Chair Rail Molding: Height, Ideas and How to Install
Chair rail molding is a horizontal trim that runs around the wall at about one third of its height. It originally protected walls from chair backs; today it divides a wall into two zones for paint, wallpaper or paneling.
What height should chair rail molding be?
Typically 32 to 36 inches from the floor for an 8 foot ceiling, or about one third of the wall height. Align it with window sills where possible. If you want trim that sticks on rather than nails on, see the Half Wall Paneling, Shadow Box Molding Wainscoting Package.
Chair rail molding ideas
- Dining room: chair rail with frames below and wallpaper above.
- Bedroom: a higher rail with a ledge for frames.
- Hallway: durable paneling below the rail.
- Bathroom: moisture-resistant rail with beadboard-style paneling.
Chair rail and wainscoting
Chair rail is the cap of wainscoting. Combine them with our Half Wall Paneling kits, which include the rail and frames. The Peel and Stick Wainscoting Kit, Accent Wall Molding Panels is a pre-cut, self-adhesive kit that can be painted to match the wall.
Flat vs profiled chair rail
Flat chair rail suits modern rooms; a profiled rail suits traditional rooms. A 4 cm rail is subtle, a 6 cm rail is bolder. For a no-saw, no-nail route, the Half Wall Paneling Kit, 4 Bottom Frames Wainscoting comes pre-cut and self-adhesive.
How to install chair rail molding
- Mark a level line around the room.
- Fix the rail with adhesive (best adhesive: one rated for the material).
- Join corners with mitered pieces.
- Caulk and paint.
Shop the look
- Half Wall Wainscoting Kit with 6 cm Chair Rail: frames with a 4 cm rail.
- Half Wall Wainscoting Kit with 4 cm Chair Rail: frames with a 6 cm rail.
- Wall Molding Kit with Chair Rail: upper and lower frames with chair rail.
Reader offer: Chair Rail Molding: get $20 off (code WALL20 applies automatically). Free shipping, ships in 2 to 3 business days, free 14-day returns.
Frequently asked questions
Is chair rail outdated?
No, especially paired with paneling or two-tone paint.
Can chair rail go on stairs?
Yes, following the stair slope.
Does chair rail need nails?
No, construction adhesive or self-adhesive versions work.
See wainscoting height and Chair Rail Molding.
