Choosing the right skirting board profile is one of those decisions that can make or break the finished look of a room. Get it right and the skirting feels like it was always meant to be there. Get it wrong and it can look out of place, no matter how well it's fitted. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to consider.
What Is a Skirting Board Profile?
The profile refers to the shape of the skirting board when viewed from the side — its cross-section. Profiles range from completely flat and minimal to highly decorative with curves, grooves, and stepped details. The profile you choose should complement the architectural style of your home and the interior aesthetic you're going for.
Match the Profile to Your Interior Style
Modern & Contemporary Interiors
For clean, minimal spaces, choose a simple profile with little or no decoration. The best options are:
- Square Edge — completely flat with a sharp 90° top edge. The most minimal option available.
- Pencil Round — flat face with a subtle rounded top edge. Adds a touch of softness without any fuss.
- Bullnose — a fully rounded top edge, clean and contemporary.
- V Groove / Square Groove — flat face with one or two recessed grooves for subtle architectural detail.
Traditional & Period Interiors
For older properties or rooms with a classic feel, a more decorative profile is appropriate:
- Torus — a large, smooth convex curve. One of the most popular traditional profiles in the UK.
- Ogee — an elegant S-curve profile, instantly recognisable in period homes.
- Ovolo — a quarter-round convex profile, softer than Torus and well-suited to Georgian and Victorian interiors.
- Lambs Tongue — a graceful curved profile with a distinctive pointed detail.
Transitional Interiors
If your home blends old and new, a mid-ground profile works well:
- Chamfer Round — an angled chamfer with a soft rounded edge, sitting comfortably between modern and traditional.
- Pencil Round with Groove — adds subtle detail to an otherwise simple profile.
Consider the Height
Profile and height work together. A highly decorative Ogee at 70mm can look underwhelming in a tall room, while a Square Edge at 220mm makes a bold architectural statement. As a general guide:
- 95mm — suitable for standard ceiling heights (2.4m), especially with minimal profiles.
- 120mm–144mm — a versatile mid-height that works across most rooms.
- 166mm–220mm+ — ideal for higher ceilings or when you want the skirting to be a design feature.
Think About the Finish
All our skirting boards are available in two finishes:
- Primed — ready to paint straight away, saving you a preparation step on site.
- Unprimed — ideal if you want to apply a specialist primer or if you're painting in an unusual colour that requires a specific base coat.
Moisture Resistance Matters
All our skirting boards are manufactured from moisture-resistant MDF, making them suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and any other area where humidity levels may be higher than average. Standard MDF will swell and delaminate in these environments — always specify moisture-resistant grade.
Our Recommendation
If you're unsure where to start, the Torus and Ogee profiles are the most popular choices for traditional homes, while Square Edge and Pencil Round are the go-to options for modern interiors. Browse our full range of moisture-resistant MDF skirting boards at Univers Skirting & Architrave to find the perfect profile for your project.