounded profile reduces sharp edges, making them safer for households with children. When finished with a rich wood stain or paired with Oak Architrave, bullnose skirting boards enhance the charm of any room while providing a functional solution.
How to Choose the Right Skirting Board Style for Your Home
Selecting the right skirting board depends on several factors:
- Room Size: Tall skirting boards suit high-ceilinged rooms, while low-profile boards are better for smaller spaces.
- Interior Style: Victorian and Georgian boards are ideal for period homes, while Shaker and modern minimalist boards fit contemporary interiors.
- Material: Hardwood skirting boards are durable and long-lasting, while MDF options offer affordability and easy installation.
- Finish: Painted skirting boards provide a clean, uniform look, whereas natural wood finishes, such as Oak Architrave, add warmth and character.
By evaluating these factors, homeowners can make an informed choice that enhances the aesthetic and functional value of their property.
Why Oak Architrave Complements Skirting Boards
An Oak Architrave is a versatile addition that pairs beautifully with almost any skirting board style. Architraves frame doors and windows, giving a finished and polished look. Oak, in particular, adds a natural elegance that works in both traditional and contemporary homes.
Incorporating oak architraves with your chosen skirting boards can unify your interior design, creating a harmonious flow between walls, floors, and doorways. For example, Victorian skirting boards paired with oak architraves enhance classic aesthetics, while modern minimalist skirting boards with oak detailing bring warmth to sleek interiors.
Where to Find High-Quality Skirting Boards in the UK
If you are searching for “Skirting Board UK” options that combine style and durability, Period Mouldings is a leading choice. They offer a wide selection of skirting boards and oak architraves suitable for both period and modern homes. Their products are known for exceptional craftsmanship, easy installation, and timeless designs.
Investing in high-quality skirting boards ensures longevity and maintains the overall value of your property. With options ranging from Victorian to minimalist designs, Period Mouldings caters to every homeowner’s style preference.
Tips for Installing Skirting Boards
While professional installation is recommended for complex designs, some homeowners choose to install skirting boards themselves. Here are a few tips:
- Measure Carefully: Ensure accurate measurements for corners and room dimensions.
- Choose the Right Adhesive or Nails: Depending on the material, use appropriate fixings to secure the boards.
- Consider Painting or Staining Before Installation: This ensures a cleaner, more uniform finish.
- Seal Gaps: Use caulk or filler to smooth out any small gaps between walls and skirting boards.
Proper installation maximizes both the aesthetic appeal and the protective function of your skirting boards.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skirting board is more than a practical decision—it’s a design choice that can define the character of your home. From the grandeur of Victorian boards to the simplicity of Shaker styles, there is a skirting board for every taste. Complementing your skirting boards with an Oak Architrave adds sophistication and ensures a cohesive, polished look.
For homeowners searching for “Skirting Board UK,” Period Mouldings provides high-quality options that cater to both traditional and modern interiors. Investing in the right skirting boards today will enhance your home’s aesthetic, protect your walls, and provide long-lasting value for years to come.