Corners in rooms are the very tricky spots where the craftsman's skill is fully revealed. It is here that problems most often arise: gaps, uneven joints, delamination. And it is here that the strongest expressions are heard when another attempt to perfectly cut the skirting board ends in a defect. But there is a solution that turns this painful process into a simple and quick operation — special corner elements made of polyurethane and wood.

polyurethane decorative cornersAnd ready-made wooden corners for skirting boards — this is not just convenience for the lazy. It is a professional solution that saves time, materials, and nerves, guaranteeing a flawless result. Let's figure out how to properly use these elements and eliminate problems with corner joints once and for all.



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Typical problem areas: where corners turn into nightmares

Everyone who has ever done any repair knows these places. They seem simple at first glance, but turn into a source of endless suffering when trying to achieve a perfect result.

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Internal wall corners

It seems simple — two walls meet at a 90-degree angle, cut the skirting board at 45 degrees, and you're done. But reality is harsh: perfectly straight angles in our apartments practically do not exist. One angle is 88 degrees, another is 92, and the third is even 87. And now instead of a neat joint, there is a gap that must be filled with spackle.

Internal corners are especially problematic in old houses, where walls have 'settled' over decades of use. The room's geometry is compromised, and no precise trimming will help — there will always be gaps and unevenness.

Humidity worsens the problem. In bathrooms and kitchens, wooden skirting boards in corners begin to swell, joints separate, and mold appears. Polyurethane elements behave more stably, but if improperly installed, they can also delaminate.

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External angles

External corners are even more treacherous. They are constantly subjected to mechanical impact — vacuum cleaners bump into them, furniture hits them during rearrangement, children use them as support for play. As a result, decorative elements chip, crack, and peel off.

Trimming external corners requires even greater precision. The slightest error — and a noticeable gap forms on the front side, which cannot be fixed. You have to redo it, wasting material and time.

External corners on ceiling cornices are especially complex. Working at height, in an uncomfortable position, and achieving precise fitting of elements is extremely difficult. Even experienced craftsmen sometimes spend half an hour on one corner, making several attempts.

Transitions between materials

The place where skirting meets a door frame, threshold, or another element — another source of problems. Different materials have different thicknesses, textures, and colors. Creating a neat transition is difficult, and often you have to use transition strips and plugs.

Arched openings — a separate issue. A curved surface requires special flexible skirting or meticulous fitting of standard skirting with numerous joints. Each joint is a potential weak spot where a gap will appear over time.

Multi-level ceilings

Modern interiors often include multi-level ceiling structures made of gypsum board. Internal and external angles between levels, transitions from horizontal to vertical — all of this requires precise fitting of decorative elements.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that work must be done at height, the material constantly tries to fall, and the adhesive sets faster than you can level the element. As a result, corners turn out uneven, with visible gaps and discrepancies.

Polyurethane corners: a universal solution for walls and ceilings

polyurethane decorationIn the form of ready-made corner elements — this is a revolution in room finishing. Forget about the agony of transporting and trimming. A ready-made corner simply sticks to the desired place, and a perfect joint is guaranteed.

Structural features of polyurethane corners

Modern polyurethane corner elements are technologically advanced products. They are manufactured by injection molding, ensuring perfect geometry and repeatable dimensions.

The inner surface of the corner has special stiffening ribs that prevent deformation during installation and operation. The outer side replicates the profile of baseboard, cornice, or molding that the element will be used with.

An important feature is the presence of technological allowances. The corner is made slightly wider and higher than the baseboard itself. This allows compensating for minor wall irregularities and ensuring tight fitting. The excess is then trimmed off with a sharp knife.

The density of polyurethane for corner elements is higher than for straight sections. This makes corners stronger and more resistant to mechanical damage. At the same time, the material remains relatively lightweight — a 100 mm high baseboard corner weighs only 30-50 grams.

Types of corners for various tasks

For internal corners, elements with a 90-degree angle are produced, but with the possibility of slight adjustment. The elasticity of polyurethane allows slightly compressing or stretching the corner to fit the actual room geometry within the 85-95 degree range.

External corners are made stiffer and thicker, as they bear the main mechanical load. Many manufacturers add reinforcing components to the composition, enhancing impact resistance.

