Our Top 5 Traditional Skirting Board Profiles: Timeless Choices for Your Home

Skirting boards are the unsung heroes in the world of interior design. They have the dual effort of protecting your walls from scuff and knocks, while also seamlessly adjoining and complementing your choice of wall and flooring.

Get it right, and your rooms are beautifully trimmed with a professionally cut sash that will look professional and fresh for years to come. Get it wrong, and all your interior efforts will be abruptly interrupted by a mismatched design choice.

The best designs are created with attention to detail. Whether that detail comes down to elaborate profiles that give a nod to past architectural traditions, or sleek, simplistic designs that give the room contemporary finesse, skirting boards offer a surprisingly unique opportunity to add a touch of personality to a room.

Here, we look at the top traditional profiles that have stood the test of time for a reason, and are still favoured today for their versatility and timeless class. These classic profiles and their craftsmanship marry functionality with beauty, proving that even the smallest of features can have a significant impact on the design of our homes.

How Skirting Board Profiles Have Changed

Skirting boards have always been designed with more than just functionality and protection of walls in mind. As aficionados of interior design, we appreciate all eras of the skirting board and how it has developed through various historical periods.

Starting with the Victorian era, skirting boards emerged as a statement of elegance and intricacy. These designs typically showcased substantial height and depth, featuring sophisticated mouldings and ornamentation.

In Georgian and Edwardian homes, the skirting profiles became less elaborate than their Victorian predecessors. Georgian skirting boards often embraced simple, elegant lines, while Edwardian profiles displayed somewhat more decorative features.

Today, we often see these traditional designs blended into contemporary decor. Next, we’ll look at each of the design options that embrace traditional profiles in this way.

Popular Traditional Skirting Board Profiles

Let’s explore the five traditional skirting board profiles that have stood the test of time – the Ogee, Bullnose, Torus, Lambs Tongue, and the Ovolo. Each of these has its own unique characteristics and applications, giving us functionality and traditional style.

Ogee Profile

The Ogee profile is distinguished by its S-shaped curve, providing a traditional and decorative finish and timeless elegance. It’s a versatile choice that complements various interior design styles, often used in period homes due to its elegant detailing.

Torus Profile

Recognised by its semi-circular arch, the Torus profile features a single, prominent curve that projects a subtle yet classic appearance. Popular for its enduring quality, the Torus skirting board is known for its smooth, rounded edge that can suit both modern and traditional interiors.

Ovolo Profile

Similar to an egg mould, the Ovolo has a less pronounced curve than the Ogee and Torus, giving a soft, convex profile. This type has gained popularity for its understated elegance and ability to blend into a variety of spaces without overpowering them.

Bullnose Profile

Characterised by its rounded edge, the Bullnose is ideal for both period and modern homes. These  skirting boards are defined by their clean lines and neat finish, with various grooves available. This allows for a more simplistic, sleek look in a traditional setting.

Lambs Tongue Profile

The Lambs Tongue skirting board profile has a concave shape with a rounded tip that resembles a lambs tongue. This design is appreciated for its soft contours, and is commonly found in heritage properties for its historical significance and charm.

Material Choices for Traditional Skirting Boards

Traditional skirting boards are commonly made from solid wood such as oak or mahogany. However, today the more popular materials are sturdy and durable, yet cost-effective and easy to adjust in size and appearance.

Choosing the material for your skirting boards is an important decision to make. The most common materials for skirting boards include MDF, oak, and pine. Here’s an overview on each to help you decide which will work best for your space and budget:

Hardwood Skirting Boards (such as Oak):

• Durable: Oak is a hardwood known for its long-lasting properties.
• Luxury Appearance: Adds a premium feel to interiors.
• Natural Patterns: Each piece is unique, featuring distinctive grain patterns.

Softwood Skirting Boards (such as Pine):

• Affordable: Pine is a more budget-friendly option compared to hardwood.
• Easy to Stain: Can be stained to enhance its natural look.
• Less Durable: May not be as hardwearing as oak, but is still robust.

MDF Skirting Boards:

• Economical: MDF is very cost-effective.
• Easy to Install: It’s lightweight and easy to work with.
• Customisable: Ready for painting, you can easily match it with your décor.

How To Decide On The Best Traditional Skirting Board

When we select our ideal skirting boards, we must weigh our own personal preference against the architectural style of our space. For modern interiors, skirting with clean lines that complement minimalist design would be best. This will maintain the sleekness of a room without drawing undue attention to the skirting itself.

Victorian skirting boards, on the other hand, can add period charm with their intricate mouldings. These often pair well with matching architraves and dado rails to preserve the historical integrity of a room.

The key is to ensure that these classic profiles settle seamlessly into the overall design of the room. Vision how a tyle will look when trimmed delicately between your walls and flooring – do you want them to stand out, or blend in quietly?

Don’t forget to consider architraves too, or they may clash.

FAQs

Can I mix and match different skirting board profiles in the same room?

While it’s best to stick with one consistent skirting board profile throughout a room for a cohesive look, it’s your design – there are no rules.

We more commonly see people mixing and matching different profiles between rooms or floors of their home. This gives each room its own personality and feel, which is surprisingly noticeable when you walk between them.

How do I properly measure for skirting boards?

To measure for skirting boards, start by calculating the total perimeter of the room. Measure the length of each wall and add the measurements together.

I always recommend adding an extra 10% to your total. This covers waste and potential mistakes during installation, ensuring you have enough to get the job done.

How do I install traditional skirting boards?

Installing skirting boards involves measuring and cutting the boards to size, applying adhesive to the back of the boards, and nailing them into place along the base of the wall. Use a mitre saw to achieve precise 45-degree angles for a seamless fit in the corners of the room.

Can I paint or stain my traditional skirting boards?

Yes, most traditional skirting boards can be painted or stained to match your personal style and décor preferences

If you plan on painting your skirting boards, it’s best to use a semi-gloss or gloss paint for added durability and ease of cleaning. If you prefer a natural wood look, you can stain your skirting boards to enhance the wood grain and protect the surface.