What are Architraves and How are they Used?

It’s important to know what you’re dealing with when it comes to DIY. Making changes to improve and renovate your home is always easier when you know some of the fundamentals. Architraves play an integral role in any home, despite mostly hiding in plain sight! We don’t often understand what they are or what sort of impact they can have. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of architraves, how, and where they are used around the home.

Introduction to Architraves

So, what are architraves? Historically the people of Ancient Greece knew architraves as the structural support beams which were used across the middle of buildings. In more modern times, the term and its use has evolved. In the present day, architraves refer to the decorative pieces of wood or MDF that surround the frame of doors, windows and loft hatches.

Architraves on Doors

Adding new architraves or renovating your old ones is a great way to bring your doors to life. What’s more is they protect the corners of plaster, whilst remaining aesthetically pleasing. Repainting your architraves is just a small task, however, the effects are huge! Maybe you’re looking for more than just a rehash? If that’s the case, then choosing new architraves couldn’t be easier. There are so many styles of architrave to choose from, finding the perfect match for your Edwardian chic interior is incredibly simple.

Architraves Around Windows and Loft Hatches

Adding architraves around the frame of the window is a popular DIY trick. Architrave really compliments a window by framing it quite literally like a picture inside of a picture frame. Making the view to the outside feel as though you’re staring into a piece of art. With plenty of styles of architrave to choose from. You may choose a simplistic design, a minimal design or opt for a more traditional aesthetic. Loft hatches are, of course, more subtle than window frames, but complimenting your loft hatch with some architrave can have a great impact on the room.

The Many Different Styles of Architraves

When you’re looking at the various styles of architraves available, it’s important to consider which style is perfect for your home. My Skirting Boards offer three main categories of skirting boards and architraves; Modern, Traditional & Standard. Modern skirting boards and architraves generally have a more industrial feel to them. Modern homes feature many straight lines, simplistic yet elegant. Standard architraves and skirting boards are very versatile. They’re almost the middle-ground between modern and traditional, featuring slight curves and modern features. Modern architraves are perfect for newer properties, where you want to maintain a contemporary feel. Traditional architraves are great for those looking to revitalise traditional feeling rooms, namely, Edwardian interiors and rooms that feel grand.

Differences Between Architraves and Skirting Boards

Whilst skirting boards and architraves are very similar products, they do feature subtle differences. The thing to remember is that skirting boards are designed to go around the base of a wall. They serve the purpose of hiding the unsightly joints between walls and floors and are typically taller. Architraves serve a similar purpose, but they are found around the frames of doors, windows, and loft hatches. Skirting boards and architraves supplied by My Skirting Boards will always be manufactured with moisture-resistant qualities, however, both products can be primed to increase their moisture resistance. Both products can also be cut with a rebate, useful for hiding wires.

Architraves are a common addition to any home. People hardly spare a thought for them even though they have such an impact on the home. Protect your walls, doorways and windows with architraves whilst keeping your home stylish. If you’re interested in sprucing up your interior then now is a perfect time. For more information on our skirting boards, call 0333 366 0082 or email sales@myskirtingboards.co.uk today. We’re here to help.

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