Best Architrave Materials

What Are The Best Architrave Materials Used In The Modern Home Building Industry For a Minimalist Look?

Blog 5 Mins Read July 5, 2025 Posted by Piyasa Mukhopadhyay

Last Updated on: July 31st, 2025

Minimalist interior design for homes or offices is the trend these days. It’s simple, but every detail is important. So, the modern home building industry focuses on materials and elements that offer the perfect fusion of comfort and utility. 

Even the small ones, like architraves, should be given the attention they need when searching for what to use. 

This has both decorative and practical uses. It is a minimalist must-have because it’s simple and has a neutral color palette to choose from. 

If you’re pursuing ultimate simplicity while still wanting to inject a touch of vibrant energy into your architrave, a custom neon sign discreetly embedded on the architrave is a creative way to create a unique and atmospheric effect.

You can customize neon signs in various shapes, colors, and sizes to complement the architrave’s size. For example, warm white neon can add a warm, layered feel to a natural wood-colored architrave, lending a minimalist space a touch of romance and personality.

When the neon light gradually overflows from the edge of the architrave, the room instantly becomes atmospheric. So, customize your architrave neon sign now!

Choosing the best architrave materials is the key here. This helps your space look balanced and well put together. Moreover, the most common types of architrave materials impact the architectural styles and utilities of a space. 

Hi, today, we will discuss the best architrave materials used in the modern house-building industry. I have included two different lists in this article. 

The first list gives you insights into the types of materials used in architraves, and the second list is about the types of architraves based on their shapes. 

What Are The Best Architrave Materials? 

Industry experts suggest that MDF is the most popular choice for architraves in UK homes. However, PVC, solid wood, and veneered MDF are also used in architraves. 

Here are all the details. 

1. MDF Or MR MDF

These are some of the most popular and adaptable materials for architraves. MDF provides a consistent and smooth finish. 

This is why it’s best for painted surfaces. MDF is made of heated compressed wood fibres with resin. 

Moisture-resistant MDF, or MR MDF, is the upgraded version. It is resistant to swelling caused by humidity. This is the recommended material for moist or wet areas. 

Benefits of MDF and MR MDF architrave: 

  • Affordable
  • Widely available
  • Easy to paint
  • Customizable
  • Available in simple profiles
  • Water-resistant (MR MDF)

2. Solid Wood

Minimalist design focuses on simplicity. Wood architraves are popular these days. They make minimalist interiors feel cozier. 

You can choose to have light woods like oak or maple. This brings out the natural beauty of wood. 

They can be stained or painted. Either way, solid wood is great for neutral and earthy colors. Learn how to maintain its beauty by knowing how to clean it. 

Benefits of using solid wood architrave:

  • Strong and durable.
  • Natural appearance.
  • Unfinished or sealed.

3. Polyvinyl Chloride Or PVC

These are made from durable plastic. PVC is a practical choice since it’s low-maintenance. That is why many choose this for their architrave. 

This is best for wet areas or utility rooms. PVC is resistant to moisture and dirt. PVC can withstand high-use areas. 

The benefits of using PVC architrave:

  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to install
  • Insect- and rot-resistant
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof

4. Veneered MDF

This features a thin layer of real wood veneer that is bonded to an MDF core. This is one of the most affordable materials for architrave. 

It is ideal for minimalist homes because it has clean lines and simplicity. This material offers the look of solid wood but without issues of warping or high maintenance. 

The benefits of using veneered MDF architrave:

  • Budget-friendly compared to other materials.
  • Consistent texture and color with regular maintenance.
  • Available in many wood styles.

Types Of Architraves Used In Modern UK Homes: Know The Different Shapes

Now that I have shared all the details about the best architrave materials, let’s discuss different types of architraves based on their shapes.

1. Bullnose Architrave

These are the classic architraves you will find in UK homes. It may not be the first choice if you want the most modern look for your house. 

However, these are the best for an uncluttered look. 

2. Ogee Architrave

Ogee architraves perfectly work for doors and windows. However, these architraves have a traditional look. 

So, if you want a contemporary look for the interior, a chamfered architrave will be a better choice. 

3. Chamfered Architrave

Sleek in design, chamfered architraves are the best choice for giving your house a minimalistic look. Further, due to the sleekness, chamfered architraves fit into any kind of interior space. 

4. Square Edge Architrave

Square edge architraves give the interior of a house the most contemporary look. Also, these are favorites among modern homeowners due to the minimal hassles of cleaning. 

The square shape ensures that there is no place for dust accumulation. Furthermore, due to their simple and square shapes, these architraves get easily paired with all types of skirting boards. 

5. Torus Architrave

Torus architraves have an elegant appeal. So, if you are looking for a minimalistic home design with a touch of old-world charm, these ones will be ideal.

The semicircular shape around the top also offers a neat finish in the design of these architraves. 

Furthermore, torus architraves can be easily customized into different sizes, and they are available in all types of architrave materials. 

What To Consider When Choosing An Architrave?

There are factors to consider when choosing an architrave. It is very important that you know what to look into before you decide. The following are important considerations when buying architrave online:

  • Style. Modern interiors match clean and simple designs. Consider the style compatibility when looking into your options. Look at your home’s design. 
  • Material. This is an important decision to ensure quality and durability. 
  • Size and Proportion. Make sure that this fits the spaces where you need to install it. 
  • Finish and Color. It should match your walls, doors, and skirting. 
  • Durability. This should stand up in busy areas. 
  • Maintenance Needs. Factor in your budget for long-term value.

Mistakes To Avoid For Installing Architraves

Avoid the following mistakes to ensure proper installation of architraves. 

  • Improper measurement
  • Compromising on finishing details
  • Not preparing the surface properly
  • Improper trimming of doors

Best Architrave Materials Used By The Modern Home-Building Industry: Balanced Design And High Functionality 

Minimalist design is a trend that is popular these days. This focuses on balance and simple elegance. Select the right architrave materials for your minimalist home. 

Consider how practical they are for your specific needs. Also, consider the cost because each material type is different. 

It should enhance the look of your home. There are several options for you to choose from. Make sure that it matches your minimalist theme.

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For the past five years, Piyasa has been a professional content writer who enjoys helping readers with her knowledge about business. With her MBA degree (yes, she doesn't talk about it) she typically writes about business, management, and wealth, aiming to make complex topics accessible through her suggestions, guidelines, and informative articles. When not searching about the latest insights and developments in the business world, you will find her banging her head to Kpop and making the best scrapart on Pinterest!

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