When it comes to decorating the home, it’s often the smaller finishing touches like your skirting boards and architraves that give your house character and tie everything together. At Sherman & Young Timber, we have been your trusted timber merchant in the North West for over 50 years. Whether you’re looking for materials for indoor or outdoor projects, we have everything you need to enhance your space at the best prices. If you’re decorating your home for the first time and you’re wondering how these smaller details can really take your home to the next level you’re in the right place!
Architraves vs skirting boards – what are they and what’s the difference?
Architraves are the decorative mouldings that frame your doors and windows, giving them a neat, seamless finish while covering up any gaps or defects between the wall and the doorframe. They help tie everything together and make a real visual difference. Skirting boards, on the other hand, run along the bottom of your walls, protecting them from scuffs and everyday wear. They also create a seamless transition between the wall and the floor, making everything look tidier.
Architraves are usually the more detailed out of the two, bringing definition to doorways and windows, but that doesn’t mean you can have some equally appealing skirting boards! Skirting boards are usually slightly sturdier and built for durability since they’re more likely to come into contact with furniture. However, when paired together with architraves, they add character and charm to your home, giving it that professionally finished, polished look that everyone strives for!
Choosing the right architraves and skirting boards for your home
Picking the perfect architraves and skirting boards for your home depends on the look you’re going for. If you love a classic, timeless feel, traditional designs like MDF ogee and MDF torus are perfect for bringing that touch of Victorian elegance to your space. With their refined curves and intricate detailing, they add a sophisticated finish that works beautifully in period properties or homes with more traditional decor elements like wall mouldings, old fireplaces, wood floors or ceiling medallions.
If you prefer a more modern feel, our MDF rounded edge and MDF square edge offer a sleek, unfussy finish synonymous with the contemporary aesthetics that are popular right now. Their clean lines and simple profiles create a stylish, understated look that perfectly complements interior styles like scandi and minimalism. If you prefer a more of a happy medium, designs like MDF chamfered & v-groove skirting and MDF chamfered & round strike the perfect balance. They offer subtle detailing that adds character without being overly ornate, making them a versatile choice for both classic and modern homes – especially mid-century!
Do architraves and skirting boards have to match?
The short answer is no – it’s your home, so you can style it however you like! Whether or not they match really depends on the look you’re going for. If you love a cohesive, seamless feel, we definitely recommend keeping your architraves and skirting boards the same style for a unified look throughout your home. But if you prefer to mix and match, go for it! Combining different designs can add character and make your space feel more personal. At the end of the day, it’s all about what makes you feel good in your home, and at Sherman & Young Timber, we’ve got plenty of options to help you create a look you love!
If you have any further questions about skirting boards or architraves, our friendly, professional team is just one phone call away! We’re always here to offer advice, answer any questions, and guide you through the options so you can make the best choice for your home. Just give us a call on 01942 727 314, and we’ll be more than happy to play our part in helping you create a space that matches your vision and style!
