Is It OK To Have No Skirting Boards

"Elegance," Alexandre Dumas once penned, "is right perception of proportions". The same idea encapsulates home décor - every piece, every detail, every addition or subtraction contributes to the overall design. Even something as overlooked as skirting boards. But did you know that some homeowners in 2024 deliberately omit skirting boards? Let's undress this revolutionary trend and explore why it might perfectly suit your aesthetic and budget.

Understanding Skirting Boards

To appreciate the absence of skirting boards, we must first understand their role. These humble mouldings, running along the junction of a wall and floor, are usually made of wood, though PVC, vinyl and MDF Skirting are popular substitutes. Skirting boards come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and styles; Victorian Skirting, Ogee Skirting, Torus Skirting, Chamfered Skirting, curve, enabling them to fit seamlessly with any room design - be it vintage, classic, or modern.

Yet, despite their distinct character, skirting boards commonly frequent hidden corners. They're most prevalent in living rooms, dining spaces, bedrooms, and corridors, areas prone to frequent movement and risks of knocks, wear, or tear.

Reasons for Not Having Skirting Boards

Fast-forwarding to today's contemporary trends, shunning skirting boards has become synonymous with a sharp, minimalistic look. The no-skirting design declares an end to traditional seals and breathes freshness into a room.

Eschewing skirting boards also lightens house maintenance. Smaller surface areas equate to less dust collection, meaning fewer weekends spent toiling over household chores. Let's not forget, no boards mean no chance of mould problems. Sounds good, right? 

And then there's the matter of cost-effectiveness. Going skirting boardless saves on material and installation costs, presenting a compelling case when budgets are a key deciding factor.

Pros and Cons of Skirting Boards

But before you rush off to start ripping out skirting boards, it's worth considering their functional benefits. These under-appreciated boards offer significant wall protection, shielding plaster from knocks, scratches and damages. Crucially, they negotiate the challenging task of wire concealment. That nonchalant board might be sheltering a network of unsightly wires vital to your modern tech-infused lifestyle.

Yet skirting boards have their downsides. They can harbour dust and even worse, have the potential for mould growth. Additionally, the installation cost can give you a few sleepless nights.

Alternatives to Skirting Boards

Not keen on skirting boards but worried about naked walls? Opt for plastered walls or decorative moulding, stylish alternatives that maintain an edge of protection. Floor trims or baseboards provide another option, discreetly blending with your décor while offering the classic benefits of skirting boards.

The Aesthetic Appeal of No Skirting Boards

Having no skirting boards showcases an ultra-modern, chic interior that makes quite the style statement. The look enhances space illusion, making rooms appear larger and airier. By doing away with the outline conventionally provided by skirting boards, you unveil sharper, cleaner lines and edges. 

Cost Implications of Not Installing Skirting Boards

Apart from saving on materials and installation costs, eliminating skirting boards keeps ongoing expenses in check. However, a higher maintenance cost could potentially offset these savings due to the increased likelihood of wall damage or decorative trims needing tweaking and refinishing.

While going skirting-boardless won’t necessarily devalue your property, it might limit your pool of potential buyers due to its very distinct and modern design.

Making the Decision: Skirting Boards or Not

Deciding whether to have skirting boards often juggles aesthetics, functionality, and cost. Your home's architecture and design, personal tastes, and preferences are also significant considerations.

So, should you have skirting boards or not? We may be a little biased in our genuine answer... The answer is inherently personal and what works for one might not work for another. Be inspired by trends, but let your heart have the final say. After all, your home should be a reflection of you! But if you do decide Skirting Boards are the way forward, you know where we are!

Remember, the beauty lies in the details. A house without skirting boards can be every bit as eye-catching and warm as a home that proudly exhibits them. What's vital is that the design resonates with you, for it is you who turns a building of bricks and mortar into a place called home!