The skirting board: the perfect transition between the floor and the wall

With a decorative function in interior design, baseboards manage to project a polished and uniform appearance of spaces. Discover in this post what a baseboard is, the different uses, its characteristics and possible combinations.

What is a skirting board

The skirting is a horizontal strip, located a few centimeters from the bottom of the wall. The skirting protects the wall from traffic and enhances the appearance of the flooring. Wall skirting provides an elegant and modern look to any room. The pieces used for skirting are generally 6 to 12 cm high. The width varies according to the format of the flooring.

Skirting is a decorative and practical option to improve the appearance of a room. At the same time, it serves to protect the walls from possible scratches, marks and damage, especially when cleaning the floor. It covers the joint between the floor and the wall. They are usually wood or ceramic skirting boards.

Ceramic for the wall baseboard

Ceramic baseboards offer a wide range of colors and designs. They are very durable, easy to clean and moisture resistant, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Ceramic baseboards are a popular and versatile choice for adding a touch of style and functionality to any space. They offer exceptional durability and remarkable resistance to wear, moisture and stains. Their surface is easy to clean, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

In addition to their technical properties, ceramic baseboards are available in a variety of styles, colors and textures. From matte, gloss, smooth or textured finishes, ceramic baseboards offer options to suit any aesthetic preference.

Normally, when ceramic tile is installed, the baseboard is not used on the wall. If wallpaper or Alluslate® aluminum panels are used, the baseboard is a perfect complement.

Types of wall baseboards

The baseboard is an essential element in the decoration of any room, providing the finishing touch to walls and floors. Choosing the right color for baseboards makes a big difference in the overall look of a space. Among the most prominent finishes are: white, metal and black. Each shade has its unique characteristics and benefits.

• White baseboard: a timeless choice. Adding texture and interest to any room, white baseboard is a timeless and timeless choice. If the baseboard has a curved profile or rounded edges, white will blend in with the wall, especially if the wall is also white.
• Black baseboard: a classic style. This is a classic and timeless option that adds a sophisticated detail. It also contrasts with lighter-colored or checkerboard black and white flooring for optimal effect. This color is a good choice of baseboards for modern hallways.
• Metal plinth: modern look. It is a practical, discreet and elegant option. One of its main advantages is that they do not show accumulated dirt, as is the case with other colors. This makes them an excellent choice for high traffic areas. For a more dramatic effect, we suggest using a darker gray tone for the walls of the room.
• Illuminated baseboard. Its application is specially designed for interior pavements, with a clear decorative function. On the other hand, it serves as a means of signaling. With the illuminated baseboard, hidden from view and directed downwards, a very elegant halo of light is achieved. It manages to delimit the environments and set a specific point of attention in the room where they are placed.

Warmth with wood baseboards

They are a trendy option to add a warm touch to the home and complement the wood effect ceramic flooring. Mainly, we distinguish three finishes of wood baseboards:

• Oak: one of the most demanded options for those who want a more traditional atmosphere. It has a warm honey finish that contrasts perfectly with the neutral and earthy tones.
• Walnut: one of the considered hardwoods. Wood baseboards in this tone add a touch of sophistication to any room. Light shades are the best match for walnut baseboards.
• Washed gray: this type is a contemporary option. It blends perfectly with a variety of interior design styles. This subtle tone lends a touch of texture and interest to your walls and floors, without detracting from other elements of the space.

The skirting and the different rooms of the home

The baseboard enhances and complements the different rooms of a house. If you choose the right baseboard for each room, you will improve the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Here are some tips on how to place baseboards in every room.

• Bathroom. Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms to install baseboards, since humidity is especially present. Ceramic or PVC baseboards are ideal, thanks to their resistance to moisture and ease of cleaning. The bathroom baseboard should match or complement the ceramic tile installed. In fact, the same flooring can be used as a baseboard, simply by adapting it to the size. This creates an impeccable and elegant appearance.
• Kitchen. Kitchens are another room in the home that requires baseboards, where moisture, heat and grease are common. This protects the walls from damage. If used in conjunction with wall tiles, they do not necessarily have to stand out, creating a sleek, modern look. In addition to their protective function, baseboards in the kitchen serve as a barrier to water seepage behind furniture. Discover here the trends for kitchens in 2024.
• Living room. This is one of the busiest spaces in the house. Especially in this case, the baseboard provides a smooth transition between the walls and the floor, unifying the design of the space. Thus, they add a touch of elegance or modernity depending on the chosen style.
• Bedroom. They not only fulfill an aesthetic and protective function, but also contribute to the comfort of the environment. Skirting boards provide thermal and acoustic insulation, helping to maintain an adequate room temperature and reducing outside noise. In turn, this favors a more relaxing and restful environment.

The baseboard in commercial spaces

Skirting in commercial spaces serves several essential functions, contributing to the overall appearance and durability of the commercial environment.

First of all, the installation of baseboards in commercial spaces protects the walls from damage. This can be caused by constant traffic, furniture movement and other impacts.

In addition, they act as a barrier against moisture and dirt, keeping environments clean. This additional protection is crucial in commercial environments where image is key to a positive first impression.

From an aesthetic standpoint, baseboards in commercial spaces enhance the overall appearance of the space. In terms of maintenance, baseboards in commercial spaces must be durable and easy to clean. Therefore, it is important to select resistant materials that can withstand daily wear and tear and frequent cleaning. Thus, they will lose neither their appearance nor their functionality.

As for the type of baseboard, the metal one is highly recommended because it allows the passage of electrical or fiber optic cabling. Its placement is interesting where there are changes in the distribution of workstations or furniture in general. At the same time, its use is frequent in renovations, since the walls are not modified.

The effectiveness and style of the skirting

Baseboards are the optimal choice for protecting walls from damage and adding elegance. You can find a wide range of colors and styles. Therefore, it is easy for you to find the perfect combination for flooring and wainscoting. Skirting boards offer a practical and elegant solution that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space.