Why Interior Designers Are Turning to Round Edge Trims
Introduction
As we step deeper into 2025, interior design trends across the UK are shifting towards softer, more organic aesthetics. From flowing archways to curved furniture and rounded lighting fixtures, one thing is clear sharp edges are out, and smooth lines are in. This new era of design is not only about style but also about creating comforting, flowing spaces that promote well-being and visual harmony.
Among the many design elements embracing this shift, round edge trims also known as bullnose profiles are quietly but confidently taking centre stage. Once seen as a purely functional detail, these trims are now celebrated for their ability to soften corners, enhance spatial flow, and add a modern, minimalist elegance to any room. Interior designers across the UK are incorporating round edge trims into their projects, from high-end city flats to cosy countryside homes.
But what’s behind this growing preference? Why are designers ditching traditional square and ogee profiles for something more curved? And how do these subtle architectural details influence the way we experience our living spaces?
In this blog, we’ll explore the rising popularity of round edge trims in the UK, digging into both their aesthetic and practical benefits and why they’re becoming a go-to choice for design-savvy professionals and homeowners alike.
The Rise of Curved Aesthetics in UK Interiors
Why Curves Are Dominating Modern Design
Walk into any newly renovated UK home or browse the latest interior design magazines, and you’ll notice one thing: curves are everywhere. From arched doorways and circular mirrors to rounded furniture edges, the trend is unmistakable. But this isn’t just about looks there’s a deeper reason behind the movement.
Psychologically, curved lines are perceived as more natural and calming than sharp angles. They mimic organic shapes found in nature, think waves, hills, and soft clouds inviting a sense of relaxation and safety into a space. As our homes have increasingly become places of rest, work, and refuge, designers are using curved design elements to bring in that softness and flow.
Experts in biophilic design, the concept of connecting architecture with nature often recommend rounded forms to promote well-being. In the wake of recent years where comfort and emotional wellness have become priorities, curves have transitioned from a niche choice to a mainstream must-have.
From Furniture to Finishes: A Full-Spectrum Trend
This shift towards softness isn’t limited to furniture and lighting; it's made its way into architectural finishes, too. Round edge trims, including bullnose skirting and nosings, are a natural extension of the curved design philosophy.
When used along floors, stairs, ceilings or wall edges, these trims contribute to the room’s overall visual harmony. They eliminate harsh lines, blend transitions more gracefully, and make even small spaces feel smoother and more open. Whether you're curating a minimalist apartment or a family-friendly townhouse, incorporating curved trims helps create a more inviting and elegant interior.
For homeowners and designers alike, the message is clear: it’s time to embrace the curve.
Functional Benefits of Round Edge Trims
Safety, Maintenance & Durability
While the aesthetic appeal of round edge trims is undeniable, their practical advantages make them even more compelling for UK homeowners and designers. One of the standout benefits is safety especially in family homes or spaces frequented by children and older adults. Unlike sharp-edged profiles, bullnose or rounded trims significantly reduce the risk of injury from accidental bumps or knocks.
Beyond safety, these trims also score high on ease of maintenance. Their smooth, curved surfaces don’t trap dust or debris as easily as more intricate profiles, which means less cleaning and better hygiene particularly useful in skirting boards or stair nosings. And because they’re less prone to chipping or splintering, they offer excellent long-term durability, even in high-traffic areas.
For busy households or commercial settings, these low-maintenance benefits can make a real difference in daily upkeep and overall appearance.
Bullnose vs. Square Edge vs. Ogee
So how do round edge trims compare with other common profiles?
- Square edge trims offer a crisp, minimalist finish, but they can appear harsh and are more vulnerable to wear and tear along sharp corners.
- Ogee trims are traditionally ornate and well-suited to classic interiors, but they can feel dated in modern spaces and are harder to clean due to their grooves.
- Bullnose trims, by contrast, strike the perfect balance: simple yet stylish, functional yet elegant.
