Base Boards

My fingernails have paint under them and I think I have caulk stuck in my hair. I’ve been spending my weekend painting and installing baseboards. I’ll show you pictures soon! In the mean time, have you ever wondered what type of baseboard you should have for your home? There aren’t really any set rules but there are some general guidelines. Overall the important thing is to choose a look you love. Let’s take a look at some beautiful baseboard ideas.

 

Traditional Entry design by Providence Interior Designer Kate Jackson Design

 

Older homes consistently have larger baseboard moldings. What is considered “large”? Anything from 6”-12” is significant. If your home boasts high ceilings you might want to choose large, more substantial baseboards.

 

A general guideline is choosing a baseboard height that is 7% of your ceiling height. This is just what is most pleasing to the eye, visually. Most of our modern era homes come with basic builder-grade baseboards. This means they are shorter, anywhere from 3- 4.5” inches.

 

Eclectic Entry design by Austin Architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

 

In the picture above, I like how the bright white baseboard and trim provides a nice contrast between the deep gray walls and the beautiful, dark hardwood flooring.

 

Contemporary Kitchen design by Calgary Interior Designer Bruce Johnson

 

In my 1949 Bathroom Renovation (below pic), we chose to keep the integrity of the classic Cape Cod home and replicated the large baseboards that were throughout the house. It took some searching, but these were almost an exact match to the vintage baseboards. Even though we aren’t in this home anymore, this renovation is still one of our favorites!

 

 

When we redid our daughters’ bead board bathroom we took the same older home design aspects, and added the bead board walls and large baseboards. It gives the 5 year old home classic character.

 

 

If you love the look of huge moldings but not the cost then check out these baseboard solutions below!

 

In the picture below they only use a shoe molding along the floor and then they added a strip of molding a foot higher. They painted the area in between in the same semi-gloss paint as the shoe and trim to create the illusion of an expensive molding! Genius!

 

Traditional Kids design by Charleston Interior Designer Alix Bragg Interior Design

 

Shelly and her hubs from House of Smiths wanted to bulk up their builder grade baseboards and added a skinny strip of molding and then painted in between also.

 

 House of Smiths

 

Amy at The Idea Room did this technique in her laundry room too.

 

The Idea Room

 

Whether you choose fat or skinny, ornate or simple, real or faux, baseboards can add extra dimension and architectural interest to your home.

 

Kim

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