Chair rail is not quite as popular as it once was but it still can be found in more traditional-style homes everywhere. It is meant to prevent chair backs from hitting the walls (which used to be plaster) but can provide a decorative touch as well when combined with paneling beneath the rail.
What size chair rail do I need for my Room?
In this case, the room could easily accommodate a chair rail that is as high as 48 inches. The general rule of thumb is to position a chair rail in the lower one-third of the wall height. If you imagine the wall height divided vertically into three sections, the chair rail is best placed at the line between the bottom and middle thirds of the wall.
What are chair rail moldings and why are they used?
Chair rail moldings installed along the walls first came into use as a buffer to prevent the backs of chairs from hitting delicate plaster walls in dining rooms, where chairs were constantly being moved back and forth around the table.
What color should I paint the wall above a chair rail?
In rooms with a clear separation to the wall, such as a chair rail, painting the wall below the chair rail a darker color than above the chair rail adds drama as well as dimension. Lighter colors on the upper portion of a wall can add height to the wall, making the ceiling seem visually higher.
How high off the floor should chair rail molding be?
Normally, this will be between 32 and 36 inches above the floor. Make an identical mark at the opposite end of the wall. Snap a chalk line between the two marks to make a reference line to indicate where the top of the chair rail molding will fit.
Does chair rail add value?
Of all the home improvements you can make, chair rail is one of the least demanding in terms of cost and labor. However, the difference it makes in your home's marketability is impressive! Studies have shown that installing moldings (like crown or chair rail) can have a positive impact on the selling price of a home.
How do you modernize a room with a chair rail?
Here are 14 inspiring chair rail design ideas for your home:Add Some White Space to Eccentric Wallpaper. ... Match Your Chair Rail with a Dark Wall Color. ... Add Multiple Layers of Chair Rail. ... Add Classic and Sophisticated Trim. ... Match Modern Minimalism with a Flat, Angular Design. ... Enhance Your Stairwell. ... Create a Bold Color Scheme.More items...•
What can I use instead of a chair rail?
Here's a quick and easy way to cover your wall by creating a chair rail to match your decor. Just start by selecting a stack of place mats (I used inexpensive bamboo mats with black accents from Pier1 ), attach them to a ribbon using a staple gun, and you've got clean walls and an updated look in about 15 minutes.
What is the point of a chair rail?
Chair rail creates a decorative element in a room, but it also acts as a protective barrier from wear and tear in high traffic areas or spaces where furniture is moved around often. This trim is commonly used in dining rooms, breakfast nooks, living rooms and foyers.
Is chair rail old fashioned?
'Chair rails were historically used in traditional design to divide a room space into pleasing proportions. The preconception is that chair rails are no longer a desired design feature. In this teen study area we updated the chair rail into a modern farmhouse design to add visual dimension to the walls. '
Is chair rail in dining room outdated?
In the past, when a chair rail was actually used as a bumper for chair backs, the answer would have been "as high as the backs of the chairs." But chair rails are now used more as a design element than as a practical device for protecting walls.
Do modern homes have crown molding?
Modern Interiors do not use crown, Traditional has additional layers of decorative molding, Transitional is somewhere in the middle.
Is crown molding outdated?
Crown molding has been around for centuries and it will continue to be a touch of elegance for centuries to come. It is not going out of style. However some people have a preference for it while others will never notice it until it's not there.
What color should chair rail be?
Chair Rail Separating Multiple Wall Colors It is best to paint the lighter or warmer color on the upper portion of the wall to create a more open feel to the room. The chair rail and other trim should be painted in a neutral or light complementary color.
What's the difference between chair rail and wainscoting?
Wainscoting is paneling installed below chair rail moulding and covers the entirety of the lower portion of the wall. Chair rail moulding is a strip of moulding typically installed above wainscoting or by itself to protect walls from constantly shifting furniture (i.e., the backs of chairs).
Is wainscoting out of style?
Wainscoting has been a hot trend as of late, but, since it's appeared in homes for literally hundreds of years, it's considered a classic style that is unlikely to go out of fashion. Let's take a look at some installation ideas courtesy of Woodgrain, which specializes in wood moulding and doors.
Does chair rail have to match baseboards?
Like many creative pursuits, interior design has guidelines, but no hard and fast rules. The typical trend is to match your chair rail and baseboard colors, but playing with this trend the right way can also make a dramatic visual statement.
Does chair rail make room look bigger?
If you happen to live in a period home then think about highlighting some of its architectural features, such as the dado rail (also known as chair rail). It's a great way to create a more spacious feel with just two colours. Try painting the bottom half of the wall with darker shades to anchor the room.
Does chair rail have to match baseboards?
Like many creative pursuits, interior design has guidelines, but no hard and fast rules. The typical trend is to match your chair rail and baseboard colors, but playing with this trend the right way can also make a dramatic visual statement.
Do you wallpaper above or below a chair rail?
If you really want to spice things up, place the wall paper below the chair rail instead of on top. This is especially fun for kid's spaces. If you're working with dark or light wood chair rail, then in most cases it's best to go with two colors, but remember it's your home, do what you love!
Is wainscoting out of style?
Wainscoting has been a hot trend as of late, but, since it's appeared in homes for literally hundreds of years, it's considered a classic style that is unlikely to go out of fashion. Let's take a look at some installation ideas courtesy of Woodgrain, which specializes in wood moulding and doors.
