There are various types of skirting, also known as baseboard or base moulding, which is a decorative or protective feature at the base of an interior wall in architecture. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing protection against wear and tear, adding aesthetic appeal, and concealing gaps between walls and floors. Types of Skirting come in various styles, profiles, and materials, allowing for customisation to match the design theme. It is typically installed after walls are in place before flooring is laid, using nails, screws, adhesive, or other fastening methods. In this article, we will explore various types of skirting commonly employed in construction. Skirting is a crucial aspect of interior design, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Plain skirting, also known as square skirting, is a simple baseboard moulding with a clean, modern aesthetic. Its straightforward design complements various interior styles, making it easy to maintain and clean. Plain skirting is cost-effective, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enhance a space. It allows other design elements to take centre stage, serving as a subtle framing element for walls. It is particularly well-suited for modern and minimalist architectural styles, where simplicity, straight lines, and minimal ornamentation are key.
Chamfered skirting, a baseboard moulding with bevelled edges along the top surface, adds a subtle decorative touch. It is versatile, complementing both contemporary and traditional interior styles. The bevelled edges can create light and shadow effects, adding depth and dimension to a space. Chamfered skirting also creates a smooth transition between walls and floors, contributing to a cohesive look. It is also suitable for those seeking a refined look without ornamental trim.
Ogee skirting is a baseboard moulding with a classic S-shaped profile, reminiscent of traditional architectural styles. It adds elegance and sophistication to a room, enhancing its traditional aesthetic. Its intricate detailing and curves create visual interest and can serve as a decorative focal point. Its attention-grabbing detail frames the wall base, adding a finishing touch to the overall interior design. Ogee skirting is well-suited for those who appreciate classic and ornate details.
Bullnose skirting, with a rounded, semi-circular profile on the top edge, creates a soft and contemporary aesthetic. Its smooth curves contribute to a clean, minimalist look, making it popular for interiors with clean lines and simplicity. It creates seamless transitions between walls and floors, creating a flowing visual effect. It is easy to clean and maintain, making it suitable for smaller rooms or areas with a cosy atmosphere.
Torus skirting with a semi-circular convex moulding at the top creates a rounded and decorative profile. It adds a classic and timeless appearance to a room and is suitable for various design styles. Torus skirting is versatile, adapting well to different rooms and styles. Its smooth transition between walls and floor enhances the overall look. Despite its simplicity, torus skirting still demonstrates attention to detail. It can be used in formal living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways.
Lambs tongue skirting is a moulding with a distinctive concave curve, resembling a lamb’s tongue, giving it a unique and ornate appearance. This design element is popular for traditional or heritage-inspired interiors, complementing historical styles like Victorian or Georgian architecture. The concave curve contributes to ornate detailing, showcasing craftsmanship and attention to detail. Regular dusting and maintenance are recommended to preserve its appearance. This type of skirting is ideal for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and historical charm.
Metal skirting is a modern and durable alternative to traditional wooden boards, offering aesthetics and functionality. Available in materials like aluminium and stainless steel, it offers a contemporary aesthetic and is resistant to wear and tear. It is easy to clean and maintain, with its smooth surface requiring only a damp cloth. Metal skirting is versatile in design and finish, available in various profiles and shapes to suit different architectural styles. It is commonly used in commercial spaces, residential interiors, and areas with a contemporary and industrial aesthetic.
Double-layer skirting is a design that consists of two distinct layers or sections, adding depth and dimension to a room’s appearance. This design allows for a combination of different profiles, shapes, or materials, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. It also introduces architectural detail, making the room more sophisticated. The dual layers create a sense of depth, making the skirting more visually impactful. The design can vary in style, with some opting for subtle contrasts and others for bold statements. The material contrast adds interest to the design. Double-layer skirting offers practical benefits, making it an adaptable option for customising a room’s look and feel.
Continuous skirting is a skirting board design that extends along the entire length of a wall without interruption, creating a smooth, unbroken line around the room. Its primary characteristic is its seamless appearance, contributing to a modern and minimalist aesthetic. It eliminates the need for corner joints, resulting in a visually simple and streamlined look. It is often centred on maintaining consistency in material and colour, often using the same material and finish as the flooring or coordinating the skirting colour with the wall colour.
