In the grand tapestry of interior design, skirting boards are akin to the subtle brush strokes that complete a masterpiece. While their presence might be understated, choosing the right height can make a world of difference to the aesthetics of a room. Thanks to our mates at Skirting World, we’re here to decode the skirting board height conundrum for UK homes.
1. Traditional Guidelines
Historically, skirting boards in UK homes ranged from a petite 5 inches to a more grandiose 7 inches. These dimensions provided a balance – not too dominating, yet substantial enough to make a statement.
2. The Room’s Role
Living Spaces & Bedrooms: For primary living areas and bedrooms, a skirting board height of 5 to 7 inches is most common. This height complements standard room sizes and ceiling heights, ensuring a harmonious look.
Bathrooms & Kitchens: In spaces prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, a shorter skirting board (around 3 to 5 inches) is often preferred. This reduces potential water contact while still serving its aesthetic purpose.
3. Ceiling Considerations
The height of your ceiling can influence your skirting board choice. For homes with a standard ceiling height (around 2.4m), a skirting board of 5 to 6 inches works wonders. However, for those grand rooms with tall ceilings, a height of 7 inches or more can provide a sense of balance.
4. The Floor Factor
If you’re rocking a plush, deep-pile carpet, you might want to opt for taller skirting boards. Why? It prevents the carpet from overshadowing the skirting. For sleek laminates or tiles, standard heights are more than adequate.
5. Modern Trends
The winds of interior design are ever-shifting. Lately, there’s been a move towards taller, more pronounced skirting boards, especially in contemporary homes. These can range from 7 inches to a bold 12 inches, adding a touch of modern drama.
6. Trust Your Gut (and Tape Measure)
While guidelines are handy, every home has its unique character. Grab a tape measure, cut out cardboard samples of different heights, and see what feels right in your space. Sometimes, the best guide is your intuition.
