Modern interior design has plenty of scope for embracing long-forgotten design trends and quirky retro themes, which allow us to showcase a ‘classic’ look alongside some undisputedly contemporary touches. The dado rail is a good example of this; to some a cumbersome blight on a feature wall, but to others an opportunity to apply some depth to a room and a way to combine traditional style with some modern invention.
What is a dado rail?
A dado rail is a wall feature that was popularised in the Victorian era. A ‘dado’ is a panel made from wood which historically was applied to the lower half of a wall to help protect it from rising damp. Naturally, the dado rail was initially a practical and decorative element positioned above it. A dado rail is different to a picture rail in that a picture rail is positioned much higher up a wall, and is used to hang a picture downwards from it. A dado rail is always positioned midway down a wall.
Originally, a dado rail was used to protect the wall and wallpaper from furniture banging against it. Indeed, it was sometimes called a chair rail. Now, the dado rail is purely an aesthetic feature.
How to use a dado rail for a modern interior look
The dado rail has made a comeback because pretty much every other element of Victorian architecture already has. Architrave and skirting boards with classic Victorian profiles are very popular in period homes, but it is a look you can get away with in a modern interior also, particularly if you follow these tips:
- Contrast – Painting your dado rail in contrast to the other colours on a wall is a bold look. If the dado rail is white you can go anywhere with the contrasting colours, but in truth any kind of contrast will work, as long as it complements other features such as curtains, carpet and furnishings.
- Same colour – Painting the dado rail the same colour as the rest of the wall is perhaps a more contemporary angle. You might then think ‘what is the point of the dado rail?’, but it adds depth and neatly breaks up the wall to create a rich overall feel, particularly if you also have a picture rail or ceiling coving.
- Separation – Creating a visual separation is easy with a dado rail, and is the best way to fully utilise what you have been blessed with. Having a light and a dark section above and below the dado rail creates a dramatic look that is ideal for a living room or dining room.
- Two-tone – The classic use of a dado rail was to wallpaper below and paint above it. If you choose your styles carefully you can still pull this off.
- Artwork – A dado rail with sufficient depth could be suitable as a base for standing artwork on, or for displaying small ornaments or accessories. Again, you need to think about this carefully, but at least this is not a permanent change and you can mix and match what you position here until you find a look that has balance and artistic value.
Choose authentic period dado rails from Period Mouldings
At Period Mouldings we are able to supply Victorian dado rails that are faithful to the decorative profiles regularly seen in the mid-late 1800s. These are made from quality woods using traditional handmade techniques, and hence can be used as a genuine replica to restore the period architecture of your home. But using the above techniques you can create a fresh and exciting modern interior that works today and will carry that authentic look well into the future too. So check out our range of dado rails and contact Period Mouldings today to book a consultation.