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"
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.
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.
If you're looking for the exact height to go with, you can use the 7% rule – choose a height closest to 7% of the overall height of your room. So here are some examples: For a room that is 7ft in ceiling height (84 inches), you would use a baseboard height of roughly 5.88 inches or taller.
Depends on the thickness of the baseboard. For basic 1/4'' or 3/8'' baseboards, 18ga is fine. For thicker trim like 9/16th or 11/16th go with 16ga.
For finish and trim applications, the standard tool has been the 18-gauge pneumatic nailer. Its nails are thinner in cross section than 15 or 16-gauge nailers, and as a result, they leave a smaller hole and are less likely to split narrow trim and molding.
How thick is a typical exposed baseboard? Most traditional and readily available wood and MDF baseboard trims in America are 9/16" (14.3 mm) and ⅝" (15.9 mm) thick, less common are ½" (12.7 mm) or 7/16" (11.1 mm) thick baseboards.
Minimalistic baseboards with straight, simple lines will be a hallmark of modern interiors this year. Painted in the same color as the walls or a shade slightly lighter or darker, they create a seamless transition between walls and floors. Modern crown molding will feature clean, geometric profiles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Therefore, if our wall is 96″ high, our baseboard is 6.72″. It's a little tall.
Solid wood finger jointed wood, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) baseboards are among the most popular material choices. Choosing the material often comes down to budget or color preference, so it's easier to determine which material is right for your house.
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.
So, is crown moulding outdated? Not. It's a style decision that has stood the test of time, bringing a dash of class and ageless elegance to homes and places. If you're looking to enhance your interior design, consider crown moulding from Intco Decor – where classic meets contemporary, and elegance knows no bounds.
'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.
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.
MYTH: Everything should match
Painting all window and door trim, crown molding and baseboards the same colour provides consistency, but is not a rule. For example, only black baseboards will anchor a room while having only black crown moulding will frame the ceiling and draw your eye up.
This is accomplished by setting the miter angle of your saw to 45 in the direction of the running molding. If the baseboard is coming from the right, the miter angle should be moved to the right, or 3 o'clock. The molding should be stretching to the right while the side to be cut is on the left at the saw blade.
There are numerous options regarding the material and style of interior window trim. Wood is popular due to its decorative appeal, with poplar recommended for painted trim and strong-grained oak for stained. Wood composites and uPVC are other common materials, offering more variety in style and budget.