What is Ogee Skirting Board? A Guide to the Popular Style

There are plenty of styles and designs to choose from when it comes to selecting the right skirting board for your space. But as trends come and go, some have stood the test of time better than others and have gone on to become firm industry favourites. 

One of the most popular is the Ogee skirting profile. 

A staple in the industry and one of our top sellers at Skirting 4 U, Ogee skirting (often misspelt as og skirting) comes in a variety of styles that all share similar characteristics. 

What Does Ogee Mean?

The term Ogee is the name given to any object that has the shape of an extended S, or a serpentine appearance. Ogee designs feature a double curve and were first seen in textiles and architecture as far back as the 12th century. 

They are common design features in churches built at the time and characterise the Gothic and Gothic Revival styles of the era. Since the shape was first used in exterior architecture it has gone on to become a mainstay of interior design with decorative mouldings, architrave, skirting and arches using them.

Most modern Ogee styles start with an angled edge that flows into a sweeping curve, much like the original designs. However, this classic shape has been reimagined and redesigned to give us a variety of choices when it comes to modern skirting and architrave.

Is Ogee a Traditional Style?

When it comes to choosing skirting for your home, you have two main routes to go down - traditional and modern. Each category has its own set of styles with traditional skirting designs featuring a more detailed look and modern ones a sleeker, more minimalist finish.

Although Ogee would technically be classed as a traditional style, it does not feature the same detailing that you would find on Georgian or Victorian profiles. The simple sweeping curves of Ogee suit a wide range of spaces whereas some of the more traditional profiles work better in period rooms with taller ceilings. 

It’s this versatility that is key to their popularity - they work well in the majority of rooms and provide a classy finishing touch. 

What is the Difference Between Ogee and Ogee 2?

The devil is in the details when it comes to the different varieties of Ogee skirting board styles. The difference between our popular Ogee and Ogee 2 profiles lies in their complexity. The standard Ogee skirting features the classic sweeping S shape with a ridge along the bottom whereas Ogee 2 includes an extra groove at the bottom with a flat section near the top of the S. 

These slightly different styles are designed to give an alternative look and feel to the traditional profile. For a more traditional space, we would suggest sampling the Ogee 2 whereas if you want to keep the feel more neutral Ogee may be the way to go.

Choosing Ogee From Skirting 4 U  

Ogee skirting has really stood the test of time, meaning it is a great fit for most spaces. Its profile is decorative without being over the top but the availability of Ogee 2 gives you another option should you want a touch more detail. 

It’s important to remember that Ogee skirting will be slightly different depending on where you buy from. This means that if you’re looking to match an existing profile, it’s a good idea to order one of our free samples before bulk buying. 

For more information about Ogee and all of our other styles, speak to one of our sales team today.