The most budget-friendly, no-demo way to make baseboards look bigger is the faux baseboard hack. You can install a strip of decorative trim (like a base cap or flat molding) a few inches above your existing baseboard and paint the trim, the old baseboard, and the wall between them the exact same color.
Minimalist and flat baseboards are currently the most popular. The contemporary design focus is on clean lines and subtle elegance rather than ornate millwork.
The 7% rule states that the height of your baseboards should be approximately 7% of the room's ceiling height. For example, if your ceiling height is 8 feet (96 inches), a baseboard height of approximately 6 to 7 inches will look harmonious.
Revitalize old baseboards by thoroughly cleaning, filling dents with wood filler, sanding smooth, and applying fresh primer and paint for an instant upgrade. For a more polished look, caulk the gap between the wall and baseboard to create a seamless finish, or add shoe molding at the floor to hide gaps.
Baseboard moulding is installed at the bottom of walls, where they meet the floor. While providing a finished look to a room, baseboard moulding can also be strategically used to visually enlarge the space. By opting for a taller baseboard moulding, you can give the impression of higher ceilings and more overall space.
Crown molding is not out of style; in fact, it is making a strong comeback. Designers are embracing elaborate trim work and architectural details to add depth, character, and a bespoke, "lived-in" feel to homes.
Older homes often featured tall, decorative baseboards with ornate patterns. Today's modern homes prefer slimmer, sleeker mouldings with subtle edges or flat profiles. Many homeowners even paint them the same color as the walls for a seamless, understated look.
Despite what you might have heard, there are no strict rules about how dark or light baseboards need to be. The most important thing is to choose a color that works well with the rest of the room. With a properly designed color palette, either lighter or darker baseboards can look stunning.
Murphy's Oil Soap is a trusted choice for cleaning and restoring stained wood baseboards. Because it is plant-derived, it safely removes dirt and grease without damaging the wood's finish.
Most residential baseboards are between 3.25 and 5.25 inches tall, with 4.25 inches being a popular choice for standard 8-foot ceilings.
Baseboards do not have to be exactly the same throughout your house, though maintaining a consistent profile, height, and color across connected open spaces is highly recommended. You can safely vary baseboards based on room function, ceiling height, or historical accuracy, provided you do it deliberately.
We will walk you through some of the most common beginner mistakes when installing trim molding and how to avoid them so your next project goes smoothly.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Best Materials for Modern Baseboards
Interior design in 2026 rejects stark minimalism and cool grays, focusing instead on warmth, deep earthy tones, and layered textures. The current aesthetic heavily prioritizes coziness, traditional detailing, and sustainable materials to create curated, "lived-in" spaces over ultra-luxurious, showroom-like environments.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
When it comes to trim and molding, it's always a good idea to opt for something timeless to prevent your home from looking outdated. Gaines' preferred paint color is just that — a strong pure white that will never go out of style. This might just be the perfect color for your trim too.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
Here's what can make a home look cheap, according to designers:
Modern baseboards favor clean lines, minimalist profiles, and seamless integration with the wall. The most popular styles include flat profile boards, flush installations, and dramatic reveal effects.
Baseboard installation costs $1,100 on average, but small projects go as low as $750, and complex projects go as high as $3,000. Prices range from $5.70 to $9 per linear foot for materials and labor, depending on the baseboard height and style.
Popcorn ceilings were once a popular design choice, especially in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. However, many homeowners today choose to remove them. Here's why popcorn ceilings have fallen out of favor and why modern alternatives are preferred.
When Shouldn't You Use Crown Molding? Crown molding isn't advisable in any room with vaulted ceilings. Also called high ceilings, vaulted ceilings feature an arched design that creates more space above the room.
Countertops in 2026 are shifting away from sterile, cool grays toward warm, organic, and dramatic looks. The biggest trends prioritize inviting neutrals (creams, beiges, and taupes), sweeping natural veins, and bold, earth-toned statement stones.