In the midst of hunting down cheap skirting boards to accentuate the base of my living room walls, a friend introduced me to the charismatic world of dado and picture rails. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of an ‘aha!’ moment. Why let the fun stop at the floor level when there’s a whole vertical canvas waiting to be adorned, right?
Now, if you’re unfamiliar with these architectural wonders, let’s break it down. Dado rails, often known as chair rails, are mouldings fixed horizontally on the wall, roughly around waist height. Historically, these rails served a practical purpose, protecting walls from being scuffed by chair backs. But today, they’re largely decorative, creating an opportunity to play with contrasting wall treatments above and below the rail.
On the other hand, picture rails sit higher up, close to the ceiling. Their name gives away their purpose – these mouldings were originally designed to hang pictures from, ensuring walls remain hole-free. But again, modern-day application extends beyond just utility; they introduce a visual break, making ceilings appear higher and rooms more spacious.
Both dado and picture rails open up a world of design possibilities. Want to experiment with two-toned walls without a stark dividing line? The dado rail is your best friend. Dreaming of a vintage-inspired room with hanging portraits but dreading the idea of drilling into your walls? Say hello to picture rails!
It’s fascinating how these horizontal mouldings can bring depth and character to a space. And the best part? While they ooze sophistication, they don’t necessarily drain your wallet. In the same spirit as cheap skirting boards, you can find dado and picture rails to fit various budgets.
To wrap it up, if you’re looking to inject some personality into your walls, consider giving dado and picture rails a shot. They offer a delightful blend of history, function, and aesthetics. So, let’s celebrate and explore these design elements that take our walls from meh to marvellous, one rail at a time!