You’ve picked the perfect floor for your Wellington home. Now, how do you finish it? The transition between your new floor and your wall is where the "professional" look truly happens.
The two most common options are Baseboards and Quarter-Round (or Shoe) Moulding.
Choosing the Perfect Finish with Capitol Carpet & Tile and Window Fashions®
1. Baseboards: The Bold Frame
Baseboards are the primary trim that runs along the bottom of the wall.
The Look: In 2026, we are seeing a trend toward taller, 5-to-7-inch baseboards with clean, square edges for a modern farmhouse or transitional look.
The Benefit: They hide the expansion gap perfectly and protect your walls from vacuum cleaners and furniture scuffs.
Best For: New construction or full-room renovations where you are removing the old trim anyway.
2. Quarter-Round & Shoe Moulding: The Subtle Fix
If you don't want to remove your existing baseboards, these smaller trim pieces are the answer.
Quarter-Round: This has a perfectly curved, 90-degree profile. It is excellent for covering larger expansion gaps.
Shoe Moulding: Thinner and more "refined" than quarter-round, shoe moulding has a slightly more vertical profile. It is the "designer's secret" for a sleek, minimalist finish.
The Benefit: These are installed directly onto the baseboard (never the floor!) to bridge the gap between the trim and the floor.
Which is Right for You?
Choose Baseboards only if you want a high-end, integrated look and are willing to invest in the labor of removing and replacing trim.
Choose a "Baseboard + Shoe Moulding" combo if your subfloor is slightly uneven. The smaller, flexible shoe moulding can "hug" the floor’s dips and peaks better than a stiff baseboard can.
Stop by Capitol Carpet & Tile and Window Fashions® Today!
At Capitol Carpet & Tile and Window Fashions®, we carry a wide selection of primed and finished mouldings to match any style. Our installers are masters of the "miter cut," ensuring your corners look sharp and seamless.
Want to see the difference in person? Stop by any one of our showrooms to see our flooring and window selection as well as talk to an installation expert. Contact us today to discuss which finishing touch is right for your budget!
