baseboard height

M B

2 years ago

Am I going to regret the builder’s standard 4” baseboards? Should I go to 5 1/4?

Ceilings are 9’. Here is a recent photo of our living room.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

PRO
Cawood Architecture, PLLC
2 years ago
You may want to look at the higher baseboard given the ceiling height. Just FYI, there are several resources that would note the height of baseboard vs ceiling height if you are following a more traditional proportion system to use as a starting point-

You don't have to use the profiles show-I have had luck with simpler beads and reveals for a modern look, but the proportion of the pieces to the whole is a key part-for example the 5 1/2" tall trim is broken down to have about a 1 part cap moulding to a 4 part base board.
M B
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks. We are choosing a very simple profile.
Related Discussions
Baseboard height vs. door trim and 'styrofoam' crown moulding
Q
Comments (6)
An inexpensive way to get a hefty base board is to use 1"x6" boards and a 1 3/8" base cap. It will be nearly 7" tall and it's an easy install. I would use a 1x 3/4" base shoe with that but that's a matter of taste. The base board provides the visual foundation for the room. As such, it's the one piece of molding that can be out sized compared to the rest. Get some of the material you intend to use and lean it against the wall in your room and see if the size works. If you feel that your existing case should be larger a backband is an inexpensive way to add some size. You'll need a table saw for this but if you have one or can get to one it's easy after that. Take some 1"x6" and cut it into strips 1/8" wider than your case is tall. Sand the banding and break the leading edge with sand paper. Install it around the outside of your exisitng casing. When it's finished you'll gain 3/4" in width and extra depth. Visually it will appear even larger. I've never used foam crown but it could work. The trim in commercial buildings is commonly glued on foam. Once it's painted who's to know or care? They used to make it out of plaster even cement and nobody cares. I can't imagine how your crown molding is going to get dented. If you try it report back on how ti went; I'd like to know.
...See More
baseboard height
Q
Comments (6)
There are "rules" for the right size of mouldings. And, yes, larger, "more important" rooms can have larger mouldings than smaller, less important rooms. As long as it is all the same style, it will look fine. The larger baseboard in the rooms with higher ceilings, and the same baseboard, but say a 5 1/2" in the rooms with 8 foot ceilings, etc. In the same way, if some of the doorways are taller, you can have a larger, more elaborate casing than you have on the 80" doors that are normally in rooms with 8' ceilings. Here's a good article: https://laurelberninteriors.com/2019/08/04/best-proportions-for-interior-trim-why-youre-confused/?utm_source=Laurel-Home+Blog&utm_campaign=df4da8d604-free_offer_for_existing_subscribers5_20_2014_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1b3ab7a4f2-df4da8d604-80186901&mc_cid=df4da8d604&mc_eid=4a80de7d28
...See More
New Build - Need Help with Baseboard Heights
Q
Comments (2)
Looks like 5" which we use a lot of. 7" in taller ceilings 12'-21' and will extend it through the main area to be consistent. It's not the cost of material but the cost of install that changes as you move from a simple cut to a compound mitre saw large enough to handle and often an extra body.
...See More
Baseboard Height with Low Ceilings
Q
Comments (8)
Are you maintaining the traditional/colonial revival style of the house? If so this is a nice traditional base at 3-1/4" 5-1/4" would not be bad, but with the lower ceiling I think the 3-1/4" would be fine.
...See More
M B
Original Author
2 years ago
Here is the simple profile we want, with no cap
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
2 years ago
We install 5 1/4" base in homes with 9' ceilings. That's the height derived from classical proportions. It's definitely more pleasing to the eye.
Caroline Hamilton
2 years ago
We have 9' ceilings in our home and 5 1/4" baseboards. It looks more proportional.
maddielee
2 years ago
How much space is there under the window after its trimmed out?
J Sk
2 years ago
51/4 inch baseboard, 9 ft ceiling
cpartist
2 years ago
9' ceilings on the second floor and we have 7" baseboards (actual size)
M Riz
2 years ago
My ceilings are 12’ but I have 7” baseboards in your profile and they are beautiful.
Emily
2 years ago
I agree with others, definitely go with the 5-1/4". You will regret the 4", IMO, with 9' ceilings.
PRO
Metamorphosed
2 years ago
I agree with everyone voting 5 1/4" base boards with a 9' ceiling. Will be so much better visually than 4"
anneemae
2 years ago
My baseboards look exactly like yours, with quarter-round at the base, and they are 7 1/2" with 9' ceilings.
shead
2 years ago
Yes, you will regret it. We used 5.25" in areas with 9' ceilings (and even 8' upstairs) and used 7.25" in areas with 10' ceilings. I can't imagine using less than 5.25".
love2browse
2 years ago
I'd use larger trim around doors and windows too!

Related Stories

CEILINGS 13 Ways to Create the Illusion of Room Height

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

Low ceilings? Here are a baker’s dozen of elements you can alter to give the appearance of a taller space

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Match Tile Heights for a Perfect Installation

By By Any Design Ltd.

Irregular tile heights can mar the look of your bathroom. Here's how to counter the differences

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES How to Size Interior Trim for a Finished Look

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

There's an art to striking an appealing balance of sizes for baseboards, crown moldings and other millwork. An architect shares his secrets

Full Story

DESIGN DETAILS Design Workshop: The Modern Wall Base, 4 Ways

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Do you really need baseboards? Contemporary design provides minimalist alternatives to the common intersection of floor and wall

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN Bath Remodeling: So, Where to Put the Toilet?

By By Any Design Ltd.

There's a lot to consider: paneling, baseboards, shower door. Before you install the toilet, get situated with these tips

Full Story

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Bring Out Your Home’s Character With Trim

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

New project for a new year: Add moldings and baseboards to enhance architectural style and create visual interest

Full Story

106

REMODELING GUIDES Crown Molding: Is It Right for Your Home?

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See how to find the right trim for the height of your ceilings and style of your room

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES 11 Tricks to Make a Ceiling Look Higher

By Judith Taylor Designs

More visual height is no stretch when you pick the right furniture, paint and lighting

Full Story

113

ORGANIZING How to Design Built-Ins That Fit Your Needs

By Becky Harris

Tips for designing built-in bookshelves and storage

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Just-Right Realism in an Eclectic Family Home

By Samantha Schoech

With 1,100 square feet, a modest budget and 2 young children, a San Francisco family embraces a creative DIY approach

Full Story

baseboard height

Comments (14)

Cawood Architecture, PLLC

M B
Original Author

Related Discussions

M B
Original Author

Charles Ross Homes

Caroline Hamilton

maddielee

J Sk

cpartist

M Riz

Emily

Metamorphosed

anneemae

shead

love2browse

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

baseboard height

Comments (14)

M BOriginal Author

Related Discussions

M BOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

M B
Original Author

M B
Original Author