A chair rail should be painted a neutral color, such as white, tan, or gray. Darker colors, like navy blue or black, can contrast too much and make a room look smaller. The paint color you choose should complement the wall color, the furniture, and the other decorative elements in the room.
Consider color-coordinating your chair rail to the other wood finishes in the room. For example, if the trim and floor of your room have a dark stain then a matching dark color for the chair rail would be ideal.
If you’d like to add a splash of color to your room, consider adding a chair rail that is a few shades lighter than the walls for a subtle accent. Finally, if you don’t have time to repaint a chair rail every time you redecorate your room, think about using typically neutral paint colors that can match with various other colors.
Should lighter color go above or below a chair rail?
When deciding whether to place lighter color above or below a chair rail, it really depends on the particular look you’re hoping to achieve. A conventional approach is to go with a lighter color above the chair rail and a darker color below, but the opposite can also work depending on the room’s dimensions and the amount of natural light available.
Lighter colors help to open up a room by giving off an airier, more expansive feel, so if your room is on the smaller side, you might want to consider painting a light color above the chair rail. On the other hand, a darker color can add a cozy, intimate atmosphere to the same room, so it’s also a good choice if you’re going for a more intimate feel.
Ultimately, the right decision is up to you and will depend on the style and dimension of the room, as well as your personal preference.
How do you modernize a chair rail?
When modernizing a chair rail, there are a few things you can do to give it a more modern look. The first is to paint it in a more modern color. Instead of a traditional white, you could choose grey, navy blue, or other bold color.
Additionally, you could add a chair rail inlay to the surface. For instance, you could use a contrasting color to give the chair rail a two-tone look, or you could tile the surface to create a pattern.
This will give the chair rail a lot of visual interest and add dimension to the room.
Finally, adding modern wall sconces on either side of the chair rail will make it stand out. You can even hang wall art on the rail to give it a modern twist. these small changes will give the chair rail a lot more character and will make it look completely transformed.
Can you paint chair rail same color as wall?
Yes, you can paint chair rail the same color as your walls. Painting both in the same color will create a seamless look and can even make a room appear larger. However, if you’re trying to achieve a more traditional look, you may want to consider painting the chair rail a slightly lighter shade or a contrasting color.
Either way, you’ll need to properly prepare the area first. Before you start painting, make sure to clean the surface, fill in any nicks or holes, and sand lightly for the best results. Once you have the chair rail prepped, simply use a brush and roller to apply the paint.
As always, make sure to use the appropriate type of paint and appropriate number of coats for the best lasting results.
Do chair rails have to be white?
No, chair rails do not have to be white. While white is a classic color choice for chair rails, these pieces of trim can be painted any color of your choosing. This is an ideal way to add a personalized touch to the room while creating a beautiful boundary to your wall’s paint.
You can choose to have the chair rails in a unique shade that complements the color of the walls, or consider a bold and contrasting color to give the wall a bit of texture and dimension. Some other popular color choices for chair rails include navy blue, dark gray, and dark brown.
Can I just paint over the chair rail?
No, you cannot simply paint over the chair rail without taking certain steps beforehand. You will need to give the chair rail a light sanding to help the new paint adhere correctly, and then you should use a quality primer before applying the paint to help ensure that the job is done correctly and will last.
Additionally, the new paint should contain a gloss level that is appropriate for the area where the chair rail is located. Depending on the area where the chair rail will be located, you may want to use a satin or semi-gloss finish, which can help to make it easier to clean and keep the chair rail looking great for years to come.
Is chair rail molding out of style?
The answer to this question largely depends on personal taste and design preferences. While chair rail molding has been a popular interior design element for a long time, tastes change, and it may not be for everyone.
Chair rail molding can be an attractive and timeless feature, but it isn’t as widely used as it has been in the past. Many people have moved away from traditional chair rail designs in favor of cleaner lines.
In recent years, the trend has been to embrace a more minimalist approach to interior design. Many homes now embrace the Scandivanian style which focuses on an airy and open feel, and shies away from molding or trim that can make a space look cluttered.
Ultimately, the best way to decide if chair rail molding is right for your space is to look at different examples of it, and pick what works best with your style. Although it may be going out of style, that doesn’t mean it cannot look great when used in the right setting.
Should you paint a chair rail?
Yes, painting a chair rail can be a great way to add visual interest to your home, especially if you are on a budget. Since the rail goes around the circumference of the room, painting it gives the eye a break from the normal coloring of the walls and helps to define a space.
Depending on the wall you have and the feel you want to create in the room, you can have a lot of fun experimenting with different colors, patterns, and even textures on the rail. Chair rails often are left white or beige but painting them offers the opportunity to match the rail to other elements in the room, or even to create a great contrast for a more dramatic look.
Just remember that whatever you choose is going to be a long-term decision as changing it up later may be difficult.
Does chair rail have to match baseboards?
No, chair rail does not have to match the baseboards. The most important thing to consider when deciding the design of a chair rail is how it will compliment the overall look of the room. Many times chair rail is used to break up a room’s design with different materials, textures, and even colors.
Baseboard selection is more of a practical choice with the goal of blending in with the rest of the wall and floor. Chair rail can be used to make a visual statement by picking a unique color, stain, or material.
In the end, matching the chair rail and the baseboard is not required, but can be done if desired.
Is two tone paint in style?
Two tone paint is very much in style at the moment. It offers an extra layer of pop and personality to your car that a single color just can’t provide. It’s a great way to really customize your ride, and it’s definitely a style that people are interested in.
Unlike some passing trends, two tone paint has stayed consistently popular for many years as a way of making a vehicle stand out. With a two color paint job, you can get creative with color combinations, accent colors, and custom patterns that a single color simply can’t provide.
Whether you are looking to make a bold statement with an eye-catching two tone combination, or just looking to add a subtle layer of depth, two tone paint is one of the best ways to make your car stand out from the crowd.
Does chair rail make room look bigger?
In general, chair rail does not make a room look bigger. Chair rail can be a great decorative element in a room, but it does not usually have a significant impact on the perceived size of the room. If anything, having a chair rail may make a room look smaller because it interrupts the continuity of the walls.
However, in certain circumstances, it may be possible to make a room look bigger with chair rail. For example, if the baseboard, chair rail, and wall color are all the same color, it can create an uninterrupted band around the room that makes it appear longer.
Additionally, having the same color of paint above and below the chair rail also helps because it creates a sense of vertical space. Ultimately, it depends on how you style the chair rail. While it usually does not make a room look bigger, with a thoughtful approach, it can be used to create the illusion of a larger space.
How much does it cost to paint chair rail?
The cost of painting chair rail will depend on several factors, including the size of the area that needs to be painted, the type of paint used, and the labor involved. Generally speaking, the cost of purchasing materials and supplies for a single chair rail job could range anywhere from around $10 to $100 or more, depending on the type of paint and supplies that are being used.
In addition to the cost of materials and supplies, you should also consider labor costs. If you’re hiring a professional painter to do the job, the labor costs could range from $20 to $50 per hour or more, depending on how much time is required to accomplish the job.
Ultimately, the cost of painting chair rail will depend on a variety of factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate of the total cost is to contact a professional painter and get a quote.