Universal corners can be used for both internal and external corners. They have a symmetrical shape and identical dimensions on both sides. Such elements are convenient for warehouse storage — there is no need to keep separate right and left corners.

Specialized elements are produced for non-standard situations. For example, corners for connecting baseboard to door frames, transition elements between baseboards of different heights, end caps.

Advantages of polyurethane over wood and plastic

Polyurethane does not fear moisture. Unlike wood, which swells and deforms, polyurethane corners maintain dimensional stability even at 100% humidity. This makes them an ideal choice for bathrooms, saunas, and swimming pools.

Temperature stability is another plus. Polyurethane withstands a range from minus 40 to plus 80 degrees without changing its properties. It can be used in unheated rooms, glazed balconies, and saunas.

The paintability of polyurethane opens up endless design possibilities. Corners can be painted in any color, patinated, gilded, or create a wood or stone effect. At the same time, paint adheres well due to good adhesion to the material's surface.

Ease of processing is an important advantage for DIY installation. Polyurethane cuts easily with a sharp knife, does not crumble or break. It is possible to adjust the corner to the required size in a minute.

The price of polyurethane corners is significantly lower than wooden equivalents with comparable appearance quality. Savings on material can reach 50-70 percent, especially when dealing with expensive hardwoods.

Installing polyurethane corners on walls

Surface preparation begins with cleaning from dust, dirt, and grease stains. The corner must be dry — moisture reduces adhesive bond. If walls are painted with glossy paint, they should be lightly sanded for better adhesion.

Fitting is a mandatory step. Place the corner at the installation site and check how it fits with the baseboards. Minor trimming or adjustment may be needed. It is better to detect problems now than after applying adhesive.

The choice of adhesive depends on the operating conditions. For dry rooms, a standard acrylic-based mounting adhesive is suitable. For humid zones, a water-resistant composition — polyurethane or MS-polymer-based — is required.

Adhesive is applied in dots or strips to both sides of the corner that will contact the wall. Do not use too much — excess will squeeze out and stain the surface. A thin, even layer is sufficient for secure bonding.

Pressing and fixing is a critical step. The corner is placed at the installation site and pressed firmly for 30-60 seconds. If the adhesive sets slowly, temporarily fix the element with painter’s tape or tacks.

Joining with baseboards requires precision. The ends of the baseboards must fit tightly into the corner’s grooves without gaps. If a small gap forms, it can be filled with acrylic sealant in the baseboard’s color.

Ceiling cornices and their corner joints

A ceiling cornice is an element particularly demanding in terms of corner joint quality. They are at eye level, well-lit, and any imperfection is immediately noticeable. Ready-made polyurethane corners solve this problem radically.

Internal corners of ceiling cornices are finished with special corner elements that exactly replicate the profile of the used cornice. Manufacturers produce corners for each cornice model, so selecting the right one is not difficult.

External corners on the ceiling occur with protrusions, columns, or multi-level structures. Here, corners are especially valuable — manually trimming a ceiling cornice to fit an external corner is extremely difficult, and the result is rarely satisfactory.

Installing ceiling corners has its own specifics. Work requires raised arms, and adhesive may drip. It is recommended to use fast-drying adhesives and temporary fixation of elements until the adhesive fully dries.

Wooden corners for floor baseboards

Wooden floor baseboard corner— this is a classic solution valued for the natural material and elegant appearance. Wood brings a special warmth and coziness to the interior, creating a sense of quality and solidity.

Wood species for corner elements

Oak is the king among species for making baseboards and corners. Its hardness, durability, and beautiful texture make oak elements practically eternal. They withstand any mechanical loads, do not wear down, and do not deform.

Oak's color range varies from light honey to dark brown depending on the processing method. White oak with a silver tone is ideal for Scandinavian interiors. Staining with walnut or wenge shades turns oak into a luxurious dark material.

Beech is not inferior to oak in hardness, but has a more uniform structure without distinct annual rings. This makes beech corners ideal for modern minimalist interiors, where clean lines without distracting details are essential.

Ash combines strength with an expressive texture. Contrasting stripes of early and late wood create an eye-catching pattern. Ash baseboard corners are especially suitable for loft and contemporary interiors.

