Rounded or Stepped Baseboard This is the most popular baseboard profile used in homes. The top of the trim has a rounded shape that tapers into the wall. The trim of these types of baseboards looks best in modern homes because of its relatively short profile and simple design.
Solid wood finger jointed wood, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) baseboards are among the most popular material choices.
In 2024, expect to see homeowners and designers opting for sleek, unembellished wood trim that blends seamlessly with the walls and overall decor. Minimalistic baseboards with straight, simple lines will be a hallmark of modern interiors this year.
The Eased One Edge baseboard has been a go to for a modern look. There are basically no grooves or designs on this style besides the mandatory top and bottom of the baseboard. This baseboard style is very modern and simple, a style you can't go wrong with.
There is no universal baseboard height standard but typically you'll see baseboards in several common heights: Most common: 3-¼", 5-¼", 4-¼" Less common: 3-⅛", 4", 5", 5-½"
Modern and minimal flat baseboards.
Flat baseboards play against traditional expectations of a curving, rounded baseboard and instead feature a completely flat surface. Elevate Your Living Experience with Unparalleled Service.
Hardwoods like oak and maple are an excellent choice of baseboard materials if seeking wood baseboards that can be stained. Hardwoods take stain and varnish well but are significantly more expensive than jointed pine and MDF. Hardwoods are popular as baseboards because of their durability.
A baseboard height that's approximately 7% of the wall height provides for a solid and definable base without being too big. The overall proportion of baseboard to wall height will be comfortable and pleasing. So in a room with a 9 foot high ceiling, a baseboard that's about 8 inches tall works.
Although baseboards aren't a necessity, they help give most homes a finished look and are highly functional.
Here is a great rule of thumb: A standard 8-foot wall typically has a baseboard 3 to 5 inches tall, while a 10-foot ceiling calls for 5 to 7 inches. As a designer, I love adding height for drama. And the taller baseboards create a modern yet elegant finished look.
By using a taller baseboard moulding, you can give the impression of higher ceilings and more space. This is an easy and affordable way to add character and sophistication to a small room.
'A lot of people often assume warmer, darker-toned woods are best suited to older, properties, thanks to their association with antiques, but they can work incredibly well in more contemporary homes too,' she advises. 'In fact, they make for a real design statement.
Colonial trim features clean lines and simple geometric shapes, making it a timeless choice for both traditional and contemporary homes. It typically consists of a flat board called a casing, which surrounds the window frame, and a decorative molding called a stool or apron at the bottom.
Baseboards are the most common type of trim in homes, decorating a room and serving as a defining line at the base of a wall. They also hide the gap between the bottom of the wall and the floor. Typically used where the floor meets the wall, this look is both beautiful and practical.
A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.
Many people ask us: does trim have to match throughout the house? And it doesn't! Trim, just like interior doors, can use different styles and colours under one roof, and we have some photos to prove it.
When sizing a baseboard in a traditional-style home, a good starting point is to use a ratio of 7%. So if your ceiling height is 8 feet high, try a baseboard that's about 7 inches tall.
Vinyl Baseboard
It's also fairly easy to install, making it a simple weekend project you can do on your own. Sold in rolls, vinyl baseboard can be easier to work with than wood, and typically has a long life span, requiring little maintenance.
For classic or traditional interiors, using a white or off-white paint can really play up the trim and bring out its historical or intricate qualities. And many design experts consider white the perfect color for any trim, regardless of interior style or wall color.
Shoe moulding is a preferable choice for moulding as it provides a sleek and narrow look. This moulding is suitable for spaces where the walls and floors are not level or straight.
Modern Trim
The contemporary baseboard trim style typically contains minimum curves, corners edges, designs etc. It is a more minimalistic look. Some profiles only display a couple of edges while traditional has many different components to each baseboard trim profiles.
If your current trim and/or baseboards are poorly installed or damaged, it creates the appearance of the “old and cheap” look. Clean, sleek trim could improve your home's value and by upgrading it will help you sell your home faster and possibly, for more money.
Rounded baseboards
Also known as stepped baseboards, rounded baseboard moulding is probably the most popular option for homeowners. Rounded baseboards are flat on the bottom and are characterized by their stylistic grooves and step shape that tapers along the wall.