Why do people paint skirting boards white?

The custom likely started in the 1950s, when a great deal of post-war housing had to be constructed quickly. White was cheaper and easier to apply in bulk, went with any other colour and gave a clean effect. White skirting can look great and can be used to frame a darker paint colour on the walls.

Should skirting boards be painted white?

Often, skirting boards are painted a neutral or white shade out of habit, but their proportion makes them the perfect opportunity to add a little colour.

Why do we paint skirting boards white?

Contrasting Skirting Board Colours

A secondary colour acts as a balance, and stop the primary, bold colour being too overbearing. White is a good primary or secondary colour to employ this technique with, and for this reason is why skirting boards are usually painted white.

Should skirting boards be the same colour as doors?

If you are still undecided, paint brand Dulux advices that you should choose a crisp, pure white colour although, as a rule of thumb, your skirting boards should follow the same colour tone as your walls.

Do you need to paint skirting boards?

Typically skirting boards should be the last part of a room you should paint. But if you are hanging wallpaper, paint the skirting boards first. Make sure you paint onto the wall by approximately one inch. This creates a sharp finish between the skirting board and wallpaper.

How to paint a skirting board | Professional decorator show you how to paint your skirting boards!

Should you paint walls or skirting first?

You should paint your walls first and your skirting boards last. One of the golden rules of decorating is to start at the top and work your way down. By painting a feature wall beforehand, you'll avoid any drip marks ruining your newly painted skirting boards.

Should skirting boards be gloss?

Most skirting boards need an oil-based or gloss finish because of their hardwearing properties.

Are skirting boards Old Fashioned?

Skirting doesn't have to be old-fashioned though, there are many modern styles that will suit carpet or polished wooden flooring.

Do skirting boards have to match door frames?

For a simple answer, it's true that architraves and skirtings 'should' match, but matching is more relevant to proportional sizes and not design. You can very easily have different profile styles that work well together, and features that complement each other, even if they don't necessarily match.

What colour should woodwork be?

There are no hard, fast rules when it comes to choosing paint colours for interior woodwork and plasterwork, but white is always a popular choice because it has a timeless quality, complementing all types of décor and most other colours.

Can you have dark skirting boards?

Dark skirting boards can really help to frame a room and provide a nice contrast on light coloured walls. If you want a look that is both classic and sophisticated, then a dark trim can really help you add some drama and character to your space.

Should skirting be the same colour as floor?

This technique is especially suitable for small spaces. However, in this instance, since the skirting boards will blend in with the flooring, their decorative effect will be lower. As a general rule, skirting boards' colours should be darker than the floorboards'.

Does woodwork have to be white?

“If a home is in an area surrounded by other homes with wood cabinets in the kitchens, there may be no need to turn the woodwork white,” Bowe said. “But most often, white woodwork helps a house sell.”

Should you paint doors the same color as walls?

It is not considered necessary for your interior doors to be painted the same color as the walls. In fact, using a perfect match is often considered too redundant. However, the interior doors should coordinate with each room and the overall home style.

Can you paint skirting boards grey?

If you've gone for dark colours (but still brightly coloured), light grey skirting boards could make for a pleasing aesthetic finish.

Do you paint the door the same color as the trim?

It's a common question, “Do interior doors and trim have to match?” The short answer is no. The doors and trim can be whatever style and color you want them to be. Your home's design is entirely up to you.

What colour should skirting boards be?

As a general rule, your skirting boards should follow the same colour tone as your walls. Darker skirting boards will give your space a more modern, contemporary feel, while lighter colours will help make small rooms appear larger. If you're still unsure, play it safe and choose a crisp, pure white.

Why is it called a skirting board?

The term skirting boards was first mentioned in the Victorian era where rich individuals were trying to keep up the grand designs of their houses. At that time walls were made from bricks and heat used to be a huge problem. Many people couldn't afford a radiator to keep warm.

Is skirting board same as moulding?

In essence, skirting board is used to cover the join with the floor at the bottom of a wall, whereas architrave (or 'moulding') is used around the edges of structures, such as doors and windows.

What is the most modern skirting board?

Square Groove 2 skirting board is by far and away the most popular modern...

How do you freshen skirting boards?

TIP: The Easy Way to freshen up those glossed or varnished doors and skirting boards. Normally, to paint over previously glossed or varnished surfaces such as doors, architraves, skirtings etc, you would need to sand the surface first, then undercoat and finally top coat.

Is gloss paint still fashionable?

Gloss paint

Apart from traditional white, you will find shades of off-white, as well as a few colours. White gloss might be seen as the boring option, but it's still a good way to give your home a quick “good-as-new” fresh look, which is why it remains so popular.

Why do we gloss skirting boards?

Skirting boards are crucial to finishing a room off, and it is important to paint and gloss the skirting boards to a high standard. It is crucially important to keep them looking fresh in high-traffic areas due to their location as they are susceptible to scuffs and marks.

Should skirting boards be gloss or satin?

When it comes to painting your skirting boards (and architraves for that matter), we'd recommend opting for a satin finish as you get the best of gloss and eggshell.