So, you’ve just moved into a new place, or maybe you’ve been meaning to update your home for a while now. As you start thinking about all the changes you want to make, you can’t help but notice… your baseboards are way thicker than your door frame! Do not worry, you’re not going crazy–it’s a common design mistake that can be easily fixed.
If your baseboard is thicker than your door frame, you can try replacing the baseboards, adding a larger door frame, adding a thin layer of trim, painting the baseboard a darker color, or adding some decorative molding.
In this article, I’ll take a look at a few ways you can fix this problem, as well as some decoration tips to make your baseboards look their best. So if you’re ready to learn more, read on!
Why Is It Bad for Your Baseboard To Be Thicker Than Your Door Frame?
If you’re wondering why having a thicker baseboard is considered a design mistake, it’s all about proportions. The baseboard is supposed to be a subtle detail that outlines the bottom of your wall. When it’s too thick, it starts to look like it’s swallowing up the door frame and windows.
Not only does this make your room look out of balance, but it can also make it look smaller and more cluttered. So if you want to create a more open and airy feel in your home, it’s best to stick with baseboards that are thinner than your door frame.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to fix this problem. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular solutions.
What To Do if Your Baseboard Is Thicker Than the Door Frame
When it comes to fixing a thick baseboard, there are a few different routes you can take.
Replace the Baseboards
This is probably the most obvious solution, but it’s also the most expensive and time-consuming. If you’re up for a bit of a project, then replacing your baseboards is a great way to achieve the look you want.
You can either replace the entire baseboard or just the section that’s thicker than the door frame. If you’re only replacing a section, make sure to measure the thickness of the new baseboard, so it matches the rest of the trim in your home.
To replace your baseboard, you will need some supplies, including:
- A saw
- Baseboard molding
- Caulk
- Nails or screws
- Hammer or drill
To replace the baseboard:
- Start by removing the old baseboard with a saw.
- Once it’s removed, use a level to mark where the new baseboard will go.
- Then, cut the new baseboard to size and attach it to the wall with nails or screws.
- Finally, apply some caulk around the baseboard to create a seamless finish. Once the caulk is dry, you’re all done!
Add a Thin Layer of Trim
If you’re not up for replacing your entire baseboard, then you can always just add a thin layer of trim over the existing baseboard. This is a quick and easy solution that can be done in just a few hours.
You will need:
- Trim molding
- Caulk
- Nails or screws
- Hammer or drill
To add a thin layer of trim:
- Start by measuring the length of the baseboard and cutting the trim to size.
- Once it’s cut, attach the trim to the baseboard with nails or screws. Make sure to use a level so that the trim is even on all sides.
- Once the trim is in place, apply some caulk around the edges to create a seamless finish. Allow the caulk to dry completely before moving on.
Add a Larger Door Frame
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing your baseboards, then you can try this unique solution: add a larger door frame around your existing baseboards.
This will make the baseboards look thinner in comparison, and it will also give your room a unique look.
Here’s what you will need:
- A saw
- Door trim
- Caulk
- Nails or screws
- Hammer or drill
To add a larger door frame, do the following:
- Start by measuring the existing door frame and cutting the new door trim to size.
- Once it’s cut, attach the trim to the door frame with nails or screws. Make sure to use a level so that the trim is even on all sides.
- Once the trim is in place, apply some caulk around the edges to create a seamless finish. Allow the caulk to dry completely before moving on.
Paint the Baseboard a Darker Color or the Same Color As Your Wall
If you’re not ready to replace your baseboards just yet, then you can always paint them a darker color. This will help to create the illusion of a thinner baseboard.
To paint your baseboards, you will need:
- Latex paint
- Paint primer
- Paintbrush or roller
Here’s how to paint the baseboard:
- You should start by cleaning the baseboards with a mild detergent.
- Once the surface is clean, you’ll need to apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry completely.
- Once the primer is dry, apply a coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
If you want to take this a step further, you can also paint the baseboards the same color as your walls. This will help to make them blend in and look thinner.
Add Decorative Molding
If you’re looking for a more decorative solution, then you can always add some molding to your baseboards. This is a great way to add interest and character to your room.
To add molding to your baseboards, you will need:
- Molding of your choice
- Caulk
- Nails or screws
- Hammer or drill
Adding decorative molding is easy. Simply do the following:
- Start by measuring the length of the baseboard and cutting the molding to size.
- Once it’s cut, attach the molding to the baseboard with nails or screws. Make sure to use a level so that the molding is even on all sides.
- Once the molding is in place, apply some caulk around the edges to create a seamless finish. Allow the caulk to dry completely before moving on.
These are just a few of the many ways that you can make your baseboards look thinner. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily achieve the look you want. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different solutions until you find the one that works best for you.
How To Choose Which Solution Is Right for Your Baseboard
Now that you know some of the different ways to make your baseboards look thinner, it’s time to choose which solution is right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make your decision:
- If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, then trimming or painting your baseboards may be the best option.
- If you want a more permanent solution, then adding new baseboards or a larger door frame may be the way to go.
- If you’re looking for a decorative solution, then adding molding to your baseboards is a great option.
No matter which solution you choose, make sure to take your time and do it right. With a little bit of effort, you can easily achieve the look you want.
Some people recommend carpets as a solution. According to them, you don’t need baseboards if you have carpet. Find out if that’s true and when you can go without baseboards. [Do You Need Baseboards if You Have Carpet?]
Can You Leave Your Baseboard the Way It Is?
If you’re not ready to commit to ripping out your baseboards and starting from scratch, there are a few ways you can make them work with your door frame.
One way is to simply repaint them. This won’t change the actual thickness of the baseboard, but it can help them blend in better with the rest of the room. If you have white walls and doors, try painting your baseboards a similar shade of white. This will create an illusion of continuity and make the baseboards look thinner.
You can also try hanging curtains or blinds that extend past the door frame. This will draw the eye upward and make the baseboard seem less prominent. Just make sure the curtains are long enough to actually cover the baseboard, or you’ll just end up drawing more attention to it!
Finally, you can also try adding a piece of trim to the door frame. This will make it look wider and help balance out the proportions of the room. Just be sure to choose a trim that’s not too thick or ornate, or you’ll risk making the problem worse.
If you decide to go this route, keep in mind that it’s best to hire a professional. They’ll be able to install the trim correctly and make sure it looks good with the rest of your décor.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to making your baseboards look thinner. It all depends on your personal preferences and the overall look you’re trying to achieve in your space.
So, if you’re not happy with the way your baseboards look, don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a solution that works for you.
