Parquet without Baseboards, Yes or No?

The simple answer is no; everyone is obviously free to do what they want in their own home. The less simple answer is still no, but be aware that you're subjecting the home you're lovingly designing to an aesthetic compromise. Therefore, it's necessary to think carefully and at least have an alternative, such as wall paneling.

But why, in technical terms, are baseboards installed?

Parquet, being made of wood, is a material that tends to expand and contract depending on various factors, such as heat and humidity. Unlike stone or other highly advanced technological materials, wood is a living material and therefore needs space to accommodate its changes.

What does all this lead to?

It leads to installing parquet not precisely against the wall, but rather leaving a small gap (usually 1 cm). If this isn't done, you'd end up with parquet that, when expanding, wouldn't have space to swell because it's blocked by the wall, and consequently, it would seek another escape route. The typical result is this:

Buckled parquet

Turning necessities into strengths‍

Since installing baseboards is practically mandatory, it's worth trying to turn this necessity into a strength that helps improve your home's aesthetic appeal. A well-chosen baseboard can indeed add the finishing touch to a great job, helping to frame the room.
In recent years, white or RAL-lacquered baseboards have become increasingly common, but another excellent alternative is, of course, to paint the "skirting" to match the parquet color.
The choices then become incredibly numerous if we consider all the shapes and sizes. To keep it brief, if you're curious to see some examples, I'll direct you to our online catalog: https://www.menconiparquet.it/catalogo-menconi/battiscopa.

Thanks for your attention, until next time!