When finishing a home or office space, small details can make a big impact. Two of the most important finishing elements are skirting boards and architraves. While they may look similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and are used in different areas of your home.
At Visto Moulding, we help Gauteng homeowners and businesses choose the right trims to achieve a clean, professional finish. 🛠️ In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between skirting and architraves—and how to use them together for the best results.
📏 What Is Skirting?
Skirting boards (also called baseboards) are installed along the bottom of interior walls where they meet the floor.
✅ Main Purpose of Skirting
Skirting serves both a practical and decorative role:
🛡️ Protects walls from furniture and cleaning equipment
📐 Covers expansion gaps between flooring and walls
🧽 Hides uneven edges and installation marks
✨ Adds a polished, finished look to any room
📍 Where Skirting Is Used
Skirting is found in most interior spaces, including:
🏡 Living rooms
🛏️ Bedrooms
🏢 Offices
🚪 Hallways
🍽️ Dining areas
🚪 What Is Architrave?
Architraves are mouldings fitted around doors and windows, covering the gap between the wall and the frame.
✅ Main Purpose of Architrave
Architraves improve both appearance and durability by:
🪟 Concealing joints and gaps
🛠️ Preventing cracks near frames
💪 Protecting edges from damage
🎨 Enhancing architectural style
📍 Where Architraves Are Used
Architraves are installed around:
🚪 Interior doors
🚪 Exterior doors (inside)
🪟 Window frames
They are essential for creating smooth transitions between walls and frames.
🧩 Common Architrave Materials
Typical choices include:
🔹 MDF architraves
🔹 PVC trims
🔹 Timber-style finishes
Visto Moulding offers architraves designed to match our skirting ranges for a unified look. ✔️
🤔 Do You Need Both Skirting and Architraves?
Yes—using both creates a balanced and professional finish. 🏆
When you combine matching skirting and architraves:
✨ Your rooms look more cohesive
🔗 Transitions appear seamless
📈 Property value increases
🧹 Maintenance becomes easier
At Visto Moulding, we recommend selecting coordinated profiles and colours for consistency throughout your home or business.
🎯 Choosing the Right Style for Your Gauteng Home
When selecting skirting and architraves, consider the following:
1️⃣ Ceiling Height
🏢 High ceilings → Taller skirting and wider trims
🏠 Low ceilings → Slim, minimalist profiles
2️⃣ Interior Style
🖤 Modern → Flat, square-edged trims
🏛️ Classic → Decorative moulded profiles
🏗️ Industrial → Clean, simple finishes
3️⃣ Flooring Type
Match your trims to your flooring:
🪵 Laminate flooring
🟦 Vinyl flooring
🌳 Wooden floors
⬜ Tiled floors
Visto Moulding provides solutions that pair perfectly with all major flooring types. ✅
⭐ Why Choose Visto Moulding for Skirting and Architraves?
Homeowners and contractors across Gauteng choose Visto Moulding because we offer:
✔️ High-quality mouldings
✔️ Expert advice
✔️ Durable, low-maintenance materials
✔️ Stylish modern designs
✔️ Professional installation support
Whether you’re renovating, building, or upgrading, our team is ready to help. 🛠️🏡
📝 Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between skirting and architraves helps you make better design choices.
📌 Skirting protects and finishes your walls
📌 Architraves frame your doors and windows
📌 Together, they create a premium interior look ✨
For expert guidance and quality mouldings in Gauteng, trust Visto Moulding—your finishing partner. 🤝
