Dado Rails & Picture Rails

This page brings together two distinct rail types: dado rails and picture rails. Dado rails are fitted lower on the wall, traditionally around chair-back height, to protect walls and create a clear break for paint, wallpaper or panelling. Picture rails are fitted higher up the wall, usually below the ceiling, so artwork can be hung without fixing directly into the plaster. Browse all rails below, or go straight to the dedicated dado rail and picture rail ranges.

Dado Rails & Picture Rails - Dado Rails

At Period Mouldings, we design and supply a range of authentic, traditionally inspired dado and picture rails to add structure, proportion, and period character to your interiors. Dado rails help break up wall height elegantly, while picture rails provide a practical and decorative solution for displaying artwork without damaging walls.

Our dado and picture rails are crafted from premium-quality materials, ensuring crisp detail, durability, and a refined finish. Inspired by classic Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian interiors, each profile is designed to enhance both period restorations and heritage-inspired modern homes.

For a cohesive and well-balanced interior scheme, our dado and picture rails are designed to work seamlessly with matching skirting boards and traditional architraves, allowing consistent period detailing throughout your home.

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Choosing Between Dado Rails and Picture Rails

Dado rails and picture rails are both horizontal wall mouldings, but they are used in different parts of the room. A dado rail sits lower on the wall to protect the surface, divide decorative finishes or complete a panelling scheme. A picture rail sits higher up the wall and gives you a traditional way to hang artwork without damaging plaster.

Dado Rails

Our dedicated dado rails range includes profiles suited to period interiors, wall panelling and decorative wall breaks. Choose a decorative dado rail with an ornate profile for a traditional interior, or a simpler modern dado rail for a more restrained finish. Dado rails can be painted or stained to match surrounding skirting boards, architraves and other mouldings.

Picture Rails

Our picture rails are designed for the upper section of the wall, traditionally positioned between 12 and 20 inches below the ceiling. They are especially useful in period homes with taller ceilings, where a moulded picture rail helps keep the room proportions balanced while providing a practical fixing point for artwork.

Wood, Finish and Craftsmanship

At Period Mouldings, our wooden dado rails and wooden picture rails are proudly made in Yorkshire using quality timber such as oak, pine, tulipwood and sapele. These materials provide a durable, refined finish for both traditional renovations and contemporary interiors.

Dado Rails for Panelling and Period Interiors

Many dado rails are designed to sit above wall panelling, creating a clean and traditional finish. Whether you are fitting tongue and groove panelling or classic raised and fielded panels, choosing a dado rail for panelling in a matching profile helps tie the whole wall together.

If you are unsure which rail is right for the room, start with the position and purpose: choose a dado rail for lower-wall protection, panelling or decorative division, and choose a picture rail for artwork, upper-wall proportion and traditional detailing.

Dado Rail and Picture Rail FAQs

What is a dado rail and what is it used for?

A dado rail is a horizontal moulding fitted around a wall, usually about one metre from the floor. It was traditionally used to protect walls from chair backs and is now also used as a decorative divider for paint, wallpaper and panelling.

What's the difference between a picture rail and a dado rail?

A picture rail is normally fitted high on the wall so artwork can be hung without fixing directly into plaster. A dado rail is fitted lower down the wall and is used to protect the wall, divide decoration or finish a panelling scheme.

Can I get a dado rail designed for panelling?

Yes. Many dado rails work well above wall panelling, helping the panelling finish neatly and tying the wall detail together with skirting boards, architraves and other mouldings.

How high should a picture rail be positioned on a wall?

Picture rails are traditionally fitted around 12 to 20 inches below the ceiling, although the right height depends on the room proportions, ceiling height and the style of the property.

What wood are your picture rails and dado rails made from?

Our picture rails and dado rails are made from quality timber species including oak, pine, tulipwood and sapele, giving you options for painted, stained or clear finished interiors.

Do you offer modern and contemporary dado rail styles, as well as traditional designs?

Yes. The range includes decorative period-style dado rails as well as simpler profiles that suit modern and contemporary interiors.

Can dado rails and picture rails be painted to match my woodwork?

Yes. Dado rails and picture rails can be painted or stained to match skirting boards, architraves, doors and other woodwork throughout the room.