Adding a picture rail to a room may help create the illusion of a bigger space. Picture rails give the room a sense of height and a more finished look. Additionally, they can be very useful for filling a vertical space, which can in turn create the illusion of a larger room.
While a picture rail itself does not directly make a room physically bigger, it can be utilized to create the perception of a larger space. Picture rail can also be a great way to switch up the decor in a room without making any major changes that are more expensive or time consuming.
What is the point of picture rails?
Picture rails are decorative moldings that are usually found along the upper walls of a room and used to hang artwork and other wall decorations. The advantage of using picture rails is that they prevent any damage to the actual wall and provide a space to hang artwork without requiring any nails or hooks.
They are also very easy to install – usually just a few screws required – and can be used to add a touch of elegance to any room. Picture rails also provide a uniform way of displaying artwork, as the molding acts as a frame as if you were to place a picture in an actual frame.
The rail also gives you a space to hang multiple items in an organised manner and provides a great way to rotate art around a room or between different rooms.
Should I remove picture rail?
Whether you should remove picture rail or not depends on a variety of factors, such as the age of your home and its décor. Picture rails were popular in the mid-19th century, so if you live in a Victorian or classic home, it might be best to leave it intact as it’s part of the original decor.
On the other hand, if the house is from a more modern era, there may be less sentimental value attached to it, and it might be a good idea to remove it.
Removing a picture rail can be quite a big job, so it’s important to consider the effort and cost of doing it. Usually, picture rails are attached with nails or screws, so you’ll need to carefully remove them without damaging the wall.
Furthermore, you may need to paint the wall after removal, which can be time consuming and expensive.
Ultimately, the decision whether to keep or remove a picture rail is a personal one. Take into account the sentimental value of the picture rail and its age, as well as the effort and cost of removing it, to decide whether it should stay or go.
Where do you put a picture rail?
A picture rail should be installed along the top of the wall, at the desired height for hanging frames and artwork. The picture rail should be installed after the wall is painted, so that any nail holes and marks made by the picture rail are less visible.
It should be installed just below the ceiling line for a clean, contemporary look. To install a picture rail, use a tape measure to mark a level line along the wall at the desired height. Measure and mark mounting holes at 12 to 18 inch intervals, then drill pilot holes.
Hammer nails into the pilot holes to create anchor points for the picture rail. Hammer in finish nails at the end of the rail, as well as 12 to 18 inches apart (depending on the rail length) to secure the rail.
Once the picture rail is installed, attach special hangers to it for hanging art, prints, andphotos.
How far down the wall does a picture rail go?
A picture rail typically goes from 9-12 inches from the floor along the wall. If the wall is higher than 9 feet, the distance can be increased to 15-18 inches. The exact measurement depends on the features of the room, such as ceiling height and size of the artworks being hung.
For example, a room with a higher ceiling would require a larger gap between the rail and floor, while the opposite is true for shorter ceilings. In addition, if the artworks are particularly large, then the rail would need to be embedded higher on the wall to accommodate it, resulting in a greater distance from the floor.
Lastly, the overall aesthetic of the room should be considered, as the gap between the rail and floor should complement the style and visual flow of the space.
Can you have coving with a picture rail?
Yes, it is possible to have coving with a picture rail. Using a picture rail gives your coving an extra level of detail, and it can also serve as a base to hang artwork, mirrors, and other decorations.
When installing coving with a picture rail, the coving should be fitted first, followed by the rail. For the best look, ensure that the coving and rail are installed onto the wall evenly. Make sure that the corners are all finished properly, as any gaps will be particularly visible.
If necessary, install a skirting board around the base of the wall to make the installation look even. Consider using a professional carpenter or interior designer to help you plan the installation and get your coving and rail installed correctly.
Can you add a picture rail to a wall?
Yes, it is possible to add a picture rail to a wall. Many homeowners choose to add a decorative picture rail to the top portion of their wall as a way to accentuate their room’s style. Installing a picture rail can be a relatively easy project that requires few tools and very little effort.
To install a picture rail, first use a stud finder to locate where the wall studs are located and mark the positions with a pencil. Using the stud finder will help you determine where the picture rail should be installed to ensure the rail is secure.
Next, measure the length of the wall and decide where you would like the picture rail to be positioned. Cut pieces of picture rail to the desired length with a wood saw, then nail the pieces of picture rail into the wall with finishing nails.
For best results, make sure the picture rail is leveled and secure before further hanging any pictures. Finally, once all the pieces are in place, caulk and paint the picture rail or leave it unfinished for a rustic look.
Adding a picture rail to a wall can be a great way to create a decorative architectural element to your home. It is important to note that installing a picture rail should be done correctly. If not done correctly, the picture rail may become damaged or may not be adequately supported, potentially leading to walls and ceilings that are not properly secured.
At what height should a picture rail be hung?
The ideal height for a picture rail should be approximately three-and-a-half feet (42 inches) above the floor. While the exact height may vary depending on the ceiling height and the size of the room, this is generally accepted as the best height for viewing pictures comfortably.
When hanging paintings over furniture, like a sofa or console table, the picture rail should follow the furniture’s height, usually around two to three feet, so that it’s hanging at an appropriate viewing level.
For a wall, it should generally be placed between two to two-and-a-half feet in a large space and one-and-a-half to two feet for a smaller space. When hanging the rail, remember that you should always measure twice and hang once – to prevent unnecessary holes in the wall or other damage.
Do you paint skirting boards before wallpapering?
Yes, it is recommended that skirting boards are painted prior to wallpapering. This is because, once the wallpaper is up, painting the skirting boards may cause the paper to become damaged, ruining an otherwise perfectly finished job.