Spruce and pine are budget-friendly options for country houses and low-traffic areas. The soft wood of coniferous species is easy to work with but requires protective coating and careful handling.

Exotic species — wenge, merbau, teak — are used in the premium segment. Their rich colors, unique textures, and high density justify their high price. Such corners become true interior ornaments.

Construction of wooden corner elements

Solid corner pieces are cut from a single piece of wood. This is the most expensive but also the highest quality option. Wood fibers run continuously without joints, ensuring maximum strength.

Glued elements are made from several laminates joined with micro-tenons. This construction is more stable than solid wood — less prone to warping and cracking with humidity changes. Glued beams match solid wood in strength.

Veneered corners have a base of inexpensive wood or MDF, covered with a thin layer of natural veneer from premium species. This is a compromise between price and appearance. They look like solid wood but cost significantly less.

The internal geometry of a wooden corner exactly matches the profile of the baseboard. Manufacturers produce corners for each baseboard model, ensuring perfect alignment. It is important not to mix them up and buy corners specifically for your profile.

Features of installing wooden corners

Acclimatization of wood is the first step. Wooden corners brought from a cold warehouse cannot be installed immediately. They must rest in the room for 2-3 days to adapt to its temperature and humidity. Otherwise, deformation may occur after installation.

Wooden corners are fastened with glue and additionally secured with finishing nails or screws. A purely glued joint is unreliable — wood may detach as it dries. Mechanical fastening protects against this.

Fastening points are placed so that they fall on dense wall areas — brick, concrete, wooden beams. Fastening into plaster or drywall is useless — it will pull out. Use appropriate anchors.

Nail or screw heads are pressed into the wood by 1-2 mm and masked with wax pencil in the baseboard color. Quality masking makes the fastening invisible even from close range.

Finishing and protection of wooden elements

Lacquering is a classic way to protect wood. Polyurethane or alkyd lacquers create a strong film that protects wood from moisture, dirt, and mechanical damage. Glossy lacquer highlights the beauty of the texture, while matte gives a more subdued effect.

Oils and waxes — an alternative to lacquer for those who prefer naturalness. They penetrate into the wood without forming a surface film. The wood remains "breathable" and pleasant to the touch. However, the protective properties of oils are lower, requiring regular reapplication.

Staining with stains allows changing the color of wood while preserving the visibility of the texture. Light pine can be turned into "walnut" or "wenge," and unremarkable beech into a vibrant reddish-brown mahogany. Stains come in alcohol, water, and oil-based — for different purposes.

Painted finish completely hides the wood texture, creating a smooth colored surface. This option suits modern interiors where color purity without "noise" from wood grain is important. White painted baseboards and corners — classic of Scandinavian style.

Finish elements: system completeness

In addition to corner pieces, creating ideal baseboard systems requires various finish elements. They solve specific tasks and ensure a neat appearance in complex areas.

End caps

Left and right end caps cover the ends of the baseboard where it ends — at doorways, at the end of a wall, before steps. Without end caps, an unattractive cut of the material is visible, and internal voids are noticeable in hollow baseboards.

End caps are produced in the same color as the baseboard and exactly replicate its profile. They simply slide into the end and are secured with glue or snap-fit, if the design allows. Installation takes seconds, and the result is a neat, finished look.

Connecting sleeves

When the wall length exceeds the baseboard length (usually 2-2.5 meters), connecting several sections is required. Butting them tightly is undesirable — a gap will form over time. A connecting sleeve covers the joint, making it invisible.

Sleeves are especially important for hollow plastic baseboards with cable channels. They not only mask the joint but also ensure continuity of the channel, allowing wires to be run along the entire wall length.

Height transition pieces

When different height skirting boards are used in one room (e.g., transitioning from a high skirting board to a low one at built-in furniture), a transition element is needed. It creates a smooth slope, eliminating a sharp stepped transition.

Elements for bypassing pipes and utilities

In bathrooms and kitchens, skirting boards often meet water or sewage pipes. Special bypass elements allow wrapping around the pipe without leaving gaps. They consist of two halves that snap around the pipe.

Flexible inserts for arches

Arched openings require flexible skirting boards capable of following the curve. Special rubber or silicone inserts are produced for this purpose, installed between rigid skirting sections and taking any shape.