For those seeking a contemporary, low-fuss option, bullnose is quickly becoming the go-to profile. Whether it’s a rounded stair nosing or curved skirting board, these profiles integrate seamlessly into modern interiors while standing up to everyday life.
➔ Explore more at stairsnosing.co.uk
Why Interior Designers Are Making the Switch
Creating Seamless Visual Flow
One of the core reasons interior designers are turning to round edge trims is their ability to support visual flow and continuity within a space. In open-plan layouts common in many UK homes today abrupt edges can disrupt the spatial experience. Rounded trims, on the other hand, help guide the eye smoothly from one area to the next, creating a more cohesive and calming environment.
Designers know that even the smallest architectural details can influence the overall mood of a room. Rounded profiles eliminate harsh visual breaks and can subtly tie together different design elements, from curved furnishings to arched doorways. The result? A space that feels effortlessly unified and fluid.
Whether it's a staircase, window recess, or floor edging, soft curves enhance the natural movement through a home making it feel more spacious, modern, and thoughtfully designed.
Designer Insights & Real-World Applications
Across the UK, interior designers are embracing round edge trims not just for trendiness, but for the versatile functionality they bring to both residential and commercial projects.
"Bullnose trims add that final touch of polish to a room; they're subtle, but they completely change the way a space feels," says Alice Green, a London-based interior designer.
"I use them in everything from sleek new builds to character properties. It's one of the easiest ways to update a space without a full renovation."
Recent design projects have featured bullnose skirting paired with curved alcove shelving, rounded stair nosings installed to soften transitions between floors, and even custom trim solutions around bay windows and wall panels. Their adaptability to different styles and room types makes them a trusted tool in any designer’s kit.
Looking to try it in your own space?
➔ Shop on stairsnosing.co.uk
2025 Interior Trends: What’s Coming Next?
Rounded Everything – From Tiles to Skirting
If 2024 was the year curved sofas and arched doorways took over, then 2025 is pushing the curve trend even further. UK homeowners and designers are now extending soft shapes into the fine details: bullnose stair nosings, rounded tile trims, curved skirting boards, and even soft-edge cornices are making bold statements in otherwise minimalist homes.
Bathrooms are seeing a surge in bullnose tile edging, offering a sleeker and safer finish for splash zones. In kitchens, rounded corners on countertops and islands are replacing sharp granite edges. Even wall panels and ceiling designs are being softened with curved mouldings, bringing a sense of architectural balance and timeless elegance.
The key driver? Design that feels human, approachable, and calm especially in multi-use spaces like living rooms, home offices, and open-plan kitchens.
Material Innovations to Watch
In tandem with the shape trend, sustainable materials are also taking centre stage. As UK buyers become more eco-conscious, interior designers are turning to responsibly sourced and durable materials for their trim profiles.
Rounded edge trims made from FSC-certified MDF, recycled timber composites, or even biodegradable polymers are now available, blending form, function, and environmental awareness. These newer materials not only support circular design but also improve indoor air quality, an increasingly important factor in healthy home design.
Expect more innovation in this space, with trims that are not just better for interiors but better for the planet too.
Conclusion
As UK interior design continues to evolve in 2025, it’s clear that round edge trims have become far more than a subtle finishing touch; they're a design statement. Offering both form and function, these trims align perfectly with the growing demand for softer, more organic spaces that feel welcoming and refined.
From their aesthetic appeal supporting seamless visual flow and modern minimalist styling to their practical benefits like safety, durability, and ease of maintenance, bullnose and rounded profiles tick all the right boxes. Whether you're a homeowner looking to refresh your interiors or a designer creating calm, contemporary spaces, curved trims are a small change that makes a big impact.
At stairsnosing.co.uk, we specialise in stair nosings and edge trims that blend cutting-edge design with practical performance. Explore our full range to find the perfect fit for your next project whether you’re after subtle skirting or statement stair detailing.
➔ Explore our trims at stairsnosing.co.uk
Bring the curve home and see how a simple edge can transform your space.