Skirting board is a small but important element of the interior, which completes the look of the room and hides the joints between the wall and the floor. However, modern design trends are increasingly seeking to clean lines and minimalismwhere the baseboard should be imperceptible all or nothing hidden. In this article, we'll detail what options there are for concealed baseboards, how they are installed, and when each type is best suited.


πŸ”Ή Why hide the baseboard?

In the past, the skirting board had a purely utilitarian function - it closed the gap between the floor and the wall, protected the edges of the flooring and allowed you to hide wires.
But as interior design has evolved, new approaches have emerged:

βœ… Modern aesthetics - visually "clean" walls with no protruding details.
βœ… Optical enlargement of space - especially important for small rooms.
βœ… Alignment of walls and floor into a single plane - gives the interior a monolithic and stylish look.
βœ… Emphasizing architecture - concealed skirting accentuates the geometry of the room, furniture and lighting.


πŸ’  Main types of concealed skirting boards

  1. Recessed aluminum profile (invisible skirting board)
    The most popular option for modern interiors.
    It's mounted flush with the wall in the roughing-in phase.
    After installation, it seems as if the floor "goes" directly into the wall.

    • Suitable for: modern, minimalist and hi-tech interiors.

    • Compatible with drywall and plaster.

    • LED lighting can be integrated as an option.

  2. Skirting board painted in the wall color
    It's a compromise between classic and minimalist.
    Wooden or MDF skirting board is simply painted with the same paint as the walls - and it is "lost" in the interior.

    • Ideal for apartments with a limited budget.

    • Allows you to easily update the color when repainting.

    • Can be used in any room.

  3. Skirting board recessed in the floor (concealed fit)
    This method involves the use of a floor covering that goes under the wall.
    The gap is closed with a narrow profile or sealant.

    • Gives a completely smooth visual transition.

    • Suitable for rooms with flat walls and monolithic floors.

  4. Skirting board shadow gap
    This technique is especially favored by designers.
    A neat shadow is left between the wall and the floor (a gap 10-15 mm wide), creating the effect of a "floating" wall.

    • It looks expensive and technologically advanced.

    • Can be used with drywall and decorative panels.

    • Requires precise installation and level room geometry.


βš™οΈ How to install a concealed skirting board

The installation process depends on the type of baseboard, but generally involves a few key steps:

  1. Wall and floor preparation

    • An aluminum or plastic profile is installed.

    • The floor level point is determined.

    • It is important to provide a gap for the skirting board in advance - at the stage of rough finishing.

  2. Profile mounting

    • Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws or glue.

    • This is followed by plastering or drywall installation flush with a profile.

  3. Finishing

    • The baseboard can be painted, a decorative insert or LED lighting can be installed.

    • It is important to achieve an even line with no gaps or gradients.

  4. Checking the gap

    • If skirting boards are aligned with door frames, a uniform height line must be maintained.

    • Any irregularities are immediately noticeable, so accuracy is essential.


🎨 Design solutions with concealed skirting boards

  • Minimalism - smooth walls, concise shapes, concealed skirting boards and door frames flush with the wall.

  • Modern classics - thin baseboard painted to match the color of the walls.

  • Loft - metal profile combined with concrete or brick finishes.

  • Hi-Tech - aluminum baseboard with LED lighting, highlighting the geometry of the space.

πŸ’‘ Advice: If you want to achieve the effect of a "floating wall", use warm lighting directed downwards along the plinth - this visually lifts the wall and adds depth to the interior.


⚠️ Mistakes to avoid

🚫 Installing a hidden baseboard after finishing is impossible without destroying the walls. Plan it in advance.
🚫 Use of cheap profiles - leads to deformation and cracks.
🚫 Lack of consideration for flooring - the floor level may overlap the gap.
🚫 Ignoring thermal expansion - especially important when installing laminate or engineered flooring.


πŸ’¬ When a concealed skirting board is not suitable

Despite the aesthetic advantage, concealed baseboards have limitations:

  • They demand perfectly flat walls and floors.

  • Installation must be carried out before finishingwhich increases the complexity.

  • In some interiors (for example, classical) traditional skirting board looks more appropriate and harmonious.


✨ Bottom line

Concealed skirting boards are not just a trend, but a sign of thoughtful and modern design. It emphasizes the purity of lines, visually expands the space and gives the interior a sense of expensive architectural detailing.

If you're planning a major renovation or custom furniture order, be sure to discuss the option of concealed skirting board with a designer is a solution that can take your interior to a whole new level.


5/5 - (3 votes)