CHAIR RAIL

Chair rails are horizontal moldings applied to walls designed to protect the finished drywall from damage from chairs on the move. These are simple yet make a statement on the overall design. When applied with no wainscoting below, these elements can look basic for some, but still serves an important and protective function when the goal is to protect the walls. Not surprisingly, they're usually installed about 30 inches from the floor—the approximate height of most chair backs.

 

Chair rails can be finished with darker or lighter paint colors to add contrast to the wall color or can be painted to match the wall for a more subtle approach with interesting details similar to wall moldings