Why do we need chair rails?
Chair rail moldings installed along the walls first came into use as a buffer to prevent the backs of chairs from hitting delicate plaster walls in dining rooms, where chairs were constantly being moved back and forth around the table. As plaster walls turned into wallboard and formal dining rooms lost their popularity, so too did chair rails fade from prominence. But in recent years, the chair rail, along with other traditional types of ornamental trim, such as wainscoting, tall baseboards, and crown molding, has surged back into homes as a design element.
How high should a chair rail be?
You can look at chair rail height from two perspectives: Height above the floor : In rooms with 8-foot-high ceilings, you can place chair railing between 30 and 48 inches above the floor. In most instances, though, a chair rail will be between 32 and 36 inches from floor level. Relative placement: Not all ceilings are 8 feet high;
What is a chair rail made of?
One of the most popular chair rail designs is to use it as a top finishing edge for a wainscot. Traditionally, wainscoting was made from wood panels set within moldings. But in the modern form, it often takes the form of "faux wainscoting," in which vertical lengths of molding are attached to the wall from the chair rail to the baseboard to create the look of panels.
How to protect dining room chairs from backs?
Of course, in rooms where the chair rail serves its classic function of protecting dining room walls, it should be installed where it will successfully protect the walls from being marred by the backs of dining room chairs. Measure the height of the chair backs and position the chair rail molding at this height. In almost all instances, this will fall into the classic zone for chair rails.
Can you DIY chair rail molding?
This is a project that provides a lot of satisfaction for a modest investment in time and materials. Even though chair rail molding can be fairly pricy stuff, you won't be using a lot of it. Even so, you don't want to waste any of this precious product by making mistakes with the installation.
Can a chair rail be used as a bumper?
In the past, when a chair rail was actually used as a bumper for chair backs, the answer would have been "as high as the backs of the chairs.". But chair rails are now used more as a design element than as a practical device for protecting walls. You can look at chair rail height from two perspectives:
Can you paint a chair rail before attaching it to the wall?
Consider painting your chair rail molding before attaching the pieces to the wall. This can be considerably easier than trying to paint a chair rail after it is attached.
What is the width of a chair rail?
The baseline width of a chair rail molding made from wood or composite is 2 to 3 inches. Other materials such as vinyl, metal, and polymers are also available for chair railing.
What Is Chair Rail Molding?
Chair rail molding is a myth. Many believe that chair rails were created to protect walls from damage caused by chair use. Chair rail molding can be found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
Can you put wallpaper on a chair rail?
The decision may be affected by existing features. If the lower portion of the room has wallpaper, and the border is still visible, it may be easier to place the chair rail right where the wallpaper stops. The height of the chair rail can be affected by window trim, fireplaces, and wall molding. Take into account how different chair rail heights appear next to these features.
Can a chair rail make a room feel smaller?
This can create a feeling of intimacy in a space with high ceilings. A High chair rail can make a room feel smaller if it has a standard or low ceiling. When choosing the height of your room, think about how it should feel.
Do modernists need chair rail molding?
Brent Hull states that if you are a Modernist you don’t need a chair rail molding. To divide the wall, use paint color. However, it is best to follow the human scale as to where one color ends and another begins.
Can you put chair rails on dining room chairs?
In rooms where the chair rails are used to protect dining rooms, they should not be placed in a way that they can’t be damaged by the backs of dining room chairs. The chair rails should be placed at the same height as the chair backs. This will almost always fall within the standard zone for chair rails.
When did wallpaper borders become popular?
Wallpaper borders became widely popular during the 1980s and 1990s and were used in decorating to break up empty wall space. What was once a big trend is now losing its influence as people decorate their homes and workspaces. Although wallpaper borders have bit the dust in popular culture, there are other border options ...
How to make a stencil look good on a wall?
Resist the urge to use primary colors of paint, instead choosing more muted hues. Opt to stamp your design onto the wall for a slightly different texture.
Is wallpaper being reinvented?
But according to Motley Fool, wallpaper is being reinvented. Old mauve floral-designed wallpapers have been laid to rest and are being replaced by beautiful, vibrant colors and dramatic styles. Consider wallpaper in the color scheme of indigo and mint, combined with contrasting black or white damask prints or chevron patterns. And according to Home Decor Bliss, websites exist that allow you to create personalized or monogrammed wallpaper, allowing you to experiment with 100% unique wall border ideas.
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Light versus dark
One of the most popular color combination techniques is to use similar hues; one light and one dark. In rooms with a clear separation to the wall, such as a chair rail, painting the wall below the chair rail a darker color than above the chair rail adds drama as well as dimension.
Use white as a strong contrast color
White paired with dark colors gives a room a more modern look. White makes most any color pop, especially dark colors.
Balance bolds with neutrals
If you love the look of a bright or bold color but want to keep it to a minimum, a two-tone combination that is fresh, modern, and making a comeback is pairing a bold hue with a more neutral tone that compliments it.
Get playful with your colors
For real color fans, try getting really playful with your color choices and let your imagine run. Pairing colors that may seem a big bold can be fun and really give a room a “wow factor.” A pink and green room might be a little girl’s dream bedroom, or grass green paired with a sky blue can be a neat way to express your style in another room.