Choosing Skirting Boards: The 3 Golden Rules for Matching Floors, Doors and Walls

Rule #1: Harmony. Match the skirting to the floor.

This is the most traditional and safe choice, ideal for those who want a homogeneous and harmonious visual result. Matching the skirting board to the floor creates an effect of continuity, making the space appear larger and tidier.

• When to choose: It is the perfect solution if you have a high-quality floor, such as a solid wood parquet, and you want it to be the absolute star of the room. By choosing a skirting board of the same wood species and finish as the floor, the skirting board becomes a natural extension of the horizontal surface.
• The expert's advice: If you cannot find a skirting board identical to your floor, opt for a slightly lighter or darker shade, but always within the same colour family to maintain harmony.

Rule #2: The Frame. Match the skirting to the doors and windows.

A more modern approach, much appreciated by architects and interior designers, is to coordinate the skirting board with the door and window frames. In this way, the skirting board no longer ties in with the horizontal plane (the floor), but with the vertical ones, creating a “frame” that delineates the perimeter of the room.

• When to choose: This solution is particularly effective when you have white lacquered doors. A white skirting board combined with the doors creates an elegant, bright and clean look, which clearly stands out from both the floor and the coloured walls. It is a winning choice in almost 95% of cases.
• The expert's advice: For an even more sophisticated effect, make sure that the skirting board profile (e.g. square or owl-beak) echoes the style of the door frames.

Rule #3: The Contrast. When to choose a skirting board that stands out.

For those who like to be daring and want to turn the skirting board into a decorative element with character, the choice of contrast is the way to go. In this case, the skirting board does not match either the floor or the doors, but becomes a third colour element.

• When to choose: It is an ideal solution in rooms with a contemporary or eclectic style. A dark skirting board (anthracite grey or black) on a light floor and neutral walls can create a striking graphic effect. Conversely, a white skirting board on a dark floor and intense walls adds a touch of light and definition.
• The expert's advice: You can also decide to paint the skirting board the same colour as the walls. This visually “disappears” the skirting board, creating a continuous and homogenous surface, perfect for a minimalist style.