Are Chair Rails Out of Style?
Chair rail, which is a strip of decorative molding placed near the top of wall, has been around for centuries. It adds a nice design element to a room, as well as protecting walls from chairs and other furniture that may scratch or dent them. It is also a common way to accent other types of wall treatments, such as wallpaper or patterned paint.
While some people believe that chair rail is outdated, it is still very popular in homes today. In fact, it is one of the most used forms of trim in a house, and can be quite effective. The first question that many people ask is, “How high should a chair rail be?” The answer to this depends on the style of the room and the ceiling height. In general, chair rail is best positioned between thirty and 48 inches from the floor. This is a good distance for most rooms, but if you have a vaulted ceiling, it can be installed higher.
Traditionally, chair rail is painted or stained to match the baseboards and crown molding in the room, but designers with more modern visions often paint it a contrasting color for a unique look. This gives you the opportunity to change the overall look of the room without having to redo all the other trim.
Another way to use chair rail is to install more molding below it to create a wainscot. This is a classic look for any room, and it can add a lot of character to the space. It can also help hide any imperfections in the wall and make it appear more finished.
The most common type of chair rail is a simple wood molding, but there are many other options as well. There are even composite materials available if you want something more durable. The type of molding that you choose should depend on the overall style of your room, but there is endless variety to explore.
When installing chair rail, it is important to mark the wall where you want to place it and use an electronic stud finder to locate any studs in the wall. Then, mark the wall at the top of the area where you want to install the rail and snap a chalk line between the marks. This will give you a reference point to follow when installing the trim.
If you are repairing a textured wall, it is important to smooth out the texture before installing any trim. You can do this by using a texturing spray that is designed to work with drywall. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully apply the product to the textured wall, using a small brush or roller to get into all of the cracks and crevices.
If you are installing new chair rail, the installation process is relatively easy. First, mark the wall where you want to install it and use an electronic stud finder or a piece of scrap wood to locate any studs in the wall. If you find any, remove the stud and re-tape it to a smooth surface before installing the chair rail. Then, install the trim, following the manufacturer’s instructions for spacing.
