Wooden or material boards that run along the bottom of interior walls where they meet the floor, serving both practical and decorative purposes.
From 'base' (bottom) and 'board' (wooden plank), becoming a standard architectural term in English around the 1800s. Also called 'skirting boards' in British English.
Baseboards are basically the house's way of hiding its secrets—all the dust, pet hair, and debris settles there, which is why they're both a blessing and a curse for anyone who actually cleans them. Plus they cover up the gap between wall and floor that would otherwise look unfinished!
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