Coloured skirting is a design choice that enhances the aesthetics of a room by painting or finishing it in a colour other than the natural material. This choice can be used to create a cohesive and harmonious look, coordinate with the interior palette, create contrast for emphasis, match or complement flooring, reflect design themes, offer customisation possibilities, and create a focal point. The choice of material for the skirting can influence its colour retention and durability. Maintenance of coloured skirting involves periodic touch-ups or repainting, depending on the quality of paint or finish and wear and tear in the space. Whether choosing subtle neutrals or bold hues, coloured skirting offers a versatile and impactful way to influence a room’s visual character.
The wide-running types of skirting provide designers and homeowners with a versatile palette for customizing spaces according to individual preferences and design sensibilities. Whether embracing the timeless charm of ogee skirting or opting for the contemporary allure of metal skirting, each variant plays a crucial role in shaping the visual appeal and practical functionality of interior spaces. Skirting boards play a pivotal role in creating the illusion of spaciousness within a room. By drawing the eye toward the floor and guiding it upward along the wall, various types of skirting boards establish a seamless transition between the floor and wall surfaces. Despite its modest size, myriad types of skirting stand out as a significant design element, demonstrating its capacity to leave a lasting impact on the overall aesthetics of a space.
Content Writing And Research By: Ar. Priyanshi Shah
KAIA is a home where modern minimalism interior design meets soulful warmth, a serene sanctuary for a family of five in an upscale Bangalore apartment. From our very first meeting with the clients, we realised that they were well-prepared and deeply invested in finding the perfect design partner. Having explored multiple design firms, they sought […]
Situated in the vibrant CBD Belapur area of Navi Mumbai, the Ganga Niwas Penthouse – a duplex house interior design by Studio Amalgam is an architectural statement that balances luxurious living with a deep respect for its environment. This duplex penthouse is thoughtfully designed to embrace the natural beauty of its surroundings, the calm backwaters […]
The client, an architect with a keen eye for diverse flavors and moods, in this home extension design, envisioned creating a personal sanctuary. This 1BHK extension to an existing 3BHK apartment reflects their unique style. Rather than adding an additional kitchen, they opted to convert the space into a walk-in wardrobe with a small pantry, […]
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Vana, meaning forest, this vastu compliant home home is rooted in the idea of stillness, warmth, and nature. From the beginning, we wanted the house to feel calm and personal. A space where wood, natural textures, and soft greens could come together in quiet harmony. Our approach was simple. We […]
This home embraces a serene and neutral color palette interior design, creating an inviting atmosphere. A 5-bedroom 3750 sqft Duplex Residence located in Emaar Palm Gardens, Gurgaon. Soft beiges, creamy whites, warm taupes, and gentle greys form the foundation, creating a sense of comfort and timeless elegance. Natural textures like wood enhance the warmth, while carefully […]
Project Lighthouse embodies purposeful renovation house design. An ornate apartment was stripped back and re-imagined as a modern minimal retreat. Located in the heart of Bangalore’s Central Business District, the home was originally steeped in glossy finishes, decorative frills, and ornamental flourishes. The client approached us with a clear brief: to deliver an opulent, functional […]
The client requested an elegant interior design for a calm, clutter-free home that promotes relaxation, emphasises natural light, and uses a neutral palette. They desired functional luxury, with elements of nature incorporated into the interiors. Every home has a story, and this one began almost a year ago when the house was still under construction. […]
This tranquil home is a perfect blend of natural elements and contemporary aesthetics. There is something categorically unique but hugely comforting about this pastel-coloured, earthy-toned apartment located right in the moderately quieter but bustling cityscape of New Mumbai. Suyash Mankame Design Studio has aimed to transform this 1200-square-foot three-bedroom-kitchen flat into a lush home with easy […]
This home exudes warmth with earth tone interior design. The client, an Indian national doctor based in Jamaica, had a clear vision for his dream home in Bangalore. He wanted a plush residence that would serve as a warm and welcoming haven for his family of three, as they relocated to India. The client’s requirements […]
A 6,500-square-foot house in a peaceful Hyderabad neighbourhood tells a story through arches in interior design, light, shadow, texture, and time rather than words. Meghana Nimmagadda founded the award-winning boutique design studio Designtales, which is responsible for this most recent residential project. Designtales is well-known for its intensely individualised approach to interior design. They create […]