Types of Houses in the UK | Architectural Styles and Interior Details by MR Mouldings

Understanding property eras and architectural detailing

UK housing is deeply shaped by architectural eras. From Victorian terraces and Edwardian townhouses to post war bungalows and contemporary new builds, each period has its own proportions, materials and interior language.

Understanding the era of a property is essential when choosing interior mouldings. Skirting boards, architraves, dado rails and cornices are not decorative extras. When selected correctly, they reinforce authenticity, improve visual balance and help interiors feel appropriate to the building’s age.

This guide explores the most common types of houses in the UK, organised by era, with insight into the interior mouldings that best suit each style.

Victorian houses

1837 to 1901
Terraced houses, villas and early townhouses

Victorian properties are defined by strong vertical proportions, high ceilings and decorative detailing. Interiors were designed to feel formal and structured, with clear separation between wall, floor and ceiling.

To reflect this era, mouldings should be generous in scale and traditionally profiled. Taller skirting boards help anchor the height of rooms, while decorative architraves frame doors and windows with authority. Wall detailing was also common, particularly in hallways and staircases.

To recreate authentic Victorian interiors, select mouldings that reflect the scale and detailing of the era:

• Victorian Skirting Boards
  
  

• Lambs Tongue Skirting Boards
  
  

• Victorian Dado Rails
  
  

• Victorian Picture Rails
  
  

• MDF Cornices
  
  

These profiles work together to reinforce period proportions and architectural integrity.

Edwardian houses

1901 to 1914
Larger terraces and early suburban homes

Edwardian homes retained much of the Victorian sense of formality but introduced lighter proportions and a greater emphasis on natural light. Ceilings remained high, but detailing became more refined and less ornate.

Interior mouldings from this period should feel elegant rather than heavy. Skirting boards are still substantial, but with softer profiles. Architraves tend to be simpler, and wall detailing is more restrained.

Edwardian era interior detailing

• Ogee Skirting Boards and Ovolo Skirting Boards for floor definition
  
  

• Matching Ogee Architrave or Ovolo Architrave around doors and windows
  
  

• MDF Dado Rails for subtle wall division in hallways and dining rooms
  
  

• Understated MDF Cornices to complete ceiling lines
  
  

Edwardian interiors benefit from restraint and proportion rather than heavy ornamentation.

1930s houses

Semi detached houses and suburban expansion

Homes built between the wars introduced more practical layouts and reduced ornamentation. Ceiling heights lowered slightly, and interiors became more functional, though still well proportioned.

Mouldings in these properties should be modest and purposeful. Skirting boards provide definition without excess decoration, while architraves are clean and consistent throughout the home.

Recommended mouldings for interwar and 1930s properties

Homes from the interwar period favour practicality and balanced proportions, with detailing that is present but never ornate. To achieve a timeless look appropriate to this era, focus on the following profiles:

• Ovolo Skirting Boards
  
  

• Torus Skirting Boards
  
  

• Ovolo Architrave or Torus Architrave
  
  

• MDF Dado Rails for subtle definition in entrance halls
  
  

This combination maintains a clean, understated aesthetic that works consistently across living spaces, hallways and staircases without overpowering the architecture.

Late twentieth century townhouses

1980s to early 2000s
Vertical layouts and modern proportions

Townhouses from this era often span multiple floors, making cohesion a key design consideration. Interiors were designed to feel contemporary but still structured.

Recommended mouldings for late twentieth century townhouses

Townhouses from the late twentieth century are typically arranged across multiple floors, making consistency in interior detailing essential. A unified approach helps create visual flow and reinforces the architecture of the home.

• Stepped Skirting Boards used consistently across all levels
  
  

• Stepped Architrave or Modern Architrave to maintain cohesion around doors and openings
  
  

• Modern Panel Moulds applied selectively in stairwells or feature areas
  
  

This approach enhances architectural rhythm while preserving the clean, contemporary character typical of townhouse interiors from this period.

These homes benefit from repetition and consistency rather than variation.

Contemporary new build houses and apartments

Modern developments and open plan living

Modern homes are typically built with clean lines and minimal detailing, often relying on interior finishes to introduce character.

Mouldings in contemporary properties should be subtle and architectural. Slim profiles enhance definition without drawing attention away from layout and light.

Recommended mouldings for contemporary homes and apartments

Contemporary homes and apartments are defined by clean lines, open layouts and an emphasis on light. Interior detailing should be subtle and architectural, enhancing the space without drawing attention to itself.

• Thin Skirting Boards
  
  

• Modern Skirting Boards
  
  

• Modern Architrave or Thin Architrave
  
  

• Panel Moulds used sparingly to zone open plan areas
  
  

• Flexible Cornice and Coving with a minimal, linear profile
  
  

In modern interiors, mouldings should quietly reinforce the architecture, allowing space and layout to take precedence over decoration.

Choosing mouldings by era

Why architectural alignment matters

Selecting mouldings that suit the era of a property helps interiors feel intentional and complete. Homes that respect their architectural context tend to photograph better, feel more cohesive and appeal more strongly to buyers.

For homeowners, developers and renovators, understanding how interior detailing aligns with property age is one of the most effective ways to enhance both design quality and long term value.

Interior mouldings designed for every property era

MR Mouldings supplies a comprehensive range of interior mouldings designed to suit every UK housing period. From traditional skirting boards and classic dado rails to modern profiles and contemporary panelling, each collection is crafted to support architectural authenticity and lasting quality.

Explore the range to find mouldings that respect your property’s era and elevate its interior with confidence.