No, chair rail molding is certainly not out of style and is still frequently used in a variety of homes. Chair rail molding is a classic decorative detail that adds a sophisticated and traditional look to any room.
It is still used to break up walls visually, to draw attention to the wall’s details, and to bring a room together. Chair rail molding offers protection from furniture and can be used to showcase wallpaper, paneling, and other wall treatments.
This type of molding also adds a custom look to rooms. Many homeowners are using chair rail molding to provide new looks in their homes because it can be painted and combined with other moldings for increased design effects.
How wide should a chair rail be?
The size of a chair rail will depend on the size of the room and the desired aesthetic. Generally speaking, a chair rail should be at least 3 inches wide, but some designers recommend a width of up to 6 inches.
The most common widths tend to be between 3.5 and 4.5 inches. If the goal is to make a room feel larger, a thinner chair rail will help create the illusion of a larger space. If a bolder look is desired, a wider chair rail will make a bolder statement.
Additionally, the color of the chair rail can be used to provide contrast to the wall color, or to tie into other design elements in the room. When in doubt, consult a designer or architect to ensure the correct size chair rail is selected.
Where should chair rails be installed?
Chair rails should be installed 30–36” from the floor. The specific height you choose will depend on the size of the room, the height of the furniture and the type of décor you are hoping to achieve.
To make the room seem symmetrical and balanced, install the same size chair rail around the whole room. Typically, chair rails should also be level with one another, even when the ceiling is not. Installing the chair rail along the wall at the base of the wall and chair rail mouldings are great places to help protect the wall are from scuffs and general wear and tear from the chairs.
Alternatively, the chair rail can be run half way along the wall– a great look for meeting rooms or libraries. Regardless of the wall heights, a chair rail should always be installed at the same height.
Finally, be sure to take into account the width of the moulding when deciding where to install the rail. A standard width for a chair rail is two to three inches.
Does chair rail add value?
Yes, chair rail can add value, both in terms of financial value and aesthetic value. Adding chair rail can make a room look more finished and luxurious, which can increase the value of the room for potential buyers.
The rail also provides additional protection for your walls from scuffing, which can also be attractive to buyers. Chair rail can create a classic and timeless look that, when paired with the right color or wallpaper, can make any room look more refined and elegant.
Adding chair rail can also bring cohesion to rooms and areas that appear chopped up or separate. From a financial perspective, chair rail can provide long-term value. A high-quality chair rail can last for decades and require relatively little upkeep, so you can enjoy the added protection and look for many years to come.
Does chair rail have to match baseboards?
No, chair rails don’t have to match baseboards. While coordinating colors or styles can create a cohesive look throughout the room, it isn’t necessary to ensure the two elements match. Chair rail is typically used to add visual interest to a room and element of structure, so it’s more important that the chair rail works with the overall design.
That said, you should ensure that the chair rail is proportionate to the baseboards, meaning that the same distance should exist between the two elements. You can also use trim or decorative moulding around windows and doors as a connecting element to tie the baseboards and chair rail together.
For instance, if you opt for a more ornate chair rail, you might consider a more understated baseboard to balance out the design. Ultimately, if you decide to use chair rail and baseboards together, the final decision is really up to you.
Are chair rails popular now?
Chair rails are becoming more popular as a decorative element in the home. They are used to add a touch of classic elegance and charm to any room, and can act as a framing element along a wall, or as a border around a room.
Chair rails can be used to create a warm and inviting space, add visual interest to a room, or to simply give a classic aesthetic to the space. They also have a functional purpose in preventing scuffs, dents, and scratches on walls when furniture is pushed up against them.
Chair rails now come in a variety of styles, materials and colors to fit any design aesthetic.
Does wood trim increase home value?
Yes, adding wood trim to a home can increase its overall value. Wood trim adds character and charm to any home and can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Wood trim can also provide a sense of luxury, especially if it is expertly installed.
This can add to the aesthetics of the home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Furthermore, wood trim can be very durable and require minimal maintenance, making it an appealing material to use.
In fact, certain types of wood trim (such as cedar) can even increase the lifespan of the home’s exterior. Overall, wood trim can be a great way to boost a home’s value, as it adds character and beauty, as well as providing extra protection from weather and other wear and tear.
What is the point of a chair rail?
