Skirtings, mouldings & coving buying guide

If you're planning on updating your home's decor, one of the most overlooked but impactful changes you can make is updating your skirtings, mouldings, and coving. These finishing touches can help enhance the look and feel of your space and give it a polished and cohesive appearance.

When shopping for skirtings, mouldings, and coving, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here's a guide to help you make the right choices for your home.

1. What's the difference between skirtings, mouldings, and coving?

Skirting boards, also known as baseboards, are long, narrow boards that run along the bottom of your walls where they meet the floor. They're primarily used to protect your walls from damage, such as scuffs and marks caused by furniture, but they can also add a decorative element to your space.

Mouldings, on the other hand, are decorative strips of wood or other materials that are used to enhance the appearance of walls, ceilings, and furniture. Mouldings can come in a wide variety of styles and profiles, and they can be used to create everything from simple, understated designs to elaborate and ornate patterns.

Coving is similar to mouldings, but it's used specifically to decorate the area where the walls meet the ceiling. It can also help to hide any imperfections or unevenness in this joint.

2. What are the different types of moulding profiles?

There are several different types of moulding profiles to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular options:

• Ogee: This profile features an S-shaped curve that creates a dramatic and elegant look. It's often used in traditional or formal settings.

• Torus: This profile has a convex curve that's similar to the shape of a half-circle. It's a popular choice for both modern and traditional designs.

• Scotia: This profile has a concave curve that's often used to soften the look of corners and edges. It can be a good choice for spaces with a more relaxed or casual feel.

• Beveled: This profile features a flat edge that slopes down to create a sharp, angled look. It's often used to create a more contemporary or minimalist design.

• Half-round: This profile has a rounded, semi-circular shape that's popular for both traditional and modern designs. It's a versatile option that can work well in a variety of spaces.

• Quadrant: This profile has a gentle curve that's similar to a quarter-circle. It's often used to soften the look of corners and edges.

• Square: This profile has a simple, flat shape that's often used to create a clean and modern look. It's a good choice for spaces with a minimalist aesthetic.

• Chamfered: This profile features a flat edge that's angled to create a sharp, geometric look. It's often used to create a more contemporary or industrial design.

3. What materials are skirtings, mouldings, and coving made from?

Skirtings, mouldings, and coving can be made from a wide variety of materials, including wood, plaster, MDF, Polyurethane, and even foam. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your options carefully.

Wood is a common choice for skirtings, mouldings, and coving because it's durable and versatile. It can be painted or stained to match your decor, and it can be cut and shaped to create a wide variety of profiles. However, wood can be more expensive than other materials, and it can be prone to warping or cracking over time.

Polyurethane is a popular choice because it is lightweight, easy to install with adhesive and comes primed ready to paint. The material is by nature water resistant so the skirting, moulding or coving you choose will be more durable against moisture and warping than wood.

Check out our ranges of coving, skirting and mouldings for your project.