6 Modern Dado Rail Ideas - Picture Rails (2024)

Are dado rails and picture rails in fashion?

Despite originally being an 18th century trend, these decorative interior fittings have made quite the comeback in recent years. Why? Well, for one, they're an excellent way to add additional colour and texture to an otherwise bare wall. At Lick, we know paint, and it's clear that sometimes our customers don't want just to pick one colour for a room, they want several. By breaking up the room, not only can you use multiple colour palettes and textures, but it also creates an instantly dramatic, sophisticated, or layered look. You can browse our paint sample boxes to find the perfect complementary colours for your dado or picture rail wall. Two, they're ridiculously practical! Instead of damaging your walls hammering in fixtures to hang your wall art, with picture rails you can change or alter the location and height of your decor with ease to keep your interior fresh.

How can you modernise a dado or picture rail?

So, it's clear that picture rails and dado rails are two trends that are here to stay. Whether for practical or design purposes, if you're thinking about incorporating them into your home, here are six of our favourite modern dado and picture rails ideas to get your mood boards going.

1. Create wall panelling

Très Parisian, whatever colour you go to, highlighting wall panelling with dado and picture rails can help create an instantly elegant feel. Learn more about how to do DIY wall panelling here.

I'm an interior design enthusiast with a deep understanding of trends and historical influences in home decor. Over the years, I've closely followed the resurgence of classic design elements like dado rails and picture rails in modern interior styling. My expertise stems from a combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and a passion for staying abreast of current design movements.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Dado Rails and Picture Rails:

    • Dado rails and picture rails, popularized in the 18th century, have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years.
    • Dado rails are horizontal moldings installed on walls typically at waist height, while picture rails are placed higher, near the top of the wall, to facilitate the easy hanging and rearrangement of pictures or artwork.
  2. Functionality of Dado and Picture Rails:

    • The article highlights the practicality of these fittings. Instead of damaging walls with fixtures, picture rails provide a versatile solution for changing the location and height of wall decor without causing harm.
  3. Use of Multiple Colors and Textures:

    • Dado and picture rails serve as a canvas for experimenting with multiple color palettes and textures in a room.
    • The article suggests that breaking up a room with these rails allows for the incorporation of various colors and textures, resulting in a dramatic, sophisticated, or layered aesthetic.
  4. Lick Paint and Paint Sample Boxes:

    • The article mentions Lick, a brand knowledgeable about paint. This suggests the importance of selecting the right colors for dado or picture rail walls.
    • Lick offers paint sample boxes to help customers find complementary colors, indicating a focus on facilitating the color selection process.
  5. Modernizing Dado and Picture Rails:

    • The article anticipates that dado and picture rails are enduring trends. It suggests six modern ideas to incorporate these elements into contemporary interior design.
    • One idea is to create wall paneling, emphasizing a Parisian aesthetic. The article encourages readers to explore DIY wall paneling for a touch of elegance.

In conclusion, the enduring appeal of dado and picture rails lies in their blend of historical charm and modern functionality. These elements provide a versatile platform for artistic expression and color experimentation, contributing to the timeless and sophisticated look of contemporary interiors.

6 Modern Dado Rail Ideas - Picture Rails (2024)
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