Blog>Expert Advice>Should I paint skirting boards the same colour as walls?
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Should I paint skirting boards the same colour as walls?
Not sure if you should paint skirting boards the same colour as walls? Discover expert design advice to help you choose the best look for your space.
Lara Sargent
Lara loves writing about every aspect of the home – from the latest colour trends to emerging designs. She has a lot of experience writing about home trends and interior advice for leading titles such as The Telegraph, Metro, and Homes & Gardens.
Whether you prefer a neutral or bold colour scheme, one common design dilemma remains: Should I paint skirting boards the same colour as walls? Or should I create a contrasting look?
It's an important design choice that you want to get right.
While skirting boards might be a small element of a space, they can have a big impact on the design of your room.
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Why the colour of skirting boards matter
Gone are the days when skirting boards should always be painted in stark bright white. The opportunities for painted skirting board ideas in different colours are endless.
Here's why the colour of skirting boards is important:
Colour drenching walls and skirting boards in the same colour will reduce visual clutter and make a room look bigger
Varying tones of the same colour add subtle interest without being too overpowering
Contrasting dark or black skirting boards inject drama and intensity
Matching skirting boards with walls creates a calm, harmonious look that is highly liveable
A contrasting coloured skirting board is more daring but a great way to introduce an accent shade
Muted or light tones on skirting boards are warm, elegant and classic
Remember:
A different colour for skirting boards can create visual interest and make them stand out
However, too much contrast can be overpowering and make a room look busy
Plain white skirting boards tend to yellow over time
Painting skirting boards and walls in the same light colour can make a room look flat or bland
A good rule of thumb is to choose a colour that is two shades lighter or darker than the wall colour
Trending skirting board ideas for your [year] project
The TikTokers and Instagrammers of the world are ‘board’ of their old-fashioned, overly-glossed, bland white skirting boards of yesteryear and showing us how it's done. It’s hard not to be impressed with these trending skirting board ideas. You might not have the time, skill, or even interest to
Benefits of painting skirting boards the same colour as walls
Matching your skirting boards with your walls has lots of benefits, including:
Makes a room feel bigger: Painting skirting boards, woodwork, and even the doors the same colour as walls can reduce visual clutter and make a room feel larger
Creates a cocooning feel: Colour-drenching an entire room in one shade - from skirting boards up to ceilings - creates a calm, enveloping effect
Adds a modern silhouette: Shades of all-over grey, black and neutral are modern, minimalist and clutter-free
Dare to go dramatic: Dark colours like navy, charcoal and forest for matching skirting boards and walls can add drama
Creates seamless lines: Blurs the edges between skirting boards and walls - and makes DIY jobs easier if you fancy painting skirting boards yourself
If you don't have the time, patience or skill to paint your skirting boards, pop your postcode in the search bar below to find a list of trusted professionals in your area.
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Benefits of contrasting colour skirting boards
Choosing a different paint colour for your skirting boards can:
Highlight architectural details: Darker or lighter colour skirting boards will frame the walls and add visual interest
Add a striking outline: Dark coloured or black skirting boards are visually exciting. Black also pairs well with most paint colours and wallpapers
Perfect for a period property: Different coloured skirting boards are ideal for larger rooms or spaces with high ceilings that get a lot of light
Create a classic look: White skirting boards can brighten a room and offer a crisp or subtle contrast depending on wall colour
Stretch a space: Dark skirting boards and light walls can make a room feel taller and more spacious. Dark skirtings ground the space, while light walls visually stretch the eye upwards
Practical considerations for skirting board colour ideas
Whether you go for contrasting or matching skirting boards is a personal preference.
But looking at your overall interior style and colour scheme is a good place to start.
You'll also need to get the right paint to keep your skirting boards in top condition.
Hint: Hiring a painter and decorator will mean you get a great finish each time.
Explore a colour wheel
A colour wheel is a tried-and-tested interior design tool that will help you understand how colours relate to each other.
Choose skirting board and wall colours close to each other on the wheel for a cohesive mood. For a bolder, contrasting look, pick colours that are further apart.
Try variations of a single colour
Use a single base colour, but vary the shade and tone for skirting boards and walls.
This technique involves choosing your favourite wall colour, reducing it by a couple of shades, and painting it on the skirting.
The result is clean, elegant and sophisticated but with added visual appeal.
It's a decorating tip that works for creams and light neutrals as well as blues, greens and darker hues.
Use the right paint finish
Choosing tough, durable, and easy-to-clean paint is crucial for skirting boards. These are high-traffic areas that need to withstand knocks, bumps, and dirty marks regularly.
Paints have different levels of sheen, which affects how durable they are to scuffs and marks. Matt paint is not tough enough for skirting boards and can be difficult to clean.
That's why skirting boards should be painted in either eggshell, satin or gloss finish paint:
Eggshell: Low sheen paint that's durable, easy to wipe and creates a modern look
Satin: Mid sheen finish that is subtly reflective and can hide imperfections
Gloss: High seen paint which is tough, reflective and good for period properties
Test it out
Paint (or apply tester stickers) a generous area on various walls and skirting boards.
This will allow you to see how the colours work together and how the light hits at different times of the day.
Paint a piece of poster board that you can move around the room. It's a great visual tool for seeing how a wall colour looks against a potential skirting board colour - and also against furniture and soft furnishings.
Hiring the expertise of an interior designer will also help elevate your colour scheme from ordinary to extraordinary.
How to choose the perfect paint colour for any room
In this post, we share our secrets for choosing the best paint colours for your walls and the tools to use to steer you in the right direction.
Cost considerations
Painting and decorating projects can vary massively, which means the costs vary as well.
The average painter and decorator's day rateis around £325per day.
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FAQs
Should skirting boards be the same colour as walls?
Not necessarily. Whether you decide to go for matching or contrasting skirting and wall colour is down to personal preference.
But you'll need to think about how big your room is, what style you prefer and any existing colour scheme to work with.
Choosing the same colour can be elegant, space-enhancing and cohesive. On the other hand, a different colour for skirting boards offers visual interest, depth and striking contrast.
Darker skirting boards will give your space a more modern, contemporary feel, while lighter colours will help make small rooms appear larger.
What paint finish should I use on skirting boards?
You need a paint that's tough, durable and easy to clean. Choose between eggshell, satin and gloss depending on the level of sheen you prefer.
Does painting skirting boards the same colour as walls make a room look bigger?
Yes it does. Using the same shade for walls and skirting boards creates a continuous visual flow. Walls and skirting boards merge into a single block of colour for an expanded sense of space.
This goes for both light and dark colours.
How do I match skirting board colour with wall colour effectively?
You can usually match the tone of your skirting boards to your wall colour. Try paint samples and swatches to get the desired colour match.
For something a little different, try a subtle contrast. Use the same skirting and wall colour but make skirting boards a couple of shades darker. It'll add interest and depth without too much visual clutter.
Can I hire a professional to paint skirting boards and walls together?
Yes, you can! Hiring experienced painters and decorators from Checkatrade can help bring your vision to life. They'll create a professional, flawless finish you'll adore for years.
Ready to go ahead with your painting and decorating project? Find tradespeople in your area by entering your postcode below.
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