Skirting boards in kitchens are an easy detail to fall for if you’re trying to move away from anything too sleek or modern. They make cabinets feel more like furniture, soften the overall look, and can help a kitchen blend more naturally into the rest of the house.
But kitchens have to work hard, and that’s where things get a little more complicated. Unlike living rooms or bedrooms, this is a space that deals with moisture, heat and appliances on a daily basis. And while swapping a kickback for skirting can look lovely on day one, it isn’t always the most practical choice in the long run.
So, if you’ve found yourself wondering ‘should I use skirting board instead of kickbacks in my kitchen?’ it’s worth understanding what the experts say. We asked kitchen designers and architects when skirting boards can work, and when a purpose-built kickback is still the better option.
Why skirting boards are tempting in kitchen design
It’s easy to see why skirting boards are starting to appear in more kitchen design schemes – particularly in period homes or classic shaker-style kitchens.
As Tim Higham, founder of Higham Furniture, explains: “The external plinth, or skirting style, is much more traditional and makes the cabinetry look more integrated in the room.” Used in the right way, it can create an exceptionally elegant look, especially in kitchens where the focus is on preparation rather than heavy cooking.
There’s also a growing desire to move away from modern kitchens that feel overly sleek or purely functional. Skirting boards help blur the line between kitchen and living space, which is particularly appealing when you want the room to feel calm, cohesive and considered, rather than stark or utilitarian.
Tim is the founder of Higham Furniture, an award-winning London-based independent kitchen company that designs, makes and installs premium bespoke handmade Shaker kitchens, ranging in styles from traditional to contemporary, together with modern ply kitchens.
Skirting boards vs kickbacks: what’s the difference?
While skirting boards and kickbacks might look similar at a glance, they’re designed to do very different jobs. Kickbacks (also known as plinths) are purpose-built for kitchens, sitting slightly inset beneath base cabinets to allow space for your feet, appliances and ventilation.
According to Tim Higham, this is exactly why most new kitchens are designed this way: “Most kitchens tend to be designed with inset plinths, otherwise known as kickback plinths, because they suit all the aspects of modern living,” he explains. “Because they are slightly inset, they can include ventilation for appliances and allow for integrated dishwasher doors to open at the correct height, while also proving a place to kick your feet under the cabinetry.”
Skirting-style plinths, on the other hand, sit flush with kitchen cabinetry and are chosen primarily for their appearance. While they can make a kitchen feel more traditional and visually cohesive, they don’t offer the same built-in allowances for appliances, airflow and day-to-day comfort – which is where problems can start to creep in.
Why do experts usually advise against skirting boards in kitchens?
While skirting boards can look beautiful in the right setting, most experts agree they’re rarely the most practical choice in a kitchen. The biggest issue comes down to materials. Standard skirting boards aren’t designed to cope with the same levels of moisture, heat and wear that kitchen cabinetry faces every day.
Ryan Wenham, chartered architect and interior designer at Larsen Architecture, explains that skirting is more vulnerable in this environment: “Generally, I would not recommend this as skirting is more prone to warp and deform given that it does not always have the protective coating that a purpose-built kickback would have,” he says. In a space where spills, steam and regular cleaning are unavoidable, that extra durability really matters.
There’s also the issue of kitchen appliances. Kickbacks are designed to sit slightly back from the cabinet line, which allows for essential kitchen ventilation and ensures integrated appliances – such as dishwashers and tumble dryers – can open and operate properly. Flush skirting doesn’t always allow for these clearances, which can lead to doors catching, restricted airflow or awkward fixes later on.
Maintenance and hygiene are another concern amongst experts. Paul Dore, managing director of County Stone, says his team almost always recommends proper kickbacks for this reason: “Kickbacks are designed specifically for kitchens, offering a cleaner finish and making it much easier to maintain hygiene and access units when needed,” he explains. Cleaning skirting boards can be a bit trickier, particularly around appliances and high water areas like sinks and dishwashers.
Ultimately, it comes back to prioritising function. As Ryan Wenham puts it, kitchens need materials that are fit for purpose, and while skirting boards might work elsewhere in the home, they don’t always stand up to the demands of everyday kitchen life.
Ryan Wenham is a Chartered Architect and Registered Interior Designer who runs Larsen Architecture. He specialises in contemporary residential design, combining architectural expertise with a practical, people-first approach.
Paul is managing director at County Stone Ltd who has built a fantastic reputation for creatively responding to highly varied and often rather ‘different’ types of commissions and contracts both in the domestic and commercial markets.
Design-led alternatives that give a similar look
If you like the softer look of skirting boards but don’t want the practical headaches involved with installing them in a kitchen, there are a few smarter ways to get a similar aesthetic without compromising how your kitchen works.
A lower-profile kickback is often the easiest swap. Slimmer plinths sit more quietly at floor level, giving a cleaner, more refined finish while still allowing for ventilation, appliance clearance and day-to-day comfort. They’re particularly popular in bespoke kitchens where every detail is designed to feel intentional.
Standard kickbacks are typically around 150mm high, though bespoke makers often reduce this for a sleeker finish. Tim Higham, for examples, says that his team usually makes them much lower, at around 70mm, as it creates a more refined look without sacrificing practicality.
Another option is choosing a flush, kitchen-specific plinth rather than standard skirting board. Designed for kitchen conditions but finished to match the cabinetry, this approach delivers that furniture-style look – without worrying about moisture, warping or awkward appliance access.
And finally, matching the colour and finish of a kitchen plinth to your cabinetry or nearby joinery helps the kitchen feel more cohesive and avoids the plinth line becoming a visual distraction.
If you’re keen to get started on your kitchen renovation, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.So, it’s worth getting to grips with these common kitchen design mistakes before you start planning.