Repair and restoration of corner joints

Even correctly installed corners may require repair over time. Building settlement, temperature and humidity fluctuations, mechanical impacts—all lead to defects.

Typical defects of corner joints

Gap mismatch is the most common problem. A gap appears between the corner and skirting board, ranging from fractions of a millimeter to several millimeters. Causes include wood drying, weakening of adhesive joints, and building structure movement.

Detachment from the wall occurs when adhesive weakens or when the wall is uneven and does not provide sufficient contact area. The corner piece hangs in the air, supported only by the skirting board, and will eventually detach completely.

Mechanical damage—scratches, cracks, dents—are the result of impacts or heavy objects falling. Outdoor corners are especially vulnerable, as they are frequently hit by vacuum cleaners, mops, or during furniture rearrangement.

Color change occurs due to sun exposure, moisture, or chemical substances. White polyurethane may yellow, lacquered wood may darken or, conversely, fade.

Filling gaps and gaps

Acrylic sealant is a universal solution for filling small gaps up to 3-5 mm. It is elastic, paintable, and does not shrink. Choose sealant in the skirting board color or one suitable for painting if you plan to paint the entire skirting board.

Application technique is simple: squeeze sealant into the gap, smooth it with a wet finger or putty knife, remove excess. Work carefully—sealant residue on the skirting board surface is difficult to remove.

Wood putty is used for wooden elements. It is harder than sealant, can be sanded and painted to match wood after drying. However, it is not elastic—if the gap continues to expand, the putty will crack.

Wax pencils are suitable for masking minor defects—scratches, small gaps, chips. Wax is matched to the wood tone, rubbed into the defect, and polished with a soft cloth. Fast, simple, effective for cosmetic repairs.

Reinstalling detached elements

If the corner piece has detached, it must be reinstalled. First, completely remove old adhesive residue from the corner and wall. Use a putty knife, sandpaper, or solvent—depending on the adhesive type.

Clean and degrease surfaces. Dust, dirt, and grease reduce the adhesion of new adhesive. Wipe the installation area with alcohol or a specialized degreaser.

Apply fresh adhesive, press the corner piece firmly, and secure with painter’s tape or weight. Allow full adhesive polymerization time as per instructions—usually 24 hours.

If the corner piece repeatedly detaches at the same spot, the issue is with the base. The wall may be severely uneven or the plaster may be peeling. The base must be leveled, plaster reinforced, and only then install the decorative element.

Replacing damaged elements

When a corner piece is severely damaged—cracked, with large chips, or deformed—it is simpler to replace it entirely. Carefully dismantle the old element, trying not to damage adjacent skirting boards.

When replacing one corner piece in a room, a color mismatch may occur. The new element may be lighter or darker than the others, especially if they have faded or changed color. You may need to repaint all corners or find a corner piece with the closest tone.

Painting and finishing corner elements

Proper finishing not only protects the material but also determines the overall appearance of the structure. Corners must harmonize with skirting boards and the overall interior style.

Surface preparation

Sanding wooden elements removes burrs, processing marks, and minor defects. Use 180-240 grit sandpaper for initial sanding and 320-400 for finishing. Sand along the grain to avoid scratches.

Polyurethane corners do not require sanding—they are perfectly smooth from the factory. Simply wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Priming is mandatory for both materials. Primer improves paint adhesion, reduces finish coat consumption, and reveals hidden defects. For wood, use alkyd or acrylic primers; for polyurethane, use acrylic primers.

Painting with a brush is suitable for small elements and hard-to-reach areas. Choose a brush with soft yet resilient bristles that won’t leave streaks. Apply paint in thin layers, carefully blending each one.

Spray painting provides the most even coverage — uniform, without streaks or drips. However, it requires skill and generates significant paint mist. Work in a protective mask, in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.

Using a sponge or pad is convenient for applying patina and creating aging effects. A sponge produces a distinctive textured surface and interesting color play.

Multi-layer coatings

The base layer establishes the primary color. For coverage, typically 2–3 thin layers are required. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one is fully dry.

Patina adds depth and dimension. Dark patina in recesses of relief highlights ornamentation. Light patina on raised areas creates a worn, noble aged effect.

