Are Dado Rails In Fashion In 2022? | MPL (2024)

When planning new office refurbishments in London or in any location, its very rare that the finished product will be a plain, white room. There’s a myriad of details that can be applied or highlighted in order to add interest and personality to a room, and one of these is wooden mouldings.

Even in a commercial office setting, wooden mouldings are a go-to feature for our design team. While you can choose moulds, slats, batons and beading, the biggest interior question right now is are dado rails in fashion in 2022?

In this article, MPL explains what a dado rail is, why it’s a fantastic design tool and how it can provide commercial and retail design solutions.

What are Dado Rails?

A dado rail is a strip of wood that is applied to a wall using glue, nails or screws. Dado rails fall in the same category as picture rails, architrave and skirting boards. The wood can be plain and unfussy, or it can be decorative in appearance, with fluted or bevelled edges. Usually, a dado rail is secured roughly a third of the way up a wall and we’ll go on to explain the reason why.

The History Of the Dado Rail

We’re asking are dado rails in fashion now but in bygone areas, it wasn’t a matter of design taste but necessity.

  • When did dado rails first start appearing? Dado rails were deemed an essential feature in Georgian and Victorian times.
  • Why were dado rails needed? In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it was the fashion for dining chairs to be placed against the wall when not in use. This damaged the paintwork or wallpaper so a dado rail was applied to act as a buffer.
  • Does the dado rail have another name? Unsurprisingly, the dado rail is sometimes referred to as a chair rail.
  • Were dado rails confined just to dining rooms?While first installed for practical reasons, the dado rail proved such a design hit that the Victorians, especially, started adding these strips of wood to hallways and other rooms.

Are dado rails in fashion 2022?

For period properties – whether that’s in a commercial office setting or a residential dwelling – the dado rail has never been out of fashion. Thankfully, the renovation of older character spaces has leant towards retaining or restoring original features, so many dado rails have been preserved.

Although the trend for installing dado rails ebbed away when we started tucking dining room chairs under the table, with the 20th century seeing a real decline in dado rails being added, this feature is having a real renaissance. So to answer the question are dado rails in fashion, the answer is an emphatic yes!

How Can Dado Rails Be Used Within Your Office Space?

You may think that dado rails have no place in a commercial office or workplace setting but during an MPL office design consultation, we will show how this design feature can be put to creative uses. Here are a few ways a dado rail can form part of your office refurbishment:

Enhance a period premises

Many of the UK’s period buildings have been converted for commercial use and it’s good to embrace any heritage, especially as original dado rails tend to be very ornate and can really attract attention. If you already have a dado rail, this can be restored or painted to turn it into a prominent feature. If the original has been damaged or removed, MPL can replace it with an authentic replica.

Move dado rails into modern times

If the highly detailed dado rails of Georgian and Victorian eras are too fussy for you, there is good news. MPL can specify pared down and sleek dado rails that suit far more contemporary workspaces – think stepped, squared, grooved and bullnose designs.

Trick the eye

Dado rails have great illusion potential. Paint a dark shade below and a bright colour above, and low ceilings will feel higher. If you have a vast space that you’d like to make feel more atmospheric, a darker colour above and below the dado rail will add a sense of drama. We can even play with the height of the dado rail to increase or decrease the proportions of a room.

Matchy matchy

If you want to really highlight period features, paint any dado rails, architrave and mouldings the same colour. Although white is traditional, as seen in our project for Coopers, we will show you how black paint can add elegance or we can pick out a highlight colour from your design scheme and use this for a tonal look. If you have inherited dado rails and don’t actually like them, painting the dado rails and walls in the same colour will help them blend in.

Hone in on homely

MPL is often requested to make office spaces more homely and less austere, and this is where dado rails often come into their own. Borrowing this design facet from a residential setting is a quick way to add warmth and character to areas such as receptions, break out rooms and hallways.

Create contrasts

A dado rail is a natural way of dividing a wall, giving interior designers scope to use a number of creative mediums, textures and colours. Combinations MPL loves include a bold wallpaper above the dado rail and a complementary paint colour below, and a painted wall above the dado rail and wood paneling below.

So, are dado rails in fashion? For the design team at MPL, we can always incorporate a dado rail into our commercial designs and shop fit out solutions. From a classic heritage feel and period elegance to contemporary cool and minimalist chic, the dado rail can slot into any scheme and give your workplace a new design dimension.

If you’d like to discuss potential design and refit ideas for your place of work, get in contact today.

Are Dado Rails In Fashion In 2022? | MPL (2024)

FAQs

Is dado rail outdated? ›

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.

How do you make a dado rail look modern? ›

For a sleek, modern look, pair plain wall panelling with a subtle pencil profile dado rail and paint both the same shade — although the example here looks great in crisp white, a brave dark shade would work equally well. Building the panelling out a little, as has been done here, will provide a handy shelf too.

Should I have a dado rail? ›

Blank walls especially can really benefit from a dado rail as they help introduce more colour and break up what can otherwise be quite a dull view. However, do remember that they are commonly used within taller and larger rooms, as otherwise, it can contribute to the wall space looking a little cluttered.

