Skirting Board: What Is It For and How to Choose the Right One? The Complete Guide

Apr 15, 2026

Plinthe : à quoi sert-elle et comment bien la choisir ? Le guide complet

You're renovating your living room and you're wondering if adding skirting boards is really necessary? Everyone tells you it's essential, but deep down, you've never really questioned why. Here are some points to help you decide.

What is a skirting board used for?

A baseboard is an element installed at the base of a wall, at its junction with the floor. Its role is both technical and decorative.

It primarily fulfills four functions:

protecting the lower part of the wall against impacts and dirt;
masking the junction between the wall and the floor;
concealing certain gaps or finishing joints;
integrating or hiding cables depending on the model chosen.

Its value is therefore not limited to aesthetics. In a renovation or new construction, the choice of baseboard must be considered based on the floor, the wall, the use of the room, and the desired result.

je veux une photo avec un zoom sur une plinthe dans un beau salon

What is a skirting board used for?

A baseboard is an element installed at the base of a wall, at its junction with the floor. Its role is both technical and decorative.

It primarily fulfills four functions:

protecting the lower part of the wall against impacts and dirt;
masking the junction between the wall and the floor;
concealing certain gaps or finishing joints;
integrating or hiding cables depending on the model chosen.

Its value is therefore not limited to aesthetics. In a renovation or new construction, the choice of baseboard must be considered based on the floor, the wall, the use of the room, and the desired result.

Is a baseboard mandatory?

You're now convinced you need skirting boards but have no idea which ones to choose? Here's a list of some common types of skirting boards:

• Made of solid wood
Robust, solid wood skirting boards are easily customizable (painting, varnishing, etc.) and perfectly complement a parquet floor. They can be made from various types of wood (oak, pine, beech, bamboo, etc.). However, their cost is quite high and the material remains sensitive to humidity.

• In medium
Inexpensive and lightweight, reconstituted wood skirting boards are easy to paint, allowing them to be matched to the colors of the wall or floor. However, they are prone to warping in humid environments and are not the most impact-resistant.

• Made of polymer
Polymer skirting boards offer a low-cost, lightweight and easy-to-maintain option. They are moisture-resistant and available in a variety of finishes.

What height skirting board should I choose?

• renovation skirting boards or over-skirting boards
Some skirting boards can be glued directly over old skirting boards, avoiding the need to remove them. This allows you to give a room a fresh look without major work.

Can you lay new skirting board over old?

Yes, in some cases.

This is precisely the advantage of renovation skirting boards, also known as over-skirting boards.

They allow you to cover an old skirting board without necessarily removing it. This solution can be particularly interesting during a quick renovation:

no need to systematically remove the old skirting board;
less work;
less risk of damaging the wall;
quickly modernized finish.

However, it is essential to check the available dimensions before choosing an over-skirting board. The old skirting board must allow the new one to cover it correctly without creating an unsightly overhang.

Can you lay new skirting board over old?

Yes, in some cases.

This is precisely the advantage of renovation skirting boards, also known as over-skirting boards.

They allow you to cover an old skirting board without necessarily removing it. This solution can be particularly interesting during a quick renovation:

no need to systematically remove the old skirting board;
less work;
less risk of damaging the wall;
quickly modernized finish.

However, it is essential to check the available dimensions before choosing an over-skirting board. The old skirting board must allow the new one to cover it correctly without creating an unsightly overhang.

Should you choose a taller baseboard in a room with high ceilings?

Not necessarily, but a taller baseboard can be particularly attractive.

You are now ready to make an informed choice! Need a little extra help? Cimaises et + offers personalized assistance to help you choose the skirting boards best suited to your needs.

Consult the skirting board category here.

What baseboard to choose for a modern interior?

For modern decor, the priority is generally given to clean lines.

A modern baseboard can be:

straight and thin;
matching the wall;
white to create contrast;
coordinated with the floor;
discreet enough not to compete with other decorative elements.

In a minimalist interior, a very decorative baseboard can visually weigh down the overall look. Conversely, in an old apartment or a classic decor, a more elaborate baseboard can enhance the character of the place. The right choice therefore depends as much on the style of the room as on its proportions.

