Decorating skirting boards is a great way to enhance the overall aesthetic of a room, adding character and style to often-overlooked details. Whether you prefer a classic, modern, or bold look, skirting boards can be customized with paints, stains, or creative finishes to complement your interior design. This guide will help you with how to decorate skirting boards.
What Are Skirting Boards?
Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, are architectural elements that run along the lowest part of an interior wall. Their primary purpose is to cover the joint between the wall and the floor, providing a smooth transition and a finished look. Beyond their functional role in protecting walls from scuffs and damage, skirting boards also serve an aesthetic purpose, as they help define the style of a room. Available in various materials, such as wood, MDF, and PVC, and in different designs and heights, skirting boards can be tailored to suit both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Why Decorating Skirting Boards is Important
Decorating skirting boards is an effective way to elevate the appearance of any room and tie together your interior design. While they may seem like a minor detail, skirting boards play a key role in defining the overall style and atmosphere of a space. A well-decorated skirting board can complement the walls, flooring, and furniture, creating a cohesive and polished look. Additionally, decorating them can help highlight architectural features or add character, especially in older homes where skirting boards may have intricate designs.
Beyond aesthetics, proper decoration, such as using durable paint or finishes, can protect skirting boards from wear and tear, ensuring they remain in good condition for years to come.
10 Methods How to Decorate Skirting Boards
1. Paint in Contrasting Colors
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to decorate skirting boards is by painting them in a color that contrasts with the walls and floor. If your walls are light, consider darker shades like charcoal, navy, or black for the skirting boards to create a striking outline. Conversely, bright or metallic colors can add a playful or luxurious touch. Always use durable, high-gloss or semi-gloss paint for an elegant finish and easy maintenance.
2. Add a Two-Tone Effect
For a more sophisticated look, consider a two-tone painting technique. Divide the skirting board horizontally and use two complementary colors, such as a neutral base with a metallic stripe or a bold color with a white highlight. This method can emphasize the architectural details of the skirting boards, making them stand out as a design element.
3. Apply Decorative Molding or Trim
Enhance the appearance of plain skirting boards by attaching decorative moldings or trims. Crown moldings, rope trims, or embossed strips can add texture and visual interest. These elements can be painted to match the existing skirting or highlighted with a contrasting color to emphasize their intricate designs. This approach is ideal for traditional or Victorian-style interiors.
4. Use Stencils for Patterns
Stenciling is a creative way to add patterns or designs to skirting boards. Choose patterns that complement the room’s theme, such as geometric designs for modern spaces or floral motifs for classic interiors. Secure the stencil and carefully apply paint using a sponge or small brush. Stenciling allows for endless customization, enabling you to create unique and artistic skirting boards.
5. Install LED Lighting
Adding LED lighting to skirting boards not only enhances their appearance but also provides functional benefits. LED strips can be installed along the top edge, creating a soft, ambient glow that highlights the boards and illuminates the floor. This method is particularly effective in hallways, living rooms, or bedrooms, adding a modern and luxurious touch to the space.
6. Incorporate Wallpaper or Decals
If you want to bring patterns and textures into the design without painting, wallpaper or decals are excellent options. Cut wallpaper strips or use adhesive decals to cover the skirting boards. Choose designs that complement the walls or create contrast for a bold statement. This method is ideal for quick updates and allows for easy changes when you want a new look.
7. Add Metallic Finishes
For a luxurious and contemporary vibe, apply metallic finishes to your skirting boards. Use metallic paints in gold, silver, or bronze to create a shimmering effect. For a more subtle approach, consider applying metallic highlights to decorative moldings or edges. Metallic skirting boards pair beautifully with minimalist interiors, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication.
8. Use Textured Finishes
Textured finishes, such as faux wood grain or stone effects, can add depth and character to skirting boards. Specially designed rollers or brushes can help create these finishes. Alternatively, apply textured wallpaper or adhesive sheets designed to mimic natural materials. Textured skirting boards are particularly suited to rustic, industrial, or eclectic interiors.
9. Highlight with Gloss or Lacquer
For a polished and professional look, finish skirting boards with a high-gloss or lacquer coating. This technique enhances the existing color and makes the boards stand out while providing a durable, easy-to-clean surface. Glossy finishes are especially effective in contemporary spaces, reflecting light and adding a sleek, modern touch.
10. Create a Custom Design with Inlays
For a truly unique look, incorporate inlays into your skirting boards. Use materials like wood, metal, or resin to create custom designs, such as stripes, floral motifs, or geometric patterns. Inlays can be stained or painted in contrasting colors to stand out. This method is labor-intensive but offers a one-of-a-kind result that elevates the entire room’s design.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Proper maintenance and upkeep of skirting boards are essential to preserve their appearance and ensure their longevity. Regular cleaning is the first step in maintaining skirting boards. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, so use a soft cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment to clean them weekly. For tougher stains, a damp cloth with mild soap can help remove marks without damaging the finish.
Inspect skirting boards periodically for signs of wear, such as chips, cracks, or peeling paint. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage. Sanding down rough spots and applying a fresh coat of paint or finish will keep skirting boards looking their best. Additionally, ensure that areas around the boards are moisture-free, as prolonged exposure to water can lead to warping or damage, especially for wooden skirting boards.
For decorative enhancements like LED strips or wallpaper, check the attachments regularly to ensure they remain secure. Replace or repair any damaged materials to maintain a polished appearance. With minimal but consistent care, skirting boards can stay in excellent condition and continue to enhance the style and functionality of your interiors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When enhancing or maintaining skirting boards, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that could compromise their appearance or functionality. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Neglecting Preparation
Skipping proper preparation steps, such as cleaning, sanding, or priming the surface, can lead to uneven finishes and poor paint adhesion. Always ensure the surface is clean, smooth, and dry before starting any work.
- Using the Wrong Paint or Materials
Choosing low-quality paint or materials that are not suitable for skirting boards can result in peeling, chipping, or an unprofessional look. Select durable, high-quality paints and finishes, specifically designed for wood or the material of your skirting boards.
- Ignoring Measurements and Proportions
Failing to measure accurately or consider the proportions of the room can lead to decorations or enhancements that look awkward or imbalanced. For example, overly wide moldings or patterns may overwhelm the space, while thin details could go unnoticed.
- Overloading with Decorations
Adding too many design elements, such as stencils, trims, or metallic accents, can make the skirting boards appear cluttered and detract from the overall aesthetic of the room. Aim for a balanced approach that complements the space rather than overwhelming it.
- Misaligned or Poorly Secured Enhancements
Decorative additions like trims, LED strips, or wallpaper must be precisely aligned and securely attached. Misaligned elements or loose attachments can create an untidy look and require frequent repairs.
- Painting Over Damage
Covering up chips, cracks, or imperfections with paint without addressing the underlying issues can lead to uneven results and further damage over time. Always repair any damage before applying paint or finishes.
- Forgetting to Protect Surrounding Areas
Neglecting to protect adjacent walls, floors, or furniture during the painting or decorating process can lead to unwanted splatters or damage. Use painter’s tape, drop cloths, and protective covers to safeguard the surrounding areas.
- Overlooking Maintenance Post-Enhancement
After enhancing skirting boards, failing to regularly clean or inspect them for wear and tear can shorten their lifespan and diminish their aesthetic appeal. Consistent upkeep is necessary to preserve the improvements.
Conclusion
Decorating skirting boards is an excellent way to elevate the overall aesthetic of a space. From simple paint applications to intricate inlays, these ten methods provide diverse options for enhancing the visual appeal of skirting boards while maintaining their functional purpose. Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about how to decorate skirting boards successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?