A guide to common profiles and heights, and how to pick the right one for your rooms.
Skirting board is easy to overlook, but the profile you choose has a real effect on how a room feels — from a subtle background detail to a genuine period feature. Here's a straightforward guide to the most common styles.
One of the most popular period-style profiles, featuring a distinctive S-shaped curve along the top edge. It suits Victorian and Edwardian homes particularly well and pairs nicely with matching architrave for a cohesive, traditional look.
Featuring a rounded, convex curve, Torus is a simpler and slightly more understated period profile than Ogee, while still adding more visual interest than a flat board. It works well in a range of property styles, not just period homes.
A simple angled or rounded top edge with minimal detailing. This is a versatile, mid-way option that suits both traditional and more modern interiors without leaning too far in either direction.
A plain, flat-fronted board with square edges — the go-to choice for new-build and contemporary interiors. It's clean, minimal, and doesn't compete visually with the rest of the room's finishes.
Standard skirting is typically around 100–120mm high, which suits most rooms. Taller skirting — anywhere from 150mm up to 250mm or more — has become popular for adding a more considered, high-end feel to a room, particularly in period properties or higher-ceilinged rooms where standard height skirting can look slightly undersized.
Whichever profile you choose, the quality of the fit makes as much difference as the style itself. Mitred corners, tight scribing to uneven walls, and properly filled joints are what separate a professional finish from a visibly amateur one — worth bearing in mind whether you're fitting it yourself or bringing in a carpenter.