A chair rail is a narrow molding, usually ranging between 32” to 36” from the ground, which can be used in a variety of ways to enhance both the appearance and the practicality of a room. Primarily, it exists as a functional liner along the walls of a room, typically placed at the height of the average chair back to protect walls from dings, scuffs, and scrapes that can occur when chairs are moved or bumped along the wall.
The chair rail also has aesthetic uses, such as providing a contrast to the wall in dark or light colored paint or separating another wall covering, such as wallpaper or texture layers, into different sections.
It can also be used to create unique shapes and patterns along the wall such as a square/rectangle wall treatment, or a beaded wall treatment. Additionally, chair rail can provide depth and dimension to a space, creating the illusion of extra square footage and making a room look larger.
Does the darker color go above or below the chair rail?
If you are referring to painting a wall above and below a chair rail, the visual rule of thumb is to choose a darker color for the area below the chair rail and a lighter color for the area above the chair rail.
This creates definition between the two sections of the wall and makes the chair rail more visible. When selecting wall colors, keep in mind that warm colors will be more inviting, while cool colors will create a more relaxed feel.
Additionally, consider the existing colors and elements of your room: a darker color is best suited to hide existing blemishes and scratches, while a lighter top color will brighten the room and make it more expansive.
Do you paint the chair rail the same color as the walls?
Whether or not to paint the chair rail the same color as the walls is ultimately up to personal preference and the desired aesthetic. Some people paint the chair rail the same color as the walls, creating a uniform look.
This monochromatic style makes a room look larger and often creates a modern, contemporary vibe. Other people may choose to paint the chair rail a different color than the walls. This creates contrast and can define the space, making it look classic and more traditional.
Both options will make the room look great, so it is really a matter of the desired look of the space.
When painting a room two colors which wall should be darker?
When painting a room two colors, it is generally recommended that the darker color should be painted on the wall that is furthest away from the entrance, as it will be less overwhelming. It is also helpful to ensure that the trim and ceiling is the lightest color, making the overall space appear larger and less cramped.
Additionally, painting the walls and ceiling the same, or coordinating, colors can create an alluring affect and provide a more cohesive look. If the room is an open space, such as an open concept kitchen/living area, then consider painting the walls and ceiling in the same color for a continuous look throughout the space.
Is two tone paint in style?
Two tone paint remains a popular style for automobiles and can be seen on roads all over the world. Some people argue that two tone paint was popular in the 1950s and 60s, and that it lost its luster over the years.
However, due to the resurgence of classic car culture, two tone paint is making a comeback. Many new car models even offer two tone paint options from the manufacturer. It’s popular because it offers a unique look that breaks up the car’s body lines and can add a subtle but sophisticated aesthetic.
Painting a car in a dual tone can also be less expensive than a single coat. Whether the car is a vintage classic or the newest model, two tone paint offers a modern design with a retro flair. Ultimately, two tone paint has never really gone out of style, and continues to be popular with car enthusiasts, old and new.
Is a chair rail outdated?
The trend of chair rails has waxed and waned over the years; while it may seem outdated to some, it’s still a popular feature in many homes today. Chair rails typically refers to a piece of moulding that is mounted horizontally to a wall at a specific height, often around 32”.
These mouldings are designed to prevent damage to walls caused by the back of chairs, though they also offer a decorative touch.
While chair rails may not be as popular today as they once were, they are still favored by many homeowners for the protection they offer. Chair rails also provide depth to a room and can give a space an elegant and traditional appeal.
They can be used to break up a wall, adding interest to a flat surface and allowing for different paint colors on the top and bottom. Chair rails also allow for wallpaper to be divided into more interesting patterns.
In conclusion, despite some thinking it might be outdated, chair rails remain an elegant and functional option for many homes today.
Does chair rail make room look bigger?
Chair rail can indeed help to make a room appear bigger. This type of molding is usually installed along the midpoint of a room’s wall, which can variably draw the eyes upward and outward, helping to create a more spacious appearance.
Further, by breaking up wall space into two distinct planes – the wall itself and the chair rail – the walls have a more dynamic look, creating the illusion of more depth and dimension. Additionally, the color of the chair rail can also help to make a room look bigger when used wisely.
Dark colors absorb light, causing a space to look smaller; lighter colors make the walls look higher and increase brightness, resulting in a more expansive feel.
