Painting Skirting Boards The Same Colour as Walls: Why It Works and How to Do It

There’s something strangely satisfying about a room that just flows. You know the kind—no jarring breaks in colour, just calm, cohesive loveliness. One of the easiest (and trendiest) ways to achieve that is by painting skirting boards the same colour as walls. It’s a design trick that’s quietly taking over Instagram, Pinterest, and interiors magazines—and for good reason.

We gave it a go ourselves when we renovated our yellow playroom for the kids. We went bold with Dulux Honey Mustard on both the walls and the skirting boards, and honestly, the transformation was incredible. It took the room from “toddler crash pad” to something that actually feels pulled together—still fun, still vibrant, but much more stylish.

So, if you’re wondering whether painting walls and skirting boards the same colour is a stroke of genius or decorating madness, read on. Spoiler alert: we’re firmly in the genius camp.

Why Paint Skirting Boards the Same Colour as the Walls?

1. It Makes the Room Look Bigger

In a typical UK home, where space is often at a premium (we see you, 1970s box rooms and Victorian terraces), this little trick can make a huge difference. When you paint the skirting boards the same colour as the walls, you eliminate visual breaks. The eye travels without interruption, which gives the illusion of a taller wall and a more expansive space.

This was particularly true in our yellow playroom. The walls and skirting in Dulux Honey Mustard made everything feel taller and brighter—not easy when you’re working with a north-facing room!

2. It Feels Modern (Without Being Too Trendy)

Matching skirting and wall colour is a brilliant way to achieve a clean, contemporary look. It leans into that minimalist, almost architectural vibe that’s so popular right now—without making the space feel cold. Think of it as a modern twist on traditional finishes.

If you’ve ever scrolled through Farrow & Ball’s Instagram or spent an afternoon daydreaming your way through the John Lewis homeware section (guilty), you’ll have seen how effective this look can be, from deep heritage tones to soft neutrals.

3. It Highlights the Furniture, Not the Features

Painting skirting boards white (as we’ve all been told to do at some point) draws attention to them. And honestly—unless you’ve got fancy Georgian mouldings or oak parquet floors—do you really want your skirting boards to be the star of the show?

By using the same colour on walls and skirting, you let your furniture, artwork, and textiles shine. That statement armchair from Made.com or your lovingly framed family gallery wall? All of a sudden, they’re the main event.

How to Paint Skirting Boards and Walls the Same Colour: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get practical. If you’re feeling inspired and want to give it a go, here’s how to get that gorgeous, seamless look.

Step 1: Choose Your Paint

It’s best to use the same colour but a different finish for the skirting boards and walls. For walls, a matt or eggshell finish works well. For skirting boards, opt for something more durable, like satinwood or eggshell designed for woodwork.

We used Dulux Honey Mustard in matt for the walls and satinwood for the skirting boards. You can get this easily from B&Q, Homebase, or direct from Dulux, where they also offer colour matching services if you want something custom.

Step 2: Prep Your Surfaces

Don’t skip this bit! Skirting boards in particular can be a bit grubby—especially in a busy family room like ours. Wash them down with sugar soap, lightly sand to create a key, and wipe away the dust. If your skirting has previously been painted in gloss, sanding is especially important for the new paint to adhere properly.

Step 3: Mask (or Don’t)

You can either paint the skirting first and mask it off when doing the walls, or vice versa. We did the walls first and then carefully cut in around the bottom edge with a steady hand and an angled brush (cup of tea in hand and the radio on—it’s quite meditative actually).

Top tip: if you’re doing the whole room in one colour, you can afford to be a bit more relaxed about the cutting-in process. It’s so much easier when it’s all the same shade!

Step 4: Apply Two Coats

Two coats are essential for depth and durability. Let the first coat dry fully before applying the second—no shortcuts here! Use a small roller for the walls and a high-quality brush for the skirting.

Step 5: Touch Up and Admire

Once everything’s dry, step back and admire the transformation. It’s a subtle change, but one that makes a huge impact. In our playroom, it tied everything together beautifully—even the kids noticed, which is saying something.

When It Doesn’t Work

As much as we love this look, there are a few situations where it might not be the best choice:

• Period Properties: If you’ve got ornate skirting or dado rails you want to highlight, contrasting paint might still be the way to go.

• Very Dark Colours in Low-Light Rooms: While dramatic, dark colours from floor to ceiling can make a dim room feel a bit gloomy.

• Open Plan Spaces: In a large open-plan area, using one colour throughout may make it feel flat or one-dimensional—consider zoning with colour instead.

Colour Inspiration: Where to Start

If you’re tempted to try this but unsure what colour to use, here are a few ideas:

• Soft Greys – A modern alternative to white, and incredibly versatile. Try Dulux ‘Polished Pebble’ or Farrow & Ball ‘Ammonite’.

• Rich Blues – For a moody, elegant finish. Think Little Greene’s ‘Hicks’ Blue’ or Dulux ‘Oxford Blue’.

• Earthy Greens – Calming and grounding. Try ‘Tranquil Dawn’ by Dulux or Farrow & Ball’s ‘Green Smoke’.

• Bold Mustards – Like our beloved ‘Honey Mustard’—warm, retro, and full of character.

Where to Buy

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get this look. Try:

• B&Q – A solid range of affordable paints and tools.

• Homebase – Great for budget-friendly brushes and prep gear.

• Dulux – For colour matching and premium finishes.

• Farrow & Ball – More expensive, but beautiful depth of colour.

And for a luxe finishing touch, check out Lick—their sample stickers are a game changer if you don’t fancy painting 17 different tester squares on your wall!

FAQs: Painting Skirting Board Same Colour as Walls

Can I use the same paint on both the walls and skirting boards?

You can use the same colour, but choose different finishes. Use a durable finish like satinwood or eggshell on skirting boards to withstand scuffs and knocks, and a matt or eggshell finish for the walls.

Will painting skirting boards the same colour make my room look smaller?

Actually, the opposite! It can make the room feel more spacious and seamless by removing visual breaks between the walls and floor.

Is this style just a trend?

It’s definitely having a moment, but it’s a look that’s stood the test of time in high-end design. It’s clean, classic, and versatile—so we say it’s here to stay.

Do I still need to use primer on skirting boards?

Yes—especially if they’re previously painted in gloss or stained wood. A good primer ensures your topcoat goes on smoothly and lasts longer.

What brush should I use for skirting boards?

A high-quality angled brush (1–2 inch) is perfect for cutting in along the top edge and painting skirting boards neatly.

How do I clean painted skirting boards?

Use a damp cloth and a mild soap solution. If you’ve used a durable satinwood finish, it should hold up well to regular cleaning—especially helpful if you’ve got little ones tearing about like we do!

If you’re on the fence about painting walls and skirting boards same colour, consider this your nudge to go for it. It’s simple, impactful, and a brilliant way to bring cohesion and character to a room. Whether you’re going bold like we did with our Dulux Honey Mustard playroom, or sticking to serene neutrals, this technique adds a designer-worthy finish with relatively little effort.

So go on—ditch the white gloss, grab your roller, and let your walls and skirting boards match in harmony. Your future self will thank you!

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