Choosing the right architrave profile is one of the most impactful decisions in any interior fit-out — here's what you need to know about each style.
What is Architrave?
Architrave is the moulding that frames a door or window opening, covering the joint between the wall plaster and the door lining or window frame. It serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose — hiding the gap and adding a decorative finish to every doorway in your home.
Why MDF?
MDF architrave offers a consistently smooth, knot-free surface that takes paint beautifully. Unlike timber, it won't split, warp, or develop grain telegraphing over time. Moisture-resistant MDF extends these benefits to kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms where humidity is a factor.
The Main Profiles
Square Edge (Modern)
Clean, flat, and unadorned — square edge architrave suits contemporary and minimalist interiors perfectly. It pairs naturally with flush doors, handleless cabinetry, and large-format flooring. Available in a range of widths from 44mm to 94mm.
Torus
One of the most popular profiles in UK new builds, torus architrave features a single large convex curve along its face. It strikes a balance between traditional and modern — not as plain as square edge, not as ornate as ogee. Works well in family homes and mid-range renovations.
Ogee
Ogee is the classic period profile, featuring an S-shaped curve that gives it a more decorative, traditional appearance. It suits Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian properties particularly well, and pairs naturally with panel doors and picture rails. Ogee architrave adds character to period renovations without looking overdone.
Chamfered & Pencil Round
Chamfered architrave features a subtle angled face, offering a step up from square edge without committing to a full curved profile. Pencil round has a small rounded bead along one or both edges — a popular choice for a clean but slightly softer look in contemporary homes.
Bullnose
Bullnose architrave has a fully rounded front face, giving a soft, understated finish. It's commonly used in social housing and budget renovations but can also work well in relaxed, informal interiors.
Choosing the Right Width
Standard architrave widths run from 44mm to 94mm. As a rule, wider doors and taller ceilings suit wider architrave — a 44mm leg on a wide double door can look spindly, while a 94mm leg on a narrow internal door may feel overpowering. Most UK homes are well-served by a 57mm or 69mm leg width.
Matching Architrave to Skirting
For a cohesive finish throughout a property, always match your architrave profile to your skirting board profile. Mixing ogee skirting with square edge architrave, for example, creates a visual inconsistency that is hard to unsee. Buying both from a single supplier ensures profile consistency and finish quality across every room.
Primed vs Unprimed
- Unprimed — ready for your own paint system; ideal for bespoke colour matching
- White primed — factory spray-primed, saving time on site; denib, undercoat, and top coat
Installation Tips
- Always mitre the head and leg joints at 45° for a clean corner finish
- Use a mitre saw for accuracy — hand cutting rarely gives tight enough joints
- Fix with lost-head nails or a brad nailer, then fill and sand before painting
- Seal the back edges with caulk where they meet the wall to prevent moisture ingress