Two of the most popular skirting board profiles in the UK — but which one suits your home?
What Is an Ogee Skirting Board?
The Ogee profile is one of the most recognisable in traditional British joinery. It features a distinctive S-shaped curve — a concave upper section flowing into a convex lower section — that gives it a formal, decorative character. It has been a staple of period properties for centuries and remains the go-to choice for anyone wanting to reference classical architecture.
Ogee works particularly well in Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian properties, where it complements ornate cornicing, panel doors, and deep architraves. In contemporary interiors, a bold Ogee at 145mm or above can be used as a statement feature — especially when painted in a strong colour against a contrasting wall.
What Is a Torus Skirting Board?
The Torus profile features a single, prominent convex curve at the top of the board, tapering to a flat section below. It is softer and less fussy than Ogee, making it one of the most versatile profiles available. Torus strikes a balance between the decorative and the understated — it has enough detail to feel considered without dominating the room.
Torus is the most widely specified profile in UK housebuilding and is found in properties of all ages and styles, from 1930s semis to modern new builds.
Ogee vs Torus: A Direct Comparison
Style: Ogee is more formal and traditional; Torus is softer and more versatile.
Best for period properties: Ogee — it references classical joinery more authentically.
Best for modern homes: Torus — its cleaner silhouette works with contemporary interiors without looking out of place.
Best for open-plan spaces: Torus — its simplicity reads well across large areas without becoming visually busy.
Best as a design statement: Ogee at a larger height (145mm+) makes a bolder architectural impression.
Paintability: Both profiles paint equally well when primed. Our moisture-resistant MDF boards are supplied primed or unprimed, ready for your chosen finish.
Which Should You Choose?
If your home has period features — ceiling roses, panel doors, deep cornicing — Ogee will feel at home and reinforce the character of the space.
If your home is a modern new build, a renovated terrace, or an open-plan interior where you want the skirting to look polished without drawing too much attention, Torus is the safer and more flexible choice.
If in doubt, Torus. It suits more rooms, more styles, and more budgets — and it never looks wrong.
Shop Ogee and Torus Skirting Boards
At Univers Skirting & Architrave, both profiles are available in moisture-resistant MDF, supplied primed or unprimed, in a range of heights from 95mm to 166mm. All boards are suitable for UK homes and can be ordered cut to length.
Browse our full range of skirting board profiles and find the right fit for your project.