A picture rail is a piece of hardware often found in homes and other buildings that is used to hang large pictures or paintings on the walls. Picture rails usually consist of a slim strip of wood or metal with a hook-like end that is attached to the wall.
The hook catches the top of the picture frame, creating a secure mount point for the artwork without having to use holes in the wall. Picture rails are particularly useful in places where removing and replacing artwork regularly is desirable, such as in galleries, museums, and private homes.
Picture rails also offer a clean and professional look to the wall, which is one reason why they have become increasingly popular in recent years. In addition to displaying artwork, picture rails can also be used to hang shelving, mirrors, or other home decorations.
Should I paper above picture rail?
No, you should not paper above a picture rail. Picture rail is intended to visually separate a room’s wall into different sections and draw the viewer’s eyes up. It also allows for wall decorations to be easily swapped out without repainting the wall.
Paper can detract from the look of the picture rail if it is too busy or doesn’t blend with the color. If you choose to use wallpaper, it is better to paper below the picture rail, or consider a less busy pattern than normal wallpaper.
How do you hang pictures with an old picture rail?
To hang pictures with an old picture rail, you will need hooks, wire or cord, nails, and a level for accuracy.
First, you should choose a location for the hooks that will support the weight of the picture. If you can, locate the stud in the wall, as this will provide a more secure point to secure the hooks. Next, mark the wall where the nail holes will go for each hook, using a level for accuracy to ensure that the picture is even.
Once you have marked the wall, nail the hooks into place.
Next, measure out the wire or cord and cut it according to the length of the picture rail. Attach one end to the wall with a hook, then run the cord through the fixing hitchpoints at the back of the picture rail and thread it back through the other hook on the wall.
Make sure the wire/cord is taut, but not so tight that it could damage the picture rail.
Lastly, place your artwork on the picture rail and secure it with either small tacks or cord at whichever points you choose. Make sure to be careful with the tacks or cord so as not to damage either the picture rail or the artwork.
And voila! You are done, and your picture with an old picture rail should be secure and even on the wall.
Why do old houses have picture rails?
Picture rails were a practical feature used in older houses to provide an easy way to hang artwork and decorations without damaging the walls. By suspending artwork from the picture rail, you could hang a picture without making any holes in the wall.
The picture rail also provided a decorative element as it created a simple, decorative layer between the artwork and the wall. This was a popular feature in homes throughout the 19th century, when wallpapering was very fashionable.
The picture rail allowed homeowners to wallpaper the wall to the top of the rail and not have the wallpaper disrupted by hanging artwork on the wall. Picture rails were often found in dining rooms and parlors, especially in the latter half of the 19th century.
As wallpapering became less popular in favor of paint and other materials, picture rails began to become less common.
Does a picture rail make a room look taller?
Yes, a picture rail can make a room look taller. By hanging artwork and other décor items from the picture rail a few inches below the ceiling, it creates the illusion that the ceiling is higher. When the artwork on the wall stops abruptly at the top, it appears as if the wall plane comes to a higher end, making the room feel taller.
The placement of the picture rail also contributes to this look – the higher the picture rail, the higher the ceilings seem to be. The height of the picture rail doesn’t have to be limited to the top of the wall – you can disperse the frames along the wall to create a taller look.
When used with success, a picture rail can be a great way to give the illusion of having higher ceilings, making any size room feel grander and open.
How much weight can picture rails hold?
Picture rails are strong and durable and can hold a significant amount of weight. Depending on the mounting system used, the amount of weight a picture rail can hold can vary. Generally speaking, a secure picture rail can hold anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds of weight.
If you have multiple picture rails connected to the wall that are securely attached, the total load that the picture rail can hold will increase proportionately. If you plan to hang heavier objects such as large artwork, you may want to consider upgrading to a sturdier mounting system that can hold up to 50 pounds.
