Plinthes

Plinthes, or plinths in English, refer to bases or platforms that support an object or define the lower boundary of a structure. The term is used in architecture, sculpture, and interior design to describe elements that serve as a foundation, decorative base, or transitional edge between different parts of a surface or object.

In sculpture and classical architecture, a plinth is the base or block on which a statue, bust, or column rests. It distributes weight, provides stability, and raises the sculpture or form slightly above ground level. Plinths can be plain or ornamented with moldings, inscriptions, or sculptural reliefs, and their height and profile vary by period and style.

In building construction and interior design, plinth can also refer to the base course of a wall, which elevates the wall above ground to protect against moisture and create a defined transition to the flooring. In interior finish terminology, plinth is often synonymous with baseboard or skirting board, a molding along the bottom edge of a wall that conceals joints and guards against impact.

Materials used for plinths range from stone (such as granite or marble) to concrete and brick, with interior baseboards typically made of wood or synthetic materials. Pedestals and display plinths used in museums or galleries may be designed to emphasize elevation and presence.

Etymology traces plinth to the Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos. The term remains tied to concepts of support, stability, and a defined transitional edge in both architectural and decorative contexts.