Should I paint dado rail same colour as wall? ›

Dado Rails

Meanwhile, painting your dado the same colour as the wall – as in this all-Vardo living room – creates a strong contemporary look. Dado rails also present a great opportunity for tricking the eye.

Do dado rails make room look smaller? ›

Create space with the right positioning

If your interiors feel dark and dingy, use dado rails to give the illusion of space. When positioned correctly, they lengthen walls like a funhouse mirror and make ceilings appear much higher.

What do Americans call a dado rail? ›

A dado rail, also known as a chair rail or surbase, is a type of moulding fixed horizontally to the wall around the perimeter of a room.

What era are dado rails from? ›

Dado rail is a wooden moulding seen in most Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian houses where period features have been preserved or restored.

What are the disadvantages of a dado joint? ›

Disadvantages. Not as strong as other joints: Although dado joints are strong when properly supported, they don't have the strength of a mortise-and-tenon or tongue-and-groove joint. Sufficient torque on the far end of the inserted material will make the the joint come loose.

Does darker colour go above or below dado rail? ›

If a small room features a dado rail, use a strong colour below the rail and the lighter colour above. This gives the impression of the room 'opening out' and appearing larger than it is. If the stronger colour is used on the top area it can feel as if the walls are closing in on you.

What is the significance of a dado wall? ›

A dado wall is when the lower section of the wall is different to the top section. This is usually concrete dado (lower) panel and iron upper section. Dado walls are commonly used for security reasons, however they are also used for storage requirements e.g. bulk storage buildings – Grain, Fertiliser etc.

Why do houses have dado rails? ›

Over the Georgian period it was common to lean dining chairs up against the walls, with dado rails there to protect the décor from damage. Once the Victorian era arrived, trends evolved and these rails began to disappear, before returning at the start of the 20th century as a form of decoration.

Where should a dado rail be placed? ›

Dado rails used to be used primarily to protect the wall from the back of chairs (rather than being more aesthetic as they are now). The lower third of the wall is the most common area where dado rails are installed.

What are the decorative painting trends for 2022? ›

These 7 Paint Trends Will Be Everywhere This Summer, According to Design Pros
  • 01 of 07. Cool Blues. Benjamin Moore. ...
  • 02 of 07. Painted Floors. Getty Images. ...
  • 03 of 07. Warm and Earthy Hues. ...
  • 04 of 07. Painted Architectural Interest. ...
  • 05 of 07. Soft Watermelon Shades. ...
  • 06 of 07. Matte, Textured Finishes. ...
  • 07 of 07. Murals Make a Comeback.
May 23, 2022

How do you modernize a chair rail? ›

14 Chair Rail Moulding Ideas for Your Home
  1. Add Some White Space to Eccentric Wallpaper. ...
  2. Match Your Chair Rail with a Dark Wall Color. ...
  3. Use Chair Rail to Ground Your Design. ...
  4. Add Classic and Sophisticated Trim. ...
  5. Match Modern Minimalism with a Angular Design. ...
  6. Enhance Your Stairwell. ...
  7. Create a Bold Color Scheme.
Jan 26, 2021

What are the benefits of a dado rail? ›

Recycled EPS dado rails have the advantage of protecting the walls from stains, dirt, mould, moisture and damp. They are ideal for densely populated and trafficked rooms. Recycled EPS dado rails can accommodate space for concealing cables and electrical wiring.

Should I paint above dado rail? ›

Taking the wall colour above the picture rail will instantly make your walls appear taller so your ceiling higher. The colour draws the eye further up the wall elevating them to the max. So if you love your high ceilings and want to accentuate them then absolutely get that wall colour above the picture rail.

What is the best height for a dado rail? ›

To start, you need to create a mark on the wall at the height you want the dado rail to sit. Traditionally, this would be around 900mm up from the floor.

What is the difference between a dado rail and a picture rail? ›

Picture rails offer the option to hang decorations around your home, whilst offering decoration themselves. Dado rails are a simple way to add decoration to your walls. Both are available primed or in pine, ready to be painted or finished to match your home.

What do Americans call skirting boards? ›

Most of us have skirting boards in our homes. They are called baseboards by Americans; others refer to them as kickboards or mouldings.

How do I choose a dado rail? ›

The formula we recommend for calculating your dado rail height is: Wall height (finished floor level to ceiling) divided by 5 times 2. You would then apply your chair rail within 100mm of this number.

Where should a dado rail sit on a wall? ›

So, before you start planning the height of your rail, you'll need to measure the length of your wall from floor to ceiling. Once you've done that, the best height for your dado rail is to place it a third of this length up the wall from the floor.

Do you paint dado rail or wall first? ›

Paint the Trim First, Then the Ceilings and Walls

That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls. And you certainly don't want to tape them both off! When painting the trim, you don't have to be neat. Just concentrate on getting a smooth finish on the wood.

Do you paint dado rail before or after? ›

Measure & Cut to Size

Top tip: paint your dado rail before you hang it; this will ensure you have a flawless finish, with tidy edges. The first step is to measure the wall length and match that up to the first piece of rail and cut to size if necessary.

