When it comes to home upgrades, it’s often the minor details that have the biggest impact. Enter painted skirting boards. Though understated by nature, these small architectural features hold the power to transform the look and feel of your entire space. No longer limited to the neutral whites of traditional design, painted skirting boards are rapidly gaining traction as a style statement in modern interior trends.
This simple yet powerful home improvement solution combines creativity and functionality, making it one of the most accessible ways to upgrade your space. But what’s behind this trend? And why are painted skirting boards popping up everywhere, from Pinterest mood boards to Instagram-worthy living rooms? Let’s break it down.
What Makes Skirting Boards a Key Design Element?
Often dismissed as purely functional, skirting boards are actually a crucial design element. Besides their primary role of protecting walls from scuffs and damage, they also frame the room like a border on a painting. Their visible placement makes them ripe for customization, giving your interiors a polished, cohesive look when done right.
But here’s where painted skirting boards go one step further—they bridge the gap between walls and flooring, giving you an opportunity to play with contrast, color, and texture. According to interior design data from Houzz, 28% of homeowners are now experimenting with colored trims and skirting boards as opposed to keeping them white or unpainted. The trend is driven in large part by those looking for a cost-effective and less intrusive way to modernize their homes.
Choosing the Perfect Color for Your Skirting Boards
One of the main reasons painted skirting boards are trending lies in their versatility. Whether you want to blend or contrast, there’s a color palette to suit every taste. Here’s a breakdown:
Neutral Tones
Shades like dove gray, taupe, or muted beige work beautifully for contemporary spaces. Research from home decor retailer Wayfair suggests that lighter tones like these are favorites among those seeking a minimalist and clean aesthetic.
Bold Statements
Feeling adventurous? Bright colors such as navy blue, forest green, or even mustard yellow are becoming incredibly popular among bold homeowners who enjoy breaking away from tradition. Accent colors offer an unexpected pop of personality, and if done thoughtfully, they can make your space Instagram-worthy.
Timeless Black
Black skirting boards are having a major moment. According to design analytics platform Modsy, black trims are up 38% in online mentions compared to last year, making them a timeless choice for both traditional and modern homes. They create a striking contrast that elevates spaces with monochromatic or light-colored walls.
Matching Walls
A seamless look awaits those who prefer to match their skirting boards with the wall color. This approach makes a room feel larger and more cohesive, ideal for small or narrow spaces lacking natural light.
The DIY Angle
One of the best things about painting skirting boards? It’s a low-cost, beginner-friendly project that doesn’t require professional help. Platforms like Pinterest report significant spikes in searches for terms like “DIY painted skirting boards,” with homeowners increasingly seeking inspiration to do it themselves.
All you need is some paint, masking tape, and brushes (or a small roller), and you’re good to go. Make sure to clean the boards, sand them down, and apply a primer before painting for a smooth and long-lasting finish. Many paint brands now even offer skirting-specific options that are more durable and resistant to wear.
Why Painted Skirting Boards Are Trending
The resurgence of painted skirting boards coincides with global shifts in how we view home interiors. Lockdowns over recent years have pushed homeowners to create personalized, more comfortable living spaces. Styling trends like “cocooning,” highlighted by design magazine Wallpaper, emphasize warmth and individuality—two things painted skirting boards can bring to a room.
Additionally, influencing platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with skirting board reveals and tutorials, contributing to their growing popularity. Hashtags like #PaintedSkirtingBoards have garnered thousands of views, underscoring the buzz around this trend. This digital influence inspires homeowners to experiment with creative upgrades that spotlight their personality.
Interior decorators argue that painted skirting boards offer a unique advantage compared to full-scale renovations. They allow you to modernize your home’s look with low effort and high impact. It’s no wonder painted trims are no longer an afterthought in home design.
A Trend That’s Here to Stay
Painted skirting boards go beyond being a passing trend—they’re a creative, personalized way to upgrade your home. By rethinking the role of this small architectural detail, homeowners are proving that decor changes don’t have to be pricey or overwhelming to make a big statement. From bold contrasts to subtle cohesions, painted skirting boards are setting the stage as a game-changer in interior design.