Final varnishing protects paint from abrasion, moisture, and dirt. Matte varnish gives a calm, noble surface; satin varnish offers a subtle sheen; glossy varnish provides a bright, radiant finish.

Compatibility with various types of flooring

Baseboards and their corners must harmonize not only with walls but also with the floor. Each flooring type has its own optimal solutions.

Parquet and parquet flooring

For parquet made of oak, ash, or walnut, it is logical to choose wooden baseboards and corners from the same species. Matching texture and color creates a unified composition where the floor seamlessly transitions into the walls.

If the parquet is stained or bleached, baseboards should match its tone. Manufacturers offer a wide range of stains and oils for this purpose — virtually any color can be selected.

Contrasting baseboards — a bold design choice. A dark baseboard on light parquet or vice versa creates a graphic effect, emphasizing the room’s geometry.

Laminate

Many laminate manufacturers produce matching accessories — baseboards, corners, and caps — in tones of their collections. This is convenient — you buy everything in one place, with guaranteed decor consistency.

MDF baseboards, veneered or laminated to match the floor color — a practical solution. They are cheaper than solid wood, moisture-resistant, and available in a vast range of colors.

Linoleum and vinyl flooring

For budget-friendly floors, plastic baseboards are suitable. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and water-resistant. Their corners are also plastic, usually included with the baseboard.

Wooden or polyurethane baseboards can enhance even inexpensive linoleum. They draw attention, diverting focus from the simplicity of the floor covering.

Tile and ceramic tile

In bathrooms and kitchens with tiled floors, ceramic baseboards from the same collection are often used. Ceramic corner pieces — both internal and external — are also produced for them.

An alternative — moisture-resistant polyurethane baseboards. They are lighter than ceramic, easier to install, and won’t break under heavy objects falling on them.

Price guidelines: how much does neatness cost

The price of corner elements depends on the material, size, profile complexity, and manufacturer brand. Let’s review current price ranges.

Polyurethane corners

Simple internal corners for baseboards 50–80 mm high cost from 50 to 150 rubles per piece. This is the most affordable segment, suitable for budget repairs.

Corners for high baseboards 100–150 mm and complex profiles cost 200–400 rubles. Here, quality differences become noticeable — relief clarity, material density, and geometric precision.

Premium segment — corners with carved decoration, molding imitation, for exclusive collections — from 500 to 1500 rubles per piece. But they also look accordingly.

Ceiling corners for cornices are cheaper than floor ones — from 30 to 300 rubles depending on size and complexity. There are fewer of them, and competition among manufacturers is higher.

Ceiling corners for cornices are cheaper than floor ones — from 30 to 300 rubles depending on size and complexity. There are fewer of them, and competition among manufacturers is higher.

Wooden corners

Pine and spruce corners - from 80 to 200 rubles. Softwood, simple processing, mass production makes them affordable.

Oak, beech, ash corners cost 300-800 rubles. Hardwoods are more difficult to process, more expensive raw material, higher quality.

Exotic - wenge, merbau, teak - from 1000 to 3000 rubles per corner. But this is a custom item for elite interiors, where price is not the main criterion.

Fitting elements

End caps - 20-100 rubles per pair. Connecting couplings - 30-150 rubles. Adapters and special elements - from 100 to 500 rubles.

Economic feasibility

Let's calculate by example. Room 4 by 5 meters, 4 internal corners. Manual baseboard trimming:

  • Master's working time - 2-3 hours

  • Material waste - at least 1-2 meters of baseboard

  • Master's labor cost - from 2000 rubles

  • Material losses - 500-1000 rubles

Total: 2500-3000 rubles plus nerves and risk of poor result.

With pre-made corners:

  • 4 corners at 150 rubles each = 600 rubles

  • Installation time - 30 minutes

  • No defects

  • Perfect result guaranteed

The savings are obvious, especially if you're doing the renovation yourself. Even expensive wooden corners pay for themselves due to the absence of defects and time savings.

Wholesale purchases

For large volumes - renovating an entire apartment or commercial space - it makes sense to buy directly from the manufacturer or a large distributor. Wholesale prices are 30-50 percent lower than retail.

Many companies offer complete solutions - baseboard plus all necessary corners, end caps, fasteners. This is convenient and cost-effective - you don't need to search for compatible elements, everything is selected and calculated.

