Types of Skirting Board Profiles
Types of Skirting Board Profiles
Once you begin looking into skirting board designs, one term you'll see time and time again is "profile." The profile of a skirting board is the moulded design that lends it personality, whether that's a clean pencil-round edge or a decorative ogee curve. Understanding skirting board profiles and their impact on the appearance, feel, and functionality of a room will enable you to select the ideal skirting board for any project.
What Exactly Is a Skirting Board Profile?
A profile is the cross-sectional shape you'd find if you cut through the board. It may be as simple as a square edge or as complicated as a multi-step, S-shaped curve. Profiles do two things:
1. Aesthetic – they provide a visual break between the wall and your floor, assisting in bringing your interior design together.
2. Functional – the shape determines how easily the board can be cleaned, painted and fitted, and how well it handles knocks from moving furniture or even doing the hoovering!
The Anatomy of a Skirting Board
Most boards have three zones:
• Flat section – the vertical surface which rests against the wall.
• Profiled section – the moulded top edge, which is actually visible.
• Chamfer or groove (optional) – a shallow slope or recess that conceals paint lines and small expansion gaps.
Getting familiar with these parts makes it easier to compare different skirting board profiles.
Eight Classic Skirting Board Profiles
Below are the most widely available shapes in the UK, each accompanied by its key strengths and ideal use cases.
|
Profile |
Visual Character |
Why Choose It? |
|
Square (Pencil Round) |
Crisp, minimal, 90° angle or slight 3 mm radius on top |
Perfect for ultra-modern, minimalist interiors. Easiest to wipe down. |
|
Bullnose |
Soft curved top edge |
Family homes and rental properties, where bumps and scuffs are common. |
|
Angular 45° bevel fading into flat face |
Adds subtle depth without being fussy; pairs well with contemporary doors. |
|
|
Torus |
Semi-circular hump (like a classical column) |
Time-tested look for Victorian terraces, but still understated. |
|
Ovolo |
Shallow, elongated curve |
Sits comfortably in both period and modern renovations; visually lighter than Torus. |
|
“S-shaped” double curve |
Ornate statement for high-ceiling Georgian, Edwardian or luxury new-build spaces. |
|
|
Lamb’s Tongue |
Slim concave followed by a convex lip |
Elegant precision; works beautifully in country cottages with exposed beams. |
|
Shadowline / Grooved |
Recess cut just below a flat top |
Creates a floating “shadow gap” effect—popular in contemporary and commercial fit-outs. |
Modern vs. Traditional: Style Considerations
The decision between traditional and modern skirting board designs usually hinges on the architectural details of the room. High-ceilinged rooms take taller, more elaborate profiles such as Ogee or Torus, which preserve proportion and visual equilibrium. Smaller rooms, however, are more appropriately matched with thinner, simpler styles such as Square or Chamfered designs that won't overwhelm the space. Period details, such as original coving, panelled doors, or picture rails, require the skirting profiles to repeat the same curves and depths to provide consistency, as you might find in Victorian style skirting boards. For minimalist interiors, where the intention is for the skirting board not to be a focal point but to blend into the background, square-edged or shadow-line profiles painted the same colour as the wall provide a discreet, streamlined finish.
Materials: MDF, Softwood, Hardwood or PVC?
Most skirting board profiles can be produced in a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages depending on your priorities. MDF is a common favourite due to its smooth, even finish, warping resistance, and affordability, although it can be heavy and susceptible to damage from moisture if not sealed correctly. Softwoods, such as pine or spruce, are easy to work with and perfect for staining and painting, although they may have natural knots and require sealing to minimise movement over time. For a high-end appearance and long-term performance, hardwoods such as oak skirting boards offer rich grain patterns and outstanding durability, albeit at a greater expense and with the need for careful finishing. Alternatively, PVC and polystyrene versions provide light, waterproof practicality, ideal for bathrooms or utility rooms, but lack the depth and definition needed for more decorative or period-style profiles.
Matching Skirting and Architrave
Matching door architraves to skirting ensures continuity of line and frames the room. The general rule of thumb is to choose a profile with the same height for the architrave, or at least one with a compatible curve (e.g., Ogee skirting with Lamb's Tongue architrave). Colour-blocking, where both details are painted in the same colour, can conceal ceiling height variations and produce a sophisticated hotel-suite look.
Practical Tips for Selecting the Right Profile
- Consider wear and tear – Deep, intricate recesses (Ogee) collect dust; square profiles are wipe-clean.
- Think about paint build-up – Multiple coats over the years can clog delicate curves.
- Factor in installation skill – Mitre joints on complex shapes demand a steady hand and sharp blades.
- Plan cable runs early – Taller boards can conceal wiring and home-cinema speaker cables behind the flat section.
- Don’t ignore thickness – Upgrading from 15 mm to 18 mm may hide old plaster unevenness, but could create door-frame clashes.
Selecting the perfect skirting board profiles is much more than just a finishing touch. This decision defines the whole character of your interior. Each design speaks volumes about your room, from the clean lines of a square-edge profile to the classic opulence of an ogee. By balancing style, practicality and material, you'll choose a skirting board that will serve you well on both form and function for years to come. If you need help or advice on skirting boards or anything else door-related, our team are on hand to provide expert advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which skirting board profile is easiest to maintain?
Square or bullnose designs have minimal grooves, making them quick to repaint and easy to dust.
Can I mix profiles in one house?
Yes, but its best to keep open-plan sightlines consistent. You might use Ogee in formal reception rooms and Chamfered upstairs, provided the transition occurs behind a doorway.
Is MDF as durable as timber?
Moisture-resistant MDF holds paint exceptionally well, both indoors and outdoors. However, in bathrooms or high-humidity areas, PVC or hardwood can outperform it.
What height should I choose?
A good starting point is 1/18th of the ceiling height (e.g. 150 mm in a 2.7 m room), although modern minimalist designs can be as low as 90–120 mm.
