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Step inside a newly built modern home and you’ll notice clean lines, open spaces, and minimalist design. The walls are smooth, the décor is simple, and everything feels fresh and intentional. Yet even in these sleek settings, one classic detail still appears in nearly every room: baseboard moulding.
It might seem like a small thing, but baseboards quietly bring structure and polish to any space. They protect walls, cover gaps, and add a finished look that ties the entire room together. Even with all the new trends in architecture and design, baseboards continue to have a place in modern homes from Concord to South San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Sacramento.
Let’s explore why baseboards are still essential, how they’ve evolved for modern homes, and which types work best today.
What Is Baseboard Moulding?
Baseboard moulding is the trim that runs along the bottom of your walls where they meet the floor. It might look like a simple strip of wood, but it has a big job. It hides the small gap where wall and flooring meet, covers imperfections, and protects your walls from scuffs, scratches, and vacuum bumps.
Think of it as the finishing touch that gives your home a complete and polished appearance. Without baseboards, even a perfectly painted wall and beautiful floor can feel unfinished.
In cities like Concord and Santa Clara, homeowners often choose clean, straight styles that match their modern décor. These simple baseboards highlight the architecture without stealing attention from other design elements.
Do Modern Homes Still Use Baseboards?

Yes, they absolutely do. Modern design may look minimal, but that doesn’t mean it skips important details. Instead of removing baseboards, designers have reimagined them.
Older homes often featured tall, decorative baseboards with ornate patterns. Today’s modern homes prefer slimmer, sleeker mouldings with subtle edges or flat profiles. Many homeowners even paint them the same color as the walls for a seamless, understated look.
In newer homes across South San Francisco, for example, you’ll see baseboards used in every room, but designed to blend in, not stand out. They create crisp transitions and help define the space without adding clutter.
Why Baseboards Matter in Modern Homes
Baseboards aren’t just there for decoration. They play a big part in both function and style.
1. Protection from Everyday Damage
Walls take a lot of abuse near the floor. From vacuum cleaners and mops to furniture and shoes, scuffs happen. Baseboards act as a shield that keeps your walls looking fresh and clean for years.
2. A Clean, Finished Look
Even the most minimal spaces need visual structure. Baseboards create that subtle border that makes rooms feel intentional and complete.
3. Hiding Imperfections
No wall or floor is perfectly straight. Small gaps and uneven edges are normal, but baseboards hide them perfectly. They ensure your rooms look seamless, even if your flooring shifts slightly with humidity.
4. Design Flexibility
Baseboards come in hundreds of styles, materials, and finishes. You can match them to any design theme, from traditional to ultra-modern. In Sacramento, where many homes mix contemporary and rustic elements, slim white or light wood baseboards are a popular choice.
Modern Styles of Baseboard Moulding
Modern homes typically focus on simplicity and precision. The goal is to complement the architecture, not compete with it. Here are a few popular styles that fit perfectly with modern interiors:
Square Edge
A clean, sharp line with no curves or detailing. It’s the most common choice for contemporary homes that value simplicity.
Stepped Edge
This profile has a slight ledge near the top for a bit of depth. It’s subtle but adds just enough definition.
Flush Baseboards
Installed level with the wall surface for a completely flat, modern finish. This look requires careful installation but delivers a high-end, seamless effect.
Metal or Painted MDF
These materials create a sleek, industrial feel and work beautifully with modern flooring and wall textures.
In Santa Clara, where many new builds emphasize open layouts and clean aesthetics, these low-profile designs have become the standard.
Baseboard Moulding for Rounded Corners
Rounded or curved walls are becoming more common in modern homes. They add softness and architectural interest but can make installing traditional baseboards tricky. That’s where baseboard molding for rounded corners comes in.
Flexible baseboard materials, such as polyurethane or flexible vinyl, can bend gently to follow the curve of a wall. They provide the same coverage and protection as standard trim but fit curved shapes perfectly. Once installed and painted, they blend seamlessly with the rest of your baseboards.
If you’re renovating a modern home in South San Francisco, where curved walls and creative designs are popular, flexible baseboard molding is the ideal solution. It keeps your design consistent while maintaining a high-end finish.
How to Match Baseboards with Modern Flooring
Baseboards act as the visual bridge between your floor and your walls. Choosing the right pairing can make your home feel cohesive and balanced.
- Light flooring looks best with matching or slightly lighter baseboards for a smooth transition.