Painting skirting boards before wallpapering also helps to create a much cleaner line as the edges are less likely to pick up any flakes of wallpaper or paste. Additionally, if you paint the skirting boards first, you can do any necessary preparation work such as filling any gaps and making sure the surface is completely flat; saving you time and money and ensuring that the walls and skirting boards look perfect.
Should dado rail be painted same colour as wall?
No, it’s not necessary to paint the dado rail the same color as the wall.
The traditional purpose of a dado rail (sometimes referred to as a picture rail) is to provide a subtle visual division between one part of a room and another. The dado rail can act as a frame, and the different color contrast adds an element of visual interest to the space.
The contrast adds a nice accent to the overall design of the room, rather than blending into the wall.
Additionally, the contrast helps to keep the dado rail at the forefront of the design. It won’t be lost against a similarly colored wall, and it will add more visual impact. If the color of the dado rail is the same as the wall, it will essentially fade into the background.
If you still prefer the look of a similarly colored dado rail, you could use a different shade or an eggshell or satin finish on the rail that is slightly different from the matte finish on the wall.
This will still create a contrast and an added visual interest.
What order should you paint a room with picture rails?
When painting a room with picture rails, it’s important to take a methodical approach to ensure everything looks neat and professional at the end.
The first step should be to clean the walls, followed by sanding them down to create a smooth, even surface. This is especially important if the walls are going to be painted with a glossy finish – it breaks down any unevenness prior to applying the paint.
Next, you should mask off around the picture rail using painter’s tape and paper. This helps to ensure that any excess paint does not drip on to the picture rail and ruin the look of the finished room.
Once the wall is prepped, you can then start applying the primer to the wall. The primer needs to be given time to dry before the wall can be painted.
Once the primer has dried, the picture rail must be painted. This can be done with a brush, roller, or spray gun, depending on the look you want to achieve. It’s important to ensure that all edges are well painted so that the contrast between the wall and the picture rail is clear.
Finally, once the picture rail has been painted, you can then apply the paint to the wall. Make sure you take your time here, as sloppy painting will show between the picture rail and wall.
Once all areas are dry, you’re done! Go over the room and do a final check for any areas that may need more painting or tidying up. Once you’re happy, your room with picture rail is finished, and ready to enjoy!.
Is a picture rail old fashioned?
That depends on what one’s personal definition of “old fashioned” is. Picture rails originated in the 1600s, including in palaces and other stately homes, so if one is looking for a historical definition, then yes, picture rails are quite old fashioned.
However, if one is referring to modern style, then picture rails are widely used in classic or traditional home decor, but there is also a growing popularity in creating more contemporary looks with picture rails.
For instance, picture rails in unexpected colors, materials, or mounted in unexpected areas can add to a more modern look. Ultimately, it comes down to creating the aesthetic and design that is desired and fitting to the individual’s space and style.
Do you paint above the picture rail the same as below?
When painting above and below a picture rail, it is generally recommended that you use the same color and sheen to ensure consistency throughout the room. If this is not possible, however, some people like to use a lighter color above the rail and a darker color below it in order to create a more dramatic effect.
Before choosing your colors, however, it is important to take into consideration the existing colors and décor of the room. The colors and sheen should complement rather than compete with the overall design of the room.
Additionally, if you are choosing to paint a different color above and below the rail, you need to consider the wall area and if the lines between the colors will be clean and straight. If they aren’t, then the transition of colors may not be aesthetically pleasing as you want it to be.
Do you paint the dado rail first?
No, you should not paint the dado rail first when painting a room. A dado rail is a decorative wooden moulding that runs along the lower part of the walls of a room and is often used to create a distinguished style.
When painting a room, the dado rail is usually painted after the walls themselves. This is because dado rails are usually composed of detailed mouldings which need to be carefully painted to make sure all of the lines and corners are covered.
If the dado rail is painted before the walls, there is a risk that the walls may not be properly masked and paint could end up on the dado rail, creating a finish that is not even and difficult to touch up.
In order to achieve an even paint finish, the walls should be painted first and the dado rail should be carefully masked before the paint is applied. The masking should then be removed after the walls have been painted so that the dado rail can be painted to match.
Should I paint my skirting boards the same colour as the walls?
Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference when it comes to the decision of whether or not to paint your skirting boards the same colour as the walls. There is no right or wrong answer.
If you decide to go for a matching colour, it can create a seamless, modern look and can make the room feel larger, as the walls and skirting boards become one. It’s also particularly effective against light-coloured walls, as the tone of the skirting boards will blend in with the walls and won’t be obvious from a distance, giving a very neat, contemporary feel.
However, if you decide to choose a contrasting colour, then it can really make the skirting boards stand out, giving them an almost ornamental, decorative feel. This look can help to add a vintage feel to more traditional homes, and can help to draw the eye to the edges of the room, softening hard edges to give a rounder feel to the walls.
No matter how you choose to decorate it can be a lot of work, so make sure that you plan ahead and make sure that it’s the right choice for you.
Does the darker color go above or below the chair rail?
When deciding if the darker color goes above or below the chair rail, it is best to consider the overall area that you are painting. If the overall look is best with the darker color above the chair rail, then it should be painted above the chair rail.
Factors to consider might include size of room, color of other elements in the room, such as furniture, existing trim, floors, and other design elements. If you are painting a smaller space, going with a darker color above the chair rail can help create a more expansive feel and draw the eye up.
Additionally, if the existing trim is painted in a light color, this can provide a nice contrast to the darker color above the chair rail. On the other hand, if the space already has dark trim, then a lighter color above the chair rail will help brighten the room.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on what looks best to you and what best creates the desired look in the space.