It is also important to make sure that your pictures are properly secured to the picture rails and that the items being hung fit securely against the wall to prevent any accidents.
Can you hang shelves from a picture rail?
Yes, it is possible to hang shelves from a picture rail. This is done by using shelf brackets that are specifically designed to be attached to a picture rail. Depending on the size and weight of the shelving unit being hung.
Before hanging shelves from a picture rail, it is important to make sure the brackets are capable of carrying the weight of the unit. Additionally, it is important to secure the brackets to the picture rail securely to ensure that the shelves are hung properly.
Once securely attached, shelves can be hung from a picture rail to provide additional storage and display space.
How far down should a picture rail be?
The ideal height for a picture rail should be about five to seven inches below your ceiling and about six to eight inches from the floor. However, this can vary depending on the size and scale of the room and the artwork that you are hanging.
It is important to place the picture rail at a comfortable viewing height so that the artwork does not need to be leaned in or out to be seen properly. Aim to have the artwork at eye level when someone is standing up to ensure a comfortable viewing position.
When hanging the artwork, it is best to leave a few inches of space between the bottom of the frame and the picture rail to allow the frame to hang freely and not get stuck to the picture rail.
What can I use instead of dado rail?
Instead of dado rail, you can use a number of decorative wall moldings to create a similar aesthetic in your space. These can include batten boards, which are wooden boards that you can install horizontally to create a wall definition, or panel molding, which are strips of wood that can be decorative and/or functional.
You can also use wainscoting, which is the installation of wood panels halfway up the wall. This can be done in many different styles, including the classic tongue-and-groove method, beadboard designs, or simply installing panels at intervals.
If you would rather use a fabric element, consider using a picture rail, which hangs a string or rope at a predetermined height so that artwork can be hung without making holes in the wall.
Does the darker color go above or below the chair rail?
When it comes to using darker colors in a room with a chair rail, the general rule of thumb is to paint the darker color below the chair rail on the lower portion of the wall. Using a dark color above the chair rail can look overwhelming and will make the room seem much smaller.
However, this is not an absolute rule. The colors and design of the room should be taken into consideration, and the colors and placements of any other materials (fabrics, rugs, etc. ) should be considered as well.
There may be instances in which painting a dark color above the chair rail will still provide a desirable look. For example, if the room is extremely large and/or very tall and has high ceilings, a darker color above the chair rail may add some needed warmth to the design.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference and how the colors work together to create the desired feel and look.
Should you paint skirting boards the same colour as walls?
Whether or not you should paint skirting boards the same color as walls largely depends on the style and colors you want to achieve in your space. If you’re looking for a modern, minimalistic look, painting the skirting board in the same colour as the walls can help create a uniform and sophisticated look.
On the other hand, if you’re going for a traditional or country style, painting the skirting board in a different colour to the walls might be a better choice. For example, if the walls are pale blue, you might consider painting the skirting board white for a timeless, rustic feel.
Ultimately, the choice is yours!.
Do you wallpaper above or below a dado rail?
Whether you wallpaper above or below a dado rail depends on a few factors. It is generally accepted to wallpaper either just below a dado rail or all the way up to the ceiling. Most modern homes have wallpaper that extends all the way up to the ceiling, although if you are decorating an old property it may be more appropriate to focus on just the area below the rail.
When determining where to wallpaper, it is important to consider the surrounding décor and other elements of the room. A dado rail can provide a nice way to divide a room into two distinct areas, so think carefully about how you want the room to be separated.
If you have hardwood floors then wallpaper can provide a nice contrast as opposed to painting the ceiling, so it may be best to wallpaper up to the dado rail rather than below it.
Finally, if you are looking to create a two-tone effect, then it is best to wallpaper just below the dado rail. This is a popular choice for those looking to create a subtle yet eye-catching feature wall.
Should dado rail be same height as Bannister?
