As someone who loves home decor and DIY projects, I was excited to try out the trend of adding a chair rail to my living room. I had seen it in magazines and on home renovation shows, and I thought it would be a great way to add some visual interest to my space.
What is a Chair Rail?
For those who may not be familiar, a chair rail is a horizontal strip of molding that is typically installed about halfway up a wall. Its original purpose was to protect walls from being damaged by chairs, but today it is mostly used for decorative purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide for Adding Chair Rail to Your Living Room
- Measure the length of your walls and purchase enough chair rail molding to cover them.
- Cut the molding to the appropriate length using a saw.
- Use a level and pencil to mark where the chair rail will be installed.
- Attach the molding to the wall using nails or adhesive.
- Fill in any nail holes or gaps with wood filler.
- Paint or stain the chair rail to match your existing trim.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Chair Rail in Your Living Room
- Choose a chair rail that complements your existing trim and molding.
- Consider painting the chair rail a different color than the rest of the wall for added visual interest.
- Use wainscoting panels or beadboard below the chair rail for a more traditional look.
- Experiment with different heights for the chair rail to create the look you want.
- Use a chair rail to break up a large wall into smaller sections.
- Consider adding decorative molding or paneling above the chair rail for added impact.
- Match the height of the chair rail to the height of any existing built-in shelving or cabinets in the room.
- Use a chair rail to create a visual boundary between different paint colors or wallpaper patterns.
- Add a chair rail to a dining room for added elegance and sophistication.
- Install a chair rail in a child’s bedroom to protect the walls from damage.
Pros and Cons of Chair Rail in Your Living Room
Like any home decor trend, there are pros and cons to adding a chair rail to your living room.
Pros:
- Can add visual interest and definition to a space
- Can be used to create a more traditional or formal look
- Can be a DIY project for those with basic carpentry skills
Cons:
- May not work in all styles of homes or rooms
- Can be expensive if you hire a professional to install it
- May take away from other decorative elements in the room
My Personal Review of Chair Rail in My Living Room
After adding a chair rail to my living room, I have to say that I am thrilled with the results. It adds just the right amount of visual interest to the space without overwhelming it, and I love the traditional look it creates. Plus, it was a fun and easy DIY project that I was able to complete in just a weekend.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can a chair rail be installed in any room?
A: While chair rail can technically be installed in any room, it may not work in all styles of homes or spaces. It is most commonly used in dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.
Q: How high should a chair rail be installed?
A: The height of a chair rail can vary depending on the height of the ceiling and the look you are trying to achieve. Typically, it is installed between 30 and 36 inches from the floor.
Q: Can I paint my chair rail a different color than the rest of the wall?
A: Yes! Painting the chair rail a different color than the rest of the wall can add visual interest and create a more dramatic look.