What is the difference between a rabbet and a dado? ›

Rabbet – a notch cut with or across the grain on the edge of a board with the two sides 90º to each other. Dado – a square or rectangular slot that runs across the grain.

When would you use a dado joint? ›

You'll find dado Joints used often in case good projects like cabinets and bookcases where the shelves fit into the sides of the cabinet or bookcase and don't need to move, but you'll also find dado Joints used as drawer dividers, partitions, and a host of other applications.

What Colours look best on dado rail? ›

'Dark colours under the dado rail with fresh white woodwork and light colours above work really well to hide any scuffs and marks,' says David Harris, Design Director at Andrew Martin. 'It adds lots of light this way, to what can be narrow spaces.

Do picture rails make the ceiling look lower? ›

2. If you have a dark room with a high ceiling then install a picture rail and paint the ceiling and the wall above the picture rail white. This will have the effect of expanding the ceiling down to rail level and increase the light reflected in the room.

Can you paint the same colour above and below a dado rail? ›

It is completely up to you and there are so many different possibilities, it is worth experimenting. You can paint the skirting board, dado and dado rail the same colour, but use a different colour or wallpaper above the rail.

Can I use a dado without a throat plate? ›

Using the table saw without a throat plate in the wide-open throat insert of the top of the saw table would be unsafe. The solution is to use a zero-clearance insert in the throat, into which a slot can be cut to accommodate the dado blade.

Why are they called dado rails? ›

In the history of architecture, the 'dado' is the bottom half of the wall between the skirting board and the chair or dado rail. The word dado is derived from the Italian word for 'cube' or 'dice' and is an architectural name for the mid-section of a pedestal. Dado rails became popular in the Georgian period 1714 to c.

Can you use no nails for dado rail? ›

UniBond No More Nails Original grab adhesive is a great all-purpose construction adhesive which can be used to install dado rail onto the walls around your home. It completely eliminates the need for screws and nails.

Why is it called a dado? ›

In architecture, the dado is the lower part of a wall, below the dado rail and above the skirting board. The word is borrowed from Italian meaning "dice" or "cube", and refers to "die", an architectural term for the middle section of a pedestal or plinth.

Should dado rail be same height as Bannister? ›

a dado rail on a staircase wall should match the height of the handrail on the banisters. if the dado is to be wallpapered, the pattern repeat may influence the height of the rail.

How wide should a dado rail be? ›

Being 50mm wide, the Classic dado is also a great choice if you are considering using trim around interior windows and other areas of the home. Due to the way MDF dado rails are profiled some boards may contain 100mm of lost profile on one end.

What is the new decorating style for 2022? ›

In keeping with the trend of bringing the outdoors inside, in 2022, we'll see a focus on natural materials like burl, rattan, cane, leather, jute, wicker, ceramics, and woven lighting, furniture, and decor.

What kind of art is popular right now 2022? ›

The company's findings show that the most popular art styles in 2022 are expected to be abstract (54%), followed by contemporary (48%) and modern (42%) while 48% of designers indicating they anticipate an increase in use of sculpture.

What is the decorating trend for 2023? ›

Some of the most popular interior design trends for 2023 include the return of bold color, natural stone surfaces, closed floor plans, mixed metal finishes, luxe living, statement lighting, and 60s and 70s influences — particularly in furniture design.

What color sofa makes room look bigger? ›

So, what colors make a room look bigger? For an optimum effect, go with soft tones like off-white, blues, and greens, and always remember that brighter rooms feel bigger and more inviting.

Are dado rails in fashion? ›

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.

Do people use chair rails anymore? ›

As plaster walls turned into wallboard and formal dining rooms lost their popularity, so too did chair rails. But now the chair rail, along with other traditional types of ornamental trim, such as wainscoting, tall baseboards, and crown molding, has surged back into homes as a desirable design element.

Are chair rails dated? ›

Chair railing is still in style! Trim molding is seeing a major resurgence today. Introducing a wall covering above and below the chair rail can help modernize it,' says Jessica Davis, owner and principal designer of JL Design (opens in new tab).

What can I use instead of a dado? ›

Rip Blade. Rather than using a combination blade for cutting grooves, switch to a rip blade. The alternating top-bevel teeth of a combination blade leave ridges that weaken a glue joint if not flattened. The flat-ground teeth on a rip blade leave a smoother cut.

Do you wallpaper above or below a dado rail? ›

If a small room features a dado rail, use a strong colour below the rail and the lighter colour above. This gives the impression of the room 'opening out' and appearing larger than it is. If the stronger colour is used on the top area it can feel as if the walls are closing in on you.

Can you have a dado rail and a picture rail? ›

Many rooms in period properties will have either a dado rail or a picture rail. However, where ceilings are particularly high, they can have both. This opens up even more opportunities for colour combinations.

Do you paint above a dado rail? ›

YES – IF YOU WANT THE CEILINGS TO APPEAR TALLER

Taking the wall colour above the picture rail will instantly make your walls appear taller so your ceiling higher. The colour draws the eye further up the wall elevating them to the max.

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