Whether you're planning a full-scale remodel or a stylish room refresh, there are so many ways to update your space with the help of architectural features. If you want the interior of your home to look really amazing, we recommend focusing on decorative floor and wall trimmings. Today's topic? Baseboards! But what is a baseboard? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this type of floor trim.

What Is a Baseboard?
Baseboard Functions & Benefits

What Is a Baseboard?

A baseboard is a strip of wood or plastic that runs along the bottom edge of the wall along the floor. It comes in different lengths, heights, and designs to meet decorative needs while also protecting the space where the floor and wall meet. Multiple baseboards are glued or nailed together and to the wall to line the floor along the length of the room.

Baseboards are considered a type of trim. Trim includes everything from door casings to wainscoting, crown molding, corbels, mantels, picture rails, and more.

Tip!

Learn more about these trim options in our guide on Types of Molding.

Baseboard Functions & Benefits

Baseboards serve a dual purpose: to prevent damage to your walls and to provide decorative flair to the room. Here's a more in-depth look at why baseboard trims are so popular in home design and how you can benefit from having them in your home.

• Protect the Walls: Baseboards act as a protective shield by covering up the bottom portion of a wall. This means no scuffs or accidental holes caused by vacuum cleaners, feet, or furnishings. Do you wash your floors often? Baseboards can help protect walls from moisture and water damage. Baseboards also keep wallpaper or paint from suffering damage by acting as a barrier. Overall, baseboards keep your walls looking brand-new!
• Prevent Dirt From Collecting in Gaps: There are natural gaps between the bottom of the wall and the edges of wood flooring and carpeting that can collect dirt, crumbs, and dust overtime. These gaps can be so small that they're hard to clean out, even with a vacuum attachment. Baseboards seal up the gaps between floors and walls so you don't have to worry about trapping dirt or allergens. The same goes for water that could get into the gap and cause moisture damage.
• Hide Wiring or Imperfections: Baseboards are perfect for covering up imperfections or hiding wires. Use baseboards to cover up holes, scuff marks, carpet strips, or gaps between hardwood flooring and the wall. This makes the room look more clean and put together. Tidy up wires for electronics and home appliances by running wires along the bottom portion of the wall and covering them with baseboards.
• Complete the Look of a Room: Floor trims like baseboards could be just what you need to put the finishing touches on a room reno. You can also choose from a variety of baseboard styles and wood finishes to match your aesthetic. You can even paint them to match the wall (like in the image above) or paint them a different color to add contrast.

Tip!

Now that you know what baseboards are, brush up your knowledge on these other types of home trimmings:
What Is Crown Molding?
What Is Shiplap?

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Start browsing our collection of baseboard designs!