Skirting boards have been an integral part of UK architectural design for centuries, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. These boards have evolved significantly over time, from their humble beginnings as a simple means of hiding unsightly gaps between walls and floors, to becoming a key feature in contemporary interior design. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating evolution of skirtings boards in UK architectural design and how they have become an indispensable element of modern interior design.
Early skirting boards were simple, straight pieces of wood, designed to cover the gap between the wall and floor and to protect the wall from damage from kicks, furniture, and general wear and tear. Over time, skirting boards became more elaborate, featuring intricate designs and mouldings that added a touch of elegance and style to the home. In the Georgian period, skirting boards became an important part of ornate interior design, with many grand homes featuring highly decorative skirting boards made from expensive hardwoods and featuring intricate carvings.
During the Victorian era, skirting board design took a dramatic turn, with many homes featuring grand, highly ornate boards that were almost artistic in their design. These boards were often tall and featured intricate curves and patterns that were typically painted in elaborate colour schemes. This style of skirting board design remained popular well into the 20th century, before falling out of favour in the modern era.
In recent years, skirting board design has seen another evolution, with many architects and designers turning to minimalism and simplicity in their designs. Simple, unadorned skirting boards have become popular, with many architects opting for clean lines and a lack of detail to create a sense of spaciousness and modernity. These simple, understated skirting boards can be found in many contemporary homes, where they are often used in conjunction with modern colour schemes and minimalist furniture.
Another trend in skirting board design that has emerged in recent years is the use of materials other than wood. Many homeowners and designers are looking for innovative ways to incorporate elements of the natural world into their homes, leading to the rise of skirting boards made from materials like stone, marble, and concrete. These materials offer a unique, modern aesthetic that is both durable and visually striking. They can be found in a range of colours and finishes, and can help to add character and texture to a space.
Skirting boards, also known as baseboards or mopboards, are an essential element in UK architectural design. They are installed at the bottom of walls and conceal the gap between the wall and the floor, providing a smooth transition between the two. Skirting boards not only serve a functional purpose but also add an aesthetic element to the design of a room. In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of skirting boards in UK architectural design and how they have changed over time.
The earliest evidence of skirting boards dates back to the Georgian era in the 18th century. During this time, skirting boards were mainly made of wood and had a simple design. The skirting boards were tall and often painted white, serving as a decorative element in the room. They would be painted the same color as the walls, creating an illusion of a taller ceiling.
As time passed, skirting boards became more elaborate in their design during the Victorian era. Skirting boards were made taller and had intricate designs with moldings and patterns. The Victorians also preferred to have skirting boards made of more expensive wood, such as mahogany, rosewood, or walnut, to match their ornate furnishings.
In the 20th century, skirting boards began to lose their ornate designs as modernism took over. Architects and designers started to embrace the functionality and practicality of skirting boards, and simple designs without embellishments became popular.
Today, skirting boards come in a wide range of designs and materials, ranging from simple to elaborate designs, from wood to MDF, although wooden skirting boards are still popular today. The design choice depends on the homeowner’s preference and the style of the house. For example, a traditional Victorian house would look more authentic with an elaborate skirting board design.
Skirting boards still serve the same purpose today as they did in the past, although they have adapted to fit modern lifestyles. With the rise of technology such as underfloor heating, for instance, skirting boards now often include integrated aluminum extrusions to protect wiring and switchgear.
Conclusion:
Skirting boards have come a long way from their origins in the Georgian era. From simple, tall designs made of wood to elaborate designs in expensive woods during the Victorian era, they then became simpler and focused on functionality and practicality during the 20th century, and still serve practical purposes combined with style today. Architects and designers still use skirting boards today not only for their functional purposes but also as a decorative element to add a finishing touch to a room. Skirting boards are constantly evolving to keep up with modern lifestyle changes and technological advancements.
Skirting boards have come a long way from their initial purpose of simply covering gaps and protecting walls. Over the centuries, they have evolved alongside the changing trends in interior design, becoming a key element of both traditional and modern architecture. From the elaborate designs of the Georgian and Victorian eras to the minimalist, understated styles of today, skirting boards have been used to create a sense of elegance, warmth, and character in homes throughout the UK. Whether made from traditional wood or modern materials, skirting boards continue to be an indispensable element of interior design, playing a key role in shaping the look and feel of our homes.
