Baseboard Ideas

Used most often in commercial spaces, vinyl baseboard is ideal for high-traffic areas. Because it's scratch and stain-resistant, vinyl works well in mudrooms, garages, hallways and playrooms.

It's also fairly easy to install, making it a simple weekend project you can do on your own. Sold in rolls, vinyl baseboard can be easier to work with than wood, and typically has a long life span, requiring little maintenance.

Available in a wide variety of colors, vinyl baseboard can easily match the color scheme of your room as well. It is important to keep in mind that vinyl baseboard is prone to mildew if it gets too wet and may show dents easier than wood.

Simple and flat, modern baseboards create a consistent, sleek look throughout your home. While more traditional styles opt for rounded edges or detailed designs, modern baseboards offer a flat surface that helps to elongate walls, making a home appear larger.

For those with modern homes who want to up the style factor, consider taller baseboards, 6 inches or higher, that add depth to the space. Or pair sleek baseboards with patterned wallpaper or bright paint for a bold look.

Another way to make the most of this modern look is with the monochromatic effect of painting the baseboard the same shade – a neutral grey, white or beige – as your walls.

In homes with a more farmhouse or cabin style, consider installing rustic baseboards to complete the look. A natural wood tone keeps in theme with the overall appeal of this type of home and creates a cozy environment.

Minimal in that you aren't using bold paint or modern design, rustic baseboards can still incorporate detailed designs that draw the eye and complement a cabin or farmhouse-style home without being over-the-top.

Give basic white baseboards new life by adding board and batten or wainscotting to your walls. With just a few pieces of plywood, and some imagination, you can bulk up your baseboards and create the illusion of a Craftsman or cottage-style home.

The beauty of this idea is that it can work in any room in the house, including hallways and bathrooms. It's also an ideal way to add character to a space and cover any wall or design flaws in your baseboards.

While some homes may come with larger baseboards, creating a structured look is as simple as attaching and stacking a few thin strips of plywood atop one another. A bit Victorian in style, scultped baseboards add a sense of sophistication to a space, and can elongate an all-white wall or add a wow factor when paired with a wall painted in a different color.

If your home already has these architectural details, try painting them in a soothing shade so they stand out but don't overwhelm.

Typically incorporating quarter round, this type of baseboard is most commonly used. Typically, the top trim has a rounded shape that conforms to the wall. A popular choice, based on cost and availabilty, traditional baseboards work well in classic and contemporary homes, but this doesn't mean that they can't work in moden-style homes as well.

The beauty of traditional baseboards is their simple, versatile style. A wall covered in a bold shade of paint or patterned wallpaper will be well-framed by a traditional baseboard.

Similarly, you can create a clean look by giving your baseboards a fresh coat of white paint and updating walls with a subtle, neutral shade of beige or grey.