Orac skirting boards

See the range

Orac

SX159 Orac Decor Skirting Board - 6x1.2x200cm (hxpx L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 18,30€

Soit 9,15€ au m

Orac

SX157 Orac Decor Skirting Board - 6.5x1.3x200cm (hxpx L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 18,40€

Soit 9,20€ au m

Orac

SX180 Orac Decor Skirting Board - 12x1.6x200cm (hxpx L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 46,60€

Soit 23,30€ au m

Orac

SX183 CASCADE Skirting Board Orac Decor 7.5x1.3x200cm (h x d x L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 20,80€

Soit 10,40€ au m

Orac

SX187 Orac Decor Skirting Board - 7.5x1.2x200cm (hxpx L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 27,10€

Soit 13,55€ au m

Orac skirting boards: a decorative solution to go further

If you want the baseboard to be a full part of your interior design, Orac models are an interesting option.

The range available at Cimaises &+ includes the models SX104, SX105 and SX118 CONTOUR, as well as their flexible versions. The dimensions and profiles vary according to the references. The benefit is being able to choose a skirting board that is not just a technical finish, but a true decorative element. It can be left white, painted in the wall color, or combined with other Orac elements to create a cohesive wall decoration.

Orac Skirting Boards

View the range

Orac

SX104 Orac Decor Skirting Board - 15x1.5x200cm (hxpx L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 40,60€

Soit 20,30€ au m

Orac

SX104F Flexible Skirting Board Orac Decor -15x1.5x200cm (h x d x L) - decorative polymer skirting board

162,40€

Soit 81,20€ au m

Orac

SX105 Orac Decor Skirting Board - 11x1.3x200cm (hxpx L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 29,30€

Soit 14,65€ au m

Orac

SX105F Flexible Skirting Board Orac Decor - 11x1.3x200cm (h x d x L) - decorative polymer skirting board

117,20€

Soit 58,60€ au m

Orac

SX118 CONTOUR Orac Decor Skirting Board - 14x1.8x200cm (hxpx L) - decorative polymer skirting board

From 41,70€

Soit 20,85€ au m

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about baseboards

How do I choose the height of my baseboard?

Height mainly depends on your interior style:

- 4 to 6 cm: discreet and contemporary look.

- 7 to 10 cm: balanced proportions, particularly suited to "standard" ceiling heights (approx. 2.50 m).

- 12 cm and above: assertive finish, ideal for a classic or high-end style.

In rooms with high ceilings, taller skirting boards naturally enhance the harmony and proportions of the space.

Can you run cables behind baseboards?

Yes, our models have a cable management system that allows you to conceal electrical wires, network cables, or TV cables.

Can cables be hidden behind a baseboard?

Yes, but only with a model designed for this use. Not all baseboards have a space for cables to pass through.

Can the baseboards be painted?

Yes, all our baseboards are designed to be easily painted. Please check the characteristics of the chosen model to confirm its paint compatibility.

What type and quantity of glue for my project?

DECOFIX PRO (FDP500) is a strong water-based acrylic installation adhesive for indoor use on porous surfaces and in dry areas.
DECOFIX POWER (FDP700) is an ultra-strong MS-polymer installation adhesive used for large mouldings or for outdoor use, on non-porous surfaces (tiles, glass, etc.) or in humid environments such as bathrooms.

These adhesives can be painted after drying (minimum 24 hours waiting time).
We recommend using one cartridge for approximately 10 linear meters of mouldings.

How do I achieve the best finish between baseboards?

For perfect joints, we recommend DecoFix Extra (FX400) adhesive.
After gluing the two skirting boards, it's important to press them firmly together. Excess adhesive should be removed immediately with a spatula. After 20 minutes, remove any remaining excess adhesive with a spatula and lightly sand the joint. This joint can then be finished with Decofiller (FL300) filler.

Are the baseboards moisture-resistant?

Yes, our skirting boards are specially designed for humid rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens.

How to install baseboards on curved walls?

Flexible baseboards are ideal for curved and rounded walls. Lightweight and paintable, they are installed in the same way as rigid baseboards. Flexible versions are recognizable by an "F" at the end of their reference. See the full range of flexible baseboards.

Which baseboard to choose for a Haussmannian interior?

A tall, ornate baseboard can work particularly well in a Haussmannian interior. It can be combined with moldings, wall frames, and a picture rail to enhance the architectural character of the room. See Haussmannian style baseboards.

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