The answer to whether dado rail should be the same height as Bannister depends on the overall design aesthetic you are looking to achieve. Generally, it is best practice to ensure any two horizontal elements in a space (such as bannisters and dado rails) are roughly at the same height, so that a uniformity of design is perceived.
This aesthetic might be particularly important in a period property, where historically accurate details are preferred.
However, on the other hand, having two elements at different heights can be a way of creating visual interest and drawing attention to certain areas of the property. This could be a better decision if you are looking to add personality to the space.
It might also be useful if you wanted to focus the eye on certain areas of the space – for example if a bannister is lower than a dado rail, it can be used to draw the eye downwards towards something like a super-luxurious entrance.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what aesthetic you prefer.
What is a high dado rail called?
A high dado rail is a form of interior decoration used to divide two walls—usually one with a wall paper design, and the other a painted wall. It typically extends from waist to shoulder height and is usually about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide.
A dado rail can be put in for purely decorative purposes, or, more traditionally, for practical purposes (e. g. to protect the wall against furniture and sweeping). Depending on the shape and size of the rail, it can be known as a dado, chair rail, or plinth rail, although they are all referred to as dado rails.
The term “dado” originated from the Latin “data”, meaning given or something that is given. Typically, the materials used are either moulded or machined, often composed of soft or hard woods, or sometimes metal.
A high dado rail, in comparison to a standard one, is a dado rail that’s higher than the traditional waist height, and is usually around shoulder height. This kind of dado rail is designed to be more prominent and noticeable than a standard one, making it an ideal choice for larger and more ornate rooms.
What is the wood in the middle of a wall called?
The wood in the middle of a wall is known as a stud. It is a vertical piece of wood used in framing walls and ceilings. It runs from the bottom of the wall to the top and is used to securely connect each wall plate to the ceiling joists.
The studs help to provide support for the exterior walls and floors, and also form the foundation of a structure’s interior walls. Studs are usually placed at regular intervals along the wall, such as 16 or 24” intervals.
Is a dado rail the same as a picture rail?
No, a dado rail is not the same as a picture rail. A dado rail, also known as a chair rail, is typically located higher up on the wall than a picture rail. The primary purpose of a dado rail is to protect walls from damage caused by chair backs.
It is usually installed at roughly the same level as the back of the chairs, near the top of the wall, and is usually made of wood, though other materials can also be used. A picture rail, on the other hand, is a type of moulding that is attached to the wall at a lower level than a dado rail – often just below the ceiling lining.
It is used to hang pictures and other wall art higher up on the wall, keeping them just below the ceiling and away from curious hands. Picture rails often come in a variety of decorative styles, and are usually composed of wood, metal, or plastic.
What does a picture rail mean?
A picture rail is a moulding that runs horizontally along the wall, usually at the top, and provides a support for pictures and other wall decorations. The picture rail often stands out from the wall, making it easier to hang items without damaging the wall.
In traditional architecture, picture rails may take on a specific design or style, and are usually fairly ornate. They are usually made from a wooden material, such as oak or walnut, and stained or painted to suit the house design.
Picture racks are also available, which provide a ledge for displays, but do not have the same molding design. Picture rails provide an elegant way to hang art, rather than using nails or other means of support.
They are not only used for decorative pieces, but also for practical items, like a clock or a chalkboard. Picture rails can add a unique touch of charm to any room in the house, and can easily be changed to suit the changing styles of decor.
Are dado rails outdated?
Dado rails have been around since the 18th century and were often used in grand ornate homes, lending them a sense of traditional appeal and history. However, they are not as popular as they used to be and, as a result, are considered to be rather outdated in most modern homes.
Dado rails do offer a unique style and look, but this can be achieved in more contemporary ways. For example, many people choose to use wall panels or wallpaper to achieve a similar effect, using modern materials and designs.
There are certainly some instances where dado rails are still appropriate and even desirable, such as in traditional period homes. However, for the most part, they are outdated and may be best avoided in modern homes.