They frame the floor, structure the room and often make the decisive difference in the design: skirting boards are something like the “secret heroines of the interior”. Sofia Vrecar, interior design expert and owner of “Daunenspiel” in Vienna, explains why she can’t imagine a home without a good skirting board – and the many different design options available.
The skirting board has its origins in places where great importance was attached to representation – in the castles and city palaces of the Baroque period. In France, under Louis XIV, it advanced from a simple wall protection to an elegant wall crown at the bottom. Painted white and often made of wooden profiles, they contributed significantly to the effect of the room. In Austria during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the chair rail – as it is known in this country – also became a style-defining feature: in old buildings with high ceilings, herringbone parquet flooring and stucco, it was an integral part of the architectural language.
Style with substance
Even today, Sofia Vrecar knows that the skirting board is much more than just a functional detail. “It gives the room stability, visually and actually.” And should definitely be at the top of the list when it comes to living style. Especially in old buildings with high ceilings, it is crucial to think boldly when it comes to skirting boards. “It’s okay to choose the next size up. The larger the room, the more ornate the skirting board can be.”
In her work, Vrecar pays attention to the interplay between the door, wall and floor. “Personally, I think a skirting board should match the door color rather than the wall,” she explains. “But that’s also a matter of style. Tone-on-tone with the wall works just as well – or you can deliberately opt for a contrasting color, such as an elegant grey with white walls.”
Material, height, effect of skirting boards
The choice of materials today is diverse: in addition to classic solid wood, which Vrecar prefers due to its durability, there is also MDF, plastic and even metal. Lacquered skirting boards can either come pre-assembled or be matched to the wall color and style on site. The look is decisive: “If I’m working with white and light tones, a white skirting board looks fresh and clear. For more modern concepts with plank flooring, however, I like to stick to the color of the floor.”
For Vrecar, the height always depends on the dimensions of the room. “Between 8 and 12 centimetres is common. But from a room height of 3.50 meters, you can go as high as 15 centimeters.” It is important that the skirting board is continuous. “One flat, one high, one brown, one white – that creates unrest. A clear line is good for any room.”
Skirting boards Installation with measure and effort
Anyone who thinks skirting boards are quick to fit is mistaken. “It’s a lot of work,” explains Vrecar. “I’ve seen projects where it took two weeks in a detached house.” Because: no floor is straight, it has to be adjusted, cut and grouted. It’s no wonder that some carpenters are apprehensive about the task – “but the result is worth the effort,” says Sofia Vrecar. A clean joint is important, as the skirting board also protects against moisture penetration, especially in wet areas.
The most common methods are gluing, screwing or click systems. Vrecar prefers gluing: “It can be removed if you renovate once and is simply quicker.” What’s more, a glued skirting board can be easily removed or repaired later.
Price question and practical view
But how much does the fun actually cost? “Skirting boards are available from 7 or 8 euros per running meter – there’s room for more,” says Vrecar. “For solid wood, ready lacquered, you quickly pay 18 to 30 euros per meter. But it’s an investment that pays off.” If you want to save money, you can also choose MDF or plastic, but you have to know: “Solid wood is more robust, especially if it gets wiped or furniture bumps into it.”
Vrecar’s answer as to whether the skirting boards should be fitted before the furniture is installed is clear: “Always fit the furniture first. Especially with individual fixtures such as bookshelves or kitchen units, it makes sense to install the skirting boards afterwards.”
“A beautiful skirting board lifts a room to another level,” concludes Vrecar. “It is the connecting element between the floor and the wall – and often exactly what gives the room that final touch of sophistication.” Whether classically elegant or modern flush-mounted – anyone who underestimates skirting boards is missing out on a lot of design potential. Or as Sofia Vrecar puts it with a wink: “If I can afford a beautiful herringbone floor, then I’d like to have a skirting board that’s worthy of it.”
As a creative mind with a pronounced love of high-quality materials and designs, Daunenspiel founder and interior designer Sofia Vrecar translates creative possibilities into suitable colors, shapes and furniture. As host in her own showroom, the native of Lower Austria with 20 years of professional experience in retail management has been inspiring people with designer furniture, favorite brands & the benefits of conscious consumption since 2016.
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