- Dark flooring benefits from crisp white or neutral trim that highlights the contrast.
- Polished concrete or tile pairs beautifully with thin, painted baseboards that match the wall color for a minimalistic appearance.
In Sacramento, where many homeowners favor a mix of wood, stone, and tile flooring, neutral-tone baseboards are often used to unify the entire space.
Are Baseboards Optional in Modern Homes?
Technically, you could skip them; but most homeowners and builders don’t. Without baseboards, walls are left vulnerable to damage, and the joint where the wall meets the floor can look unfinished. Even minimalist homes include baseboards, though they may be thinner and painted to blend in.
In Concord, many modern remodels feature baseboards that match the wall color exactly. This technique creates a continuous, elegant flow while still offering all the protective benefits of traditional trim.
Current Baseboard Design Trends
Baseboard trends continue to evolve alongside modern home design. Here are some of the most popular ideas right now:
- Color Matching: Painting baseboards the same shade as your walls for a sleek, unified look.
- Extra-Tall Profiles: Simple, tall baseboards that make walls appear higher and rooms more spacious.
- Matte Finishes: Smooth, non-gloss paint that complements modern textures and tones.
- Integrated Lighting: Some modern homes now include hidden LED strips within or above baseboards to create soft ambient light.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable MDF, recycled wood, and low-VOC paints are becoming top choices among environmentally conscious homeowners.
In areas like Santa Clara and Sacramento, these subtle design trends have become defining features of modern interiors.
Finding Quality Baseboards Near You
If you’re searching online for baseboards near me, you’ll quickly find that not all mouldings are created equal. The right supplier makes all the difference. Look for high-quality materials, a wide range of styles, and experts who can guide you toward the perfect fit for your home’s aesthetic.
The Moulding Company is proud to serve homeowners and contractors throughout Concord, South San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Sacramento. We offer one of the largest selections of baseboard moulding in California, including flexible options for curved walls, eco-friendly materials, and modern designs to match any home style.
Our team can help you choose the right size, profile, and material to bring your vision to life, whether you’re updating a single room or finishing an entire new build.
Wrapping Up
So, do modern homes use baseboards? Absolutely. Baseboards may have evolved in style, but they remain a crucial finishing element in every well-designed home. They protect your walls, frame your flooring, and give every room a sense of completion that no minimalist design should ignore.
From slim square edges to flush-mounted profiles, baseboard moulding continues to define the lines of modern architecture in subtle, sophisticated ways.
Whether you’re renovating an older property in Concord, building a sleek new home in Santa Clara, or updating a stylish loft in South San Francisco or Sacramento, The Moulding Company has the perfect baseboard options to elevate your space.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home?
Visit The Moulding Company in Concord, South San Francisco, Santa Clara, or Sacramento to explore our wide selection of baseboard moulding. Our experts are ready to help you choose the perfect style for your modern home. Stop by or contact us today to get started.
FAQs
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Are baseboards necessary in modern homes?
Yes, baseboards are still an essential part of modern interior design. They protect walls from scuffs and damage, hide small gaps between the wall and flooring, and add a clean, finished look. Even in minimalist homes, slim or flush-style baseboard moulding keeps the space polished and professional.
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What type of baseboard moulding looks best in a modern home?
Modern homes look best with simple, clean profiles such as square edge or stepped baseboards. These designs feature straight lines without ornate detailing, which complements modern architecture perfectly. Homeowners in areas like Concord and Santa Clara often choose these styles for their sleek, timeless appeal.
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Can baseboard molding be installed on rounded corners or curved walls?
Yes. Flexible baseboard molding for rounded corners is made from materials like polyurethane or rubber that can bend to match the curve of a wall. It provides the same protection and style as traditional baseboards while fitting seamlessly on rounded surfaces. This option is especially popular in contemporary homes across South San Francisco.
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What’s the best way to choose baseboards for my home?
When choosing baseboards, consider your home’s design style, ceiling height, and flooring type. Taller baseboards can make rooms look more elegant, while shorter, simpler profiles fit better in modern, minimal spaces. The experts at The Moulding Company can help you find the perfect baseboard moulding for your project in Sacramento or any of our nearby locations.
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Where can I find quality baseboards near me?
If you’re searching for baseboards near me, visit The Moulding Company. We have showrooms in Concord, South San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Sacramento, offering a wide variety of modern and traditional baseboard moulding options. Our team can help you choose the right materials, finishes, and profiles to match your home’s unique design.