Dado rails are common in Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian properties, although they can be used in modern properties too. Traditionally known as chair rails, these mouldings were originally used to protect the walls from being damaged by the furniture.
However, dado rails are now used as a decorative moulding that adds visual appeal to a room. If you are looking to incorporate a modern look to your property, then you can utilise dado rails to help you achieve the look you’ve wanted from your home makeover project.
Before you decide to include dado rails in your home’s interior, we’ve put together some top tips to consider before purchasing the moulding. From explaining what a dado rail is to discussing how high it should be installed, we’ll outline the key factors you need to think about when buying dado rails.
What is a dado rail?
Before diving into the top tips for buying dado rails, it’s important to understand what exactly a dado rail is. A dado rail is a decorative moulding that is typically placed about a third of the way up the wall in a room. Traditionally, dado rails were positioned at chair height to prevent chairs from damaging the walls.
Many people often confuse dado rails with picture rails, which serve a different purpose in a room’s interior. Picture rails are installed higher on the wall and are designed to hang pictures without impacting the wall's surface. In contrast, dado rails were created to protect the walls in traditional properties from being damaged by furniture.
In modern interiors, dado rails can also be used as an aesthetic feature rather than solely for protection. They can help enhance the appearance of a room, making spaces like the sitting room or living room stand out.
Are dado rails outdated?
No, dado rails are not outdated. Originally popular in the 18th century, they have made a strong comeback in modern interior design. Rather than being seen as old fashioned, dado rails are now a stylish way to enhance a room and separate colours, especially in hallways. They fit well with many design styles, making them a trendy choice for today’s homes.
Does a dado rail make a room look bigger or smaller?
A dado rail can indeed make a room feel larger. A dado rail creates the illusion of longer walls, which can enhance the perception of space. Additionally, it can make ceilings appear taller, contributing to an overall sense of openness in the room. By replacing sharp lines with softer transitions, a dado rail helps create a more inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, using a light-coloured dado rail can ground the room, making it feel more expansive.
How high should a dado rail be?
There is no set rule for the height at which to install a dado rail in a room. The ideal height can be influenced by your personal style or the furniture in the space. To determine the right measurements for your dado rails, it’s essential to measure the walls from the ceiling to the floor.
One key consideration is to avoid installing the rail at the wrong height, as this can compromise the desired interior aesthetic of your home makeover project. If the dado rail is placed too high, it can make the room feel smaller by visually lowering the ceiling.
We recommend positioning the dado rail lower on the wall rather than too high. This approach is especially effective in rooms with low ceilings, as it helps create the illusion of a more spacious area. To enhance this effect, consider using light-coloured paint or wallpaper on the walls.
MDF or wood?
The two most common material options for dado rails are medium density fibreboard (MDF) and wood. When deciding on the material of your dado rails, you’ll need to consider not just the property’s environment, but also how you decorate it and your ideal budget.
Factors such as dampness, condensation and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can adversely affect wooden dado rails. These conditions may cause the wood to swell or shrink, leading to splitting and twisting of the moulding. Therefore, it’s crucial to select dado rails that can withstand various environmental conditions.
Factors such as dampness, condensation and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can adversely affect wooden dado rails. These conditions may cause the wood to swell or shrink, leading to splitting and twisting of the moulding. Therefore, it’s crucial to select dado rails that can withstand various environmental conditions.
Consider the home interior you want to achieve with your dado rails
If you are looking to feature dado rails in your home makeover project, it's worth considering what interior you are looking to achieve. Dado rails, when used well, can turn an uninspiring room into a space that’s filled with character for family members and guests to relax in.
When it comes to interior ideas we recommend when using dado rails, you cannot go wrong with a two-tone look. Using an eye-catching dark shade on the lower half of the wall with a lightly-shaded colour on the top half can add some visual height, particularly in compact rooms of a property.
In terms of the look you want to achieve, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
We hope these tips we’ve given you will make it easier for you when it comes to buying dado rails for your home makeover project. If you have any questions about the MDF dado rails that we offer in our collection, please contact one of our expert sales team members today.