The Complete Guide to Interior Mouldings & Trims for UK Homes

When it comes to finishing a room, interior mouldings are often overlooked — yet they play a huge role in creating a polished, stylish, and practical space. From skirting boards that protect your walls to architraves that frame doors, and wall panelling that adds character, these finishing touches bring design schemes together.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mouldings and trims for UK homes. Whether you’re renovating a period property, updating a modern space, or tackling your first DIY project, you’ll find practical advice on styles, materials, fitting, costs, and inspiration.

What Are Interior Mouldings & Trims?

Interior mouldings (sometimes called trims) are decorative and functional features fitted to the lower and upper edges of walls, around doors and windows, or across plain wall surfaces.

• Skirting boards – run along the base of walls, protecting them from knocks and scuffs while adding a visual finish.
  
  

• Architraves – frame doorways and windows, covering joins and enhancing symmetry.
  
  

• Wall panelling – adds depth and style to flat walls, from shaker panelling to modern slat designs.
  
  

• Dado and picture rails – traditional trims used to break up walls or support decorative features.
  
  

Together, these details elevate a home’s design, making rooms feel complete and well thought out.

Types of Mouldings Explained

Skirting Boards

Skirting boards are the most widely used moulding in UK homes. They hide the joint between floor and wall, protect plaster from knocks, and provide a neat transition between surfaces.

Popular profiles include:

• Torus – rounded and traditional, common in many British homes.
  
  

• Ogee – curved with more detail, ideal for period-style properties.
  
  

• Chamfered – clean and angled, suits modern interiors.
  
  

• Square Edge – minimalist and contemporary.
  
  

• Bullnose – smooth and versatile, works in both old and new homes.
  
  

Browse MR Mouldings’ full range of MDF skirting boards to see styles available in different heights and thicknesses.

Architraves

Architraves frame doors and windows, covering expansion gaps and creating a smart transition between walls and openings. They’re available in matching profiles to skirting boards, allowing you to coordinate trims across the whole home.

When choosing architraves:

• Match the style to your skirting for cohesion.
  
  

• Consider proportions — wider architraves can create a grand, traditional look.
  
  

• Flexible MDF options are available for curved walls or bespoke features.
  
  

Explore MR’s MDF architrave collection.

Wall Panelling

Wall panelling has seen a huge resurgence in UK interiors. From half-height shaker panels in hallways to slatted feature walls in bedrooms, it’s a stylish way to add texture and interest.

Types include:

• Shaker panelling – classic and versatile.
  
  

• Tongue and groove – traditional, coastal, or rustic look.
  
  

• Slat panelling – modern, clean vertical or horizontal lines.
  
  

• Full-height panels – dramatic and bold, often used behind beds or in dining rooms.
  
  

MR Mouldings supplies MDF wall panelling kits that make it simple to achieve these looks, even for first-time DIYers.

Dado & Picture Rails

Once essential in Victorian and Edwardian homes, dado rails and picture rails are now used as decorative features.

• Dado rails divide walls into sections, traditionally protecting plaster from furniture scuffs.
  
  

• Picture rails sit higher up walls, originally designed to hang artwork without damaging plaster.
  
  

These trims are perfect for period-style renovations.

Materials: MDF vs Wood vs Alternatives

MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)

• Affordable and versatile
  
  

• Easy to machine into different profiles
  
  

• Available in moisture-resistant MDF and flexible options
  
  

• Supplied primed, ready to paint
  
  

Softwood

• Natural timber (often pine)
  
  

• Can be stained or varnished
  
  

• Prone to knots and warping if not treated correctly
  
  

Hardwood

• Premium finish (oak, sapele, etc.)
  
  

• Very durable and long-lasting
  
  

• Expensive compared to MDF
  
  

PVC & Alternatives

• Low maintenance
  
  

• Water resistant
  
  

• Limited range of styles compared to MDF and timber
  
  

Visual idea: Comparison table graphic with columns for Cost, Durability, Styles Available, Best Use.

Design Styles & Inspiration

Mouldings influence the overall style of a room. Choosing the right profile and finish can completely transform an interior.

Modern Homes

• Square edge skirting or chamfered profiles
  
  

• Slim architraves
  
  

• Minimalist wall panelling
  
  

• Neutral paint finishes
  
  

Period Properties

• Ogee, torus, or bolection profiles
  
  

• Wider skirting and architraves
  
  

• Dado and picture rails
  
  

• Decorative shaker panelling
  
  

Room-by-Room Inspiration

• Living Rooms – tall skirting, shaker panelling, picture rails
  
  

• Hallways – slim skirting for space efficiency, half-height panelling
  
  

• Bathrooms – moisture-resistant MDF skirting, tongue-and-groove panelling
  
  

• Bedrooms – slat or full-height feature panelling for headboard walls
  
  

Costs of Mouldings in the UK (2025)

The cost of mouldings varies depending on material, profile, and whether you’re DIYing or hiring a professional.

Average Costs:

• MDF skirting boards: £3–£7 per metre
  
  

• Softwood skirting: £5–£12 per metre
  
  

• Hardwood skirting: £15–£25 per metre
  
  

• MDF wall panelling kits: £60–£150 per room
  
  

Installation:

• DIY fitting costs mainly your time + tools
  
  

• Professional installation: £200–£400 per room, depending on complexity
  
  

For the best value, MDF skirting boards are the most cost-effective, balancing durability with affordability.

Fitting & Finishing Tips

Tools You’ll Need

• Tape measure
  
  

• Mitre saw or coping saw
  
  

• Adhesive and nails
  
  

• Spirit level
  
  

• Sandpaper and paint
  
  

Step-by-Step Basics

1. Measure and cut lengths accurately.
   
   

2. Use mitre joints for external corners, coping for internal corners.
   
   

3. Fix using adhesive and/or nails.
   
   

4. Fill gaps with caulk for a seamless finish.
   
   

5. Sand, prime (if needed), and paint.
   
   

See also: How to Fit Skirting Boards on Uneven Walls.

Painting & Finishing

• Most MDF from MR Mouldings comes primed, ready to paint.
  
  

• Satin or eggshell paints are ideal for durability.
  
  

• Use a fine brush for detailed profiles.
  
  

See also: Should You Paint Skirting Boards Before or After Fitting?.

Interior mouldings may seem like small details, but they can completely transform the look and feel of your home. From protecting walls to adding period charm or modern simplicity, skirting boards, architraves, and panelling are essential finishing touches.

At MR Mouldings, you’ll find a wide range of MDF skirting boards, architraves, and wall panelling kits, all made in the UK and delivered primed, ready to install. Explore the collections today and give your home the perfect finishing touch.