You do not necessarily need quarter round, but it is often required to cover the required expansion gaps left when installing floating floors (like laminate or vinyl plank). You can skip it if your installer undercuts the drywall, removes and lowers your existing baseboards, or if you prefer the look of baseboards sitting directly flush with the floor.
Quarter round isn't completely outdated, but it is considered utilitarian and traditional. In modern, minimalist design, designers prefer removing it in favor of properly installed baseboards or opting for sleeker shoe moulding. It remains a functional and common choice for covering flooring expansion gaps or uneven subfloors.
Quarter round is widely used to hide floor expansion gaps and unlevel walls, but it can look bulky or dated. Better alternatives include Base Shoe, Sash Stop, Square-Edged Trim, or seamless methods like Color-Matched Caulk.
Minimalist and flat baseboards are currently the most popular. The contemporary design focus is on clean lines and subtle elegance rather than ornate millwork.
Imagine a clockface showing 3 o'clock. That shape, that quarter of a circle, is where quarter round moulding gets its name. It is paired with baseboards to cover up gaps and imperfections between the base and the floor.
The quarter round is most commonly installed along the perimeter of a room where the baseboard and floor meet. It's especially useful in hiding the gap that can occur when installing new flooring. This gap is necessary to allow the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
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.
As we look toward 2026, one thing becomes clear: interior design is shifting toward spaces that feel meaningful, rooted, and deeply connected to the way we live. These trends highlight a collective desire for warmth, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Best Materials for Modern Baseboards
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
Quarter round should always be the color of the baseboard. It's a matter of preference. I prefer it the same as the baseboard, and even switched mine out to make it that way, but I also know making it match the floor has its place in some homes/styles.
Wall Moulding Types
Quarter round is widely used to hide floor expansion gaps and unlevel walls, but it can look bulky or dated. Better alternatives include Base Shoe, Sash Stop, Square-Edged Trim, or seamless methods like Color-Matched Caulk.
White and neutral shades are popular shades for interior trim due to their versatility and timeless appearance. We always recommend pairing your walls with a complementary white or neutral, rather than choosing brilliant white.
Heavy molding, raised panel doors, and ornate corbels feel out of sync with today's streamlined kitchens. While traditional design still has a place, it's getting a modern refresh. Try This Instead: Choose shaker-style or slab-front cabinets for a cleaner look.
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 most affordable baseboard trim is Primed MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), typically costing between $0.45 to $1.00 per linear foot. It is smooth, easy to paint, and looks great in living areas.
There is no strict rule, as both lighter and darker baseboards can look fantastic depending on your design goals. It ultimately comes down to the aesthetic you want to achieve.
In 2026, the dominant wood style embraces organic warmth, moving away from cool greys and uniform finishes in favor of natural textures and earthy character.
The most popular home decor style right now is Organic Modern. This aesthetic beautifully blends clean, contemporary lines with warm, earthy materials to create spaces that are both sleek and deeply comforting.
The 3-5-7 rule is a styling principle stating that grouping objects in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) creates natural visual rhythm, balance, and harmony. Instead of rigid symmetry, odd-numbered arrangements force the eye to move dynamically across a space, making decor feel thoughtfully curated rather than staged.
Outdated homes usually suffer from heavy thematic trends, worn-out finishes, or poor lighting. To elevate your space, it helps to focus on replacing dated fixtures, fixing poor lighting, and eliminating overly specific decor.
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.
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.