A dado rail is installed about halfway up the wall between the ceiling and skirting, originally designed to protect walls from furniture bumps but now mainly used for decorative purposes. Traditional styles like Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian dado rails add a classical touch to a room. In contrast, a picture rail is a wooden moulding near the ceiling, often found in period homes with high ceilings. Originally intended for hanging pictures, nowadays a picture rail is primarily chosen for its aesthetic appeal.

Picture rails are typically positioned 12 to 20 inches below the ceiling, depending on ceiling height. Dado rails should be placed about one third of the way up the wall from the floor, so in rooms with higher ceilings, the dado rail sits higher. For example, on a 12 foot ceiling, the dado rail would be around 4 feet from the floor.

A dado rail can visually expand a room by elongating the walls and making ceilings seem higher, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. It softens harsh lines, creating a warmer, more welcoming environment. Choosing a light coloured dado rail can further open up the space, giving the room a grounded yet airy feel.

No, picture rails and dado rails are not outdated; in fact, their popularity is rising, largely due to the increasing use of wall panelling. Dado rails often cap off wainscoting, commonly seen in hallways and landings, and are used to divide wall panel “boxes” by separating moulding panels above and below the rail. While picture rails are less common than dado rails, they remain a stylish addition that adds visual interest and allows for traditional picture hanging.