What is a Chair Rail in Interior Design?
A chair rail is molding placed on a wall usually about thirty inches from the floor to protect the wall from being scratched or marked by the back of a chair that may be bumped against it. It’s often considered an important design element in any room because it helps create depth and dimension, as well as adding elegance to the space.
What is a Chair Rail made from?
Chair rails can be made of a variety of materials such as:
- wood,
- metal,
- or plastic.
They are often painted to match the room’s décor and color scheme and may have additional details, such as trim or other accents. Chair rail height is typically around thirty inches since it needs to be high enough to protect the wall from scratches while at the same time not so high as to be intrusive.
What are some common uses for Chair Rails?
Chair rails can be used to add visual interest and protection to any room, from a formal dining room or living room to a kitchen or bathroom. They also provide an easy way to add color and contrast without having to paint an entire wall. Additionally, chair rails can be used to break up a large wall into more interesting sections or to create a beautiful picture frame effect. Chair rails look especially nice when combined with other moldings and trim pieces, such as crown molding or wainscoting.
What’s the difference between chair rail and wainscoting?
The main difference between chair rail and wainscoting is height. Chair rails are typically installed around thirty inches from the floor, while wainscoting is usually installed much lower, often around fifteen to twenty inches. Additionally, chair rails tend to be more decorative in nature and may include trim or other accents, while wainscoting often uses panels or beadboard to create a more functional look.
Is chair rail still in style?
Yes, chair rail is still popular in interior design, especially for traditional or formal spaces.
What can I use instead of a chair rail?
If you don’t want to install a chair rail, or if your wall doesn’t have enough free space for one, other options include vertical picture frames and strips of wallpaper or fabric. These can create a similar effect as the chair rail but without taking up as much space.
Related Links
Lwm297 Chair Rail – Garden State Lumber
A Chair Rail Gives Your Home a Classic Look
How to Install a Chair Rail
Chair Rail – Metrie
Installing Wainscoting, Baseboards and Chair Rail
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