One of the simplest, yet most impactful, ways of making a statement, in your home, is by introducing moldings. But, far too often we overlook the rich molding options that exist and think exclusively of crown moldings. Here, the molding of interest is a chair rail. This is a classic finish that first found itself in luxurious European estates. Essentially, chair rail is a type of molding that lies horizontally, part way up a wall. Initially chair rail was introduced for very pragmatic purposes. Indeed, it was intended as a sort of bumper that would protect the surface of a room’s walls from chair-backs. But today, a chair rail can be used to make a beautiful and unique statement in virtually any of your home’s rooms. Read on for some useful, chair rail inspiration:
In The Bedroom
Traditionally, a chair rail was used primarily in the living and dining rooms as a means of protecting the walls. But, this finish can also be used in a completely innovative manner by introducing it to the bedroom.
A chair rail in the bedroom can be used as a finish that helps to make sense of a complex color scheme. In other words, it can be used to separate two strong, albeit complementary, wall colors. First, you will want to select your primary wall color as well as a complementary accent color. Then, you will want to select a basic, unadorned form of chair rail. This chair rail will be used as a beautiful border that clearly separates your primary from your accent wall colors. Interior designers suggest that you paint the space underneath the chair rail with your accent color and the more substantial space above it with your primary hue. In addition, it is recommended that you paint the chair rail itself in a neutral, but different, shade from those on your walls. This helps to create a clear border. By using a chair rail in this fashion, you can make complex color schemes seem increasingly coherent and simple.
Boutique Bathrooms
Introducing a chair rail is an exceptional way of creating the aesthetic of a boutique bathroom, too. By ‘boutique,’ what is intended is a quaint and unique space that you might find in a classic bed and breakfast or a vintage home.
By introducing a standard chair rail in your bathroom, in an eggshell or cream hue, you become better able to introduce more complex colors and textures into your space. And, building a unique and warm color palette in your bathroom is a fundamental way to take it from one that is traditional to one that might be considered unique or boutique-like in looks. Professionals suggest that in bathrooms and powder rooms alike, it is important to place your chair rail slightly lower than you would in larger spaces. Standard chair rail tends to be positioned at 32 inches off the floor, thus in your bathroom, you will want to reduce this height by a few inches. This brings it closer to your sink and vanity: picking up and reflecting any of the porcelain finishes you may have incorporated into the space. Use your chair rail to separate warm, complementary colors, such as taupe and muted blues or sage and golds. To create a more luxurious boutique bathroom, consider incorporating a wallpaper with metallic accents just above your chair rail. These metallic accents exude a sense of luxury and decadence, and the chair rail creates a sense of classic completeness.
A New Vision for Your Living Room
Last, but not least, consider using a chair rail in traditional spaces such as living or dining rooms, while reorienting it on the wall. Making this adjustment will lend your chair rail both a new aesthetic and even functional purpose.
A contemporary way of introducing a chair rail in your living space is by shifting it high up your wall. Unlike crown moldings, your chair rail should not be set flush against the border of your ceiling. But, you might want to consider setting it 5 inches below the top of your door’s entrance. Then, select a visually intriguing and substantial type of chair rail. Colonial chair rail is a classic but timeless option. By reorienting your chair rail in this way, you draw the eye up and create a sense of increased height in your space. Your chair rail, if thick enough, might also double as a kind of shelf to house antiques and photos.
Chair rail is a classic finish that can and should be used in contemporary ways. If you are hoping to make a statement with chair rail, consider introducing it in unconventional ways. One exceptional way of using this finish is as a border that separates strong albeit complementary wall colors. Also, consider reorienting your chair rail as a way of creating visual intrigue and height in your home.