Georgian Mouldings: Inspiration from Historical Homes

The Georgian period, which spanned from 1714 to 1830, was a time of elegance and architectural refinement. With four King Georges reigning during this era, Georgian design was heavily influenced by classical Roman elements like columns, niches and alcoves. This style, known as ‘Neo-classical’, was particularly championed by the renowned architect Robert Adam. The homes of this period were airy and light, featuring high ceilings and pastel colour schemes that created a sense of space and openness.

Key features of Georgian skirting boards

During the Georgian era, skirting boards were typically quite high and detailed. This was done to complement the grandeur of the high ceilings, which were a hallmark of Georgian architecture. The tall, often intricately designed skirting helped balance the proportions of the room, creating a harmonious look. The overall design focused on symmetry, with large windows allowing ample natural light to brighten the space.

If you’re looking to bring a touch of Georgian style to your home, it’s essential to consider the impact of high ceilings and elegant proportions. The period’s design is characterised by a combination of perfect symmetry and light-filled spaces that create a visually pleasing atmosphere.

In keeping with the simplicity of the Georgian period, skirting boards, dado rails, and picture rails were traditionally painted white to match the ceiling. This not only helped to break up the design but also allowed for decorative wallpaper or painted areas between the skirting and rails, which was a common feature in Georgian interiors.

Georgian dado rails and matching mouldings

In Georgian interiors, dado rails were commonly used to draw the eye downward, helping to create a balanced and harmonious visual effect. These rails worked in conjunction with ceiling mouldings and skirting boards to complete the overall design. The key to Georgian style was simplicity, and modern Georgian-style MDF skirting boards are perfect for recreating this timeless look. When paired with a matching Georgian architrave and dado rail, you can achieve a consistent, elegant design throughout the room.

Inspiration from period properties

For those renovating a period property, it’s always helpful to gather some inspiration. Peckover House in Cambridgeshire, a National Trust property, is a great example of Georgian elegance. The house features original Rococo plasterwork and the soft pastel colour palette typical of the era. Exploring such properties can give you valuable insights into how to recreate the refined Georgian style in your own home.

Choosing the right Georgian skirting board

When selecting Georgian skirting boards for your own home, the size of your ceilings should be a key consideration. If you live in a true Georgian property with ceilings between 12 and 14 feet high, opting for the maximum skirting board height of 400mm will help maintain the room’s proportions and create a balanced look. For homes with standard ceiling heights, a skirting board around 270mm in height will help replicate the Georgian style without overwhelming the space.

Growing up near Royal Leamington Spa, a place renowned for its Georgian architecture, I’ve always admired the elegance of this period. The symmetrical proportions, the abundance of natural light, and the serene colour palette epitomise a sense of understated sophistication. Georgian interiors have a way of offering space and openness that is both uplifting and timeless, making it a style I truly love.

Did you know that during the Georgian era, many houses had bricked-up windows? This was a result of the ‘window tax,’ imposed in 1696 and extended in 1766. This tax required homeowners to pay based on the number of windows in their property, with those having more than seven windows being taxed. To avoid the tax, many homeowners blocked up their windows, a feature still visible in some buildings today. The window tax was finally repealed in 1851.