The skirting board: the perfect transition between floor and wall

Skirting is an effective solution that helps to create design-led spaces.

With a decorative function in interior design, skirtings manage to project a polished and uniform appearance of spaces. Discover in this post what a skirting board 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 floor. Wall skirting gives any room an elegant and modern look. The pieces used for skirtings are generally 6 to 12 cm high. The width varies depending on the size of the floor covering.

Skirting is a decorative and practical way to improve the appearance of a room. At the same time, it serves to protect the walls from scratches, marks and damage, especially when cleaning the floor. It covers the joint between the floor and the wall. These are usually wooden or ceramic skirtings.

L’Antic Colonial bedroom, with Skins Wallpaper.

Ceramic for the skirting board

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

Ceramic skirtings 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 skirtings are available in a variety of styles, colours and textures. From matt, gloss, smooth or textured finishes, ceramic skirtings offer options to suit any aesthetic preference.

The skirting board is not normally used on the wall when ceramic tiles are installed. If wallpaper or Alluslate® aluminum panels are used, the skirting is a perfect complement.

Types of wall skirtings

Skirting is an essential element in the decoration of any room, adding the finishing touch to walls and floors. Choosing the right colour for skirting boards makes a big difference to 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 skirting: a timeless choice. Adding texture and interest to any room, white skirting is a timeless and timeless choice. If the skirting has a curved profile or rounded edges, white will blend in with the wall, especially if the wall is also white.
• Black skirting: a classic style. This is a classic and timeless option that adds a sophisticated detail. It also contrasts with the lighter colored or black and white checkerboard flooring for an optimal effect. This colour is a good choice of skirting 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 colours. This makes them an excellent choice for high traffic areas. For a more dramatic effect, we suggest using a darker shade of grey for the walls of the room.
• Illuminated skirting. Its application is especially designed for interior flooring, with a clear decorative function. On the other hand, it serves as a means of signage. With the illuminated skirting, hidden from view and directed downwards, a very elegant halo of light is achieved. It manages to delimit environments and fix a specific point of attention in the room where they are placed.

Warmth with wooden skirtings

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

• Oak: one of the most popular options for those who want a more traditional atmosphere. It has a warm honey-toned finish that contrasts perfectly with the neutral and earthy tones.
• Walnut: one of the so-called hardwoods. Wooden skirtings in this shade add a touch of sophistication to any room. Light shades go best with walnut skirting boards.
• Washed grey: this type is a contemporary choice. 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

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

• Bathroom. Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in which to install skirting boards, as moisture is particularly present. Ceramic or PVC skirting boards are ideal, thanks to their resistance to moisture and ease of cleaning. The bathroom skirting board should match or complement the ceramic tiles laid. In fact, the flooring itself can be used as a skirting board, simply by adapting it to size. This creates an impeccable and elegant appearance.
• Kitchen. Kitchens are another room in the home that requires skirting boards, where moisture, heat and grease are common. This protects the walls from damage. When used in conjunction with wall tiles, they do not necessarily have to protrude, creating a stylish and modern look. In addition to their protective function, skirtings in the kitchen serve as a barrier to water seepage behind furniture.
• Living room. This is one of the busiest spaces in the house. Especially in this case, the skirting board 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 fulfil an aesthetic and protective function, but also contribute to the comfort of the environment. Skirtings provide thermal and acoustic insulation, helping to maintain a suitable room temperature and reducing outside noise. In turn, this makes for a more relaxing and restful environment.

Hotel Castillo Peniscola, Porcelanosa Group design.

The skirting board in commercial spaces

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

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

They also 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 point of view, skirting boards in commercial spaces improve the overall appearance of the place. In terms of maintenance, skirting boards 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. In this way, they will not lose their appearance and functionality.

As for the type of skirting board, metal is highly recommended because it allows the passage of electrical or fiber optic cabling. Its installation is interesting where there are changes in the distribution of workstations or furniture in general. At the same time, it is often used in refurbishments, given that the walls are not modified.

The effectiveness and style of the skirting board

Skirtings are the optimal choice to protect walls from damage and add elegance. You can find a wide range of colours and styles. Therefore, it is easy for you to find the perfect match for the floor and wall covering. Skirtings offer a practical and elegant solution that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Text: Porcelanosa