Features of installation under various conditions

The installation technology for corner elements may vary significantly depending on the conditions of use.

Wet rooms

Bathrooms, toilets, saunas require a special approach. Wooden corners are undesirable here - even with protective coating, they will swell and deform eventually.

Polyurethane corners are ideal for wet zones. But the adhesive must be water-resistant - based on MS polymers or polyurethane. Ordinary acrylic adhesive will soften.

Additional sealing of joints with silicone sealant will prevent water penetration. Especially carefully seal the lower part, where the baseboard meets the floor.

Unheated rooms

On glazed balconies and in country homes with seasonal occupancy, temperatures may drop to sub-zero levels. Not all materials can withstand this.

Polyurethane retains elasticity down to -40 degrees, does not crack or deform. Wooden elements may crack during freeze-thaw cycles, especially if moisture has penetrated the wood.

Warm floors

With electric or water-based warm floors, baseboards heat from below. This may cause deformation of low-quality materials.

Quality polyurethane and properly dried wood withstand heating up to 50-60 degrees without consequences. The key is not to glue the baseboard directly onto a warm floor while it is operating. Wait until it cools down.

New constructions

In new homes, active shrinkage occurs - up to 5-10 cm in height in the first years. This leads to structural movement, cracks, and misalignment of joints.

It is better not to install decorative elements in a new building until at least one year after move-in, when the main settling is complete. Alternatively, use elastic materials and adhesives that allow for minor deformations.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Can polyurethane corner pieces be used with wooden baseboards?

Yes, this is a common practice. The polyurethane corner is painted to match the wood, making them visually indistinguishable. This saves material and simplifies installation.

How to select a corner piece for a baseboard with a non-standard profile?

Manufacturers produce corner pieces for the most popular profiles. If your baseboard is rare, look for a corner piece from the same manufacturer — often, the components are sold separately. In the worst case, order custom-made corner pieces or manually trim the baseboard.

What adhesive to use to attach a polyurethane corner to a concrete wall?

Any construction adhesive will do — liquid nails, polyurethane, or acrylic. The key is to clean the surface and allow the adhesive to fully dry before use.

Should polyurethane corner pieces be painted before or after installation?

Better to paint after installation. This way, you immediately cover seams, spackled areas, and minor defects, resulting in a unified surface without visible boundaries between elements.

Can polyurethane corner pieces be bent for uneven walls?

Polyurethane is sufficiently elastic to compensate for minor irregularities — up to 5-7 mm. For larger deviations, first level the wall with plaster or drywall.

How often should protective coating on wooden corners be renewed?

It depends on the conditions of use. In dry living areas, a lacquer coating lasts 5-7 years. In high-traffic zones, such as kitchens — 3-4 years. An oil-based coating requires renewal every 1-2 years.

What to do if the corner piece does not fit the size?

Polyurethane corners can be trimmed with a sharp knife. Wooden corners — with a fine-toothed hacksaw or jigsaw. Minor adjustments with a file or sandpaper will bring the element to perfect fit.

Can corner pieces be installed on wallpaper?

Not recommended. The adhesive will stick to the wallpaper, not the wall. Over time, it will peel off. Better to remove wallpaper at the installation site, adhere the corner pieces directly to the wall, then trim the wallpaper flush.

Conclusion

Accurate corner joints are not a luxury, but a standard of quality repair. Using ready-made polyurethane and wooden corner elements solves the problem radically, eliminating the hassle of trimming and guaranteeing a perfect result.

Saving time, materials, and nerves makes these elements a worthwhile investment. Even if you are an experienced craftsman capable of expertly cutting corners, ready-made corner pieces will save precious time that can be spent on more complex and interesting tasks.

Correct material selection, quality installation, and thoughtful finishing — and your baseboards will look flawless for years, delighting the eye and impressing guests. Most importantly — no matte finish when looking at crooked gaps and uneven joints. Only satisfaction from a beautifully done job.

STAVROS offers a full range of corner elements and accessories for baseboards — from budget-friendly polyurethane corners to exclusive wooden pieces made from premium wood. High-quality materials, precise geometry, and thoughtful design — all guarantee easy installation and long service life. Choose quality, choose professional solutions, choose STAVROS to create the interior of your dreams.