Most homeowners overlook the importance of skirting boards. That’s a big mistake because even though the boards may appear insignificant, they do play a huge role in determining the overall aesthetics of a home.
Beyond enhancing your home decor, good skirting boards are also very utilitarian. They’ll cover unsightly floor edges while protecting your walls against abrasions.
So, what should you consider when picking skirting boards?
1. Material
The material of your skirting boards determines how good they’ll look and how long they’ll last. It’s, therefore, a vital factor that you cannot afford to overlook.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is one of the most popular skirting board materials. It’s affordable and moisture resistant. However, it’s not the most durable option. MDF is susceptible to chips, cracks, and warping.
If you want a more durable solution, consider natural wood skirting boards. These could be made from oak, tulipwood, Sapele, or pine. They’re slightly more expensive, but they are durable, easy to design, and look stunning.
If you decide to go with MDF, make sure you buy the material from reputable sources since some MDF materials have been linked to health risks.
2. Design
The best skirting boards accentuate the design of your floor and overall home decor. You must, hence, choose a design that aligns with your existing decor.
For example, if you are trying to pull a Georgian house theme, victorian skirting boards will go a long way to perfecting that decor. On the other hand, Edwardian skirting boards perform incredibly well with modern home decors.
Those are just two skirting designs and how they can blend with different home decors. But as you can see at Metres Direct, Skirting boards are available in dozens of styles. That’s great news because it means you can get the perfect style for your needs.
If you are feeling confused about which design is best for you, consult a professional.
3. Color
Color and design go hand in hand. The good news here is you can paint your skirting boards in different ways. You can also give them a varnishing or oiling finish. That’s the beauty of choosing natural wood skirting boards.
The appropriate color ultimately depends on your needs. White goes with just about any color scheme, so it’s a great alternative if you feel confused. And if you have white walls, colored skirting boards can create a vibrant decor.
You can also experiment with different colors to find something more unique. You could, for instance, paint the boards in the same color as your walls. Or mix up the colors a bit to make something more interesting. Combine dark grey walls with light grey skirting boards, for example.
It’s really up to you and the goals you have for your home.
4. Size
The size of your skirting boards can influence how good your rooms look. Consider the size of your room and pick skirting boards of the appropriate scale.
If your ceiling is really high, you will find high skirting boards more effective. On the other hand, low skirting boards will serve you better if you have a low ceiling.
Skirting boards can make the difference between stunning decor and an awkward interior design. The boards also have a functional purpose. As we’ve pointed out, natural wood skirting boards are more durable compared to their budget-friendly DMF counterparts. Therefore, you will get more value for your money going with the natural wood boards.
