A chair rail is a popular feature in many dining rooms. While typically added for function – protecting walls from scratches and scuffs – a chair rail also provides style. The right colors can transform this horizontal element into an eye-catching focal point.
But with so many paint possibilities, where do you start? Read on as we cover the ins and outs of selecting the perfect dining room colors to complement your chair rail.
Understanding Chair Rails in Dining Rooms
Before choosing any colors, it helps to understand the design and purpose of a dining room chair rail.
A chair rail is a horizontal decorative molding or strip of wood installed on dining room walls. Usually placed 32-40 inches above the floor, it serves both practical and decorative purposes:
- Protects the lower walls from damage caused by chair backs scraping against them
- Divides the wall visually, adding interest and architectural detail
- Provides a decorative accent that can be painted or finished to match the room’s style
Historically, chair rails were essential in formal dining rooms to preserve elaborate wallpaper designs. Today, they remain hallmarks of traditional decor, though minimalist contemporary versions are also popular.
When planning your dining room chair rail, consider the proportions of the space. In rooms with 8 foot ceilings, a rail placed at 32 inches gives the lower wall sufficient breathing room. For soaring 10-12 foot ceilings, consider installing the rail a bit higher, 36-40 inches up. This maintains ideal proportions.
The width of the chair rail molding also impacts its appearance. Thicker, more ornate rails make a bolder statement. Clean-lined contemporary rails recede gracefully into the background.
Key Considerations for Choosing Paint Colors
Selecting the perfect paint involves considering several factors unique to your dining space.
Size and Proportions of Space
A dark, bold color statement may suit a spacious, grand dining room, but could overwhelm a petite breakfast nook. Consider the size and proportions of your space.
For large dining rooms, vibrant saturated hues allow the space to feel cozy and enveloping. Smaller rooms benefit from light colors to open up the space. They make walls visually recede, creating an airy, open aesthetic.
Wall height also affects color perception. Dark paint colors tend to feel heavier and more closed-in with low 8 foot ceilings. Soaring 12 foot walls can comfortably accommodate deeper shades.
Existing Elements
The colors you choose should complement the existing elements of the dining room.
Look at the wood tone of your dining table, cabinetry or built-ins. A warm wood dining set pops against cool gray-blue walls. But those same cool walls might clash and feel disjointed from rich walnut cabinetry.
Consider the undertones of your flooring as well. Warm-toned hardwood complements walls in analogous earthy hues. Cool-toned materials like tile or stone make fresh blues and greens pop.
Don’t overlook lighting fixtures. The metal finish of a stainless steel chandelier or brass sconces should guide your color palette.
Quality of Light
The direction your dining room faces impacts the quality of natural sunlight.
North-facing rooms with little direct sun can handle deeper, bolder paint colors. Meanwhile, a south-facing room awash in sunlight benefits from light, airy paint colors to keep the space feeling bright and open.
Take stock of artificial lighting as well. Rooms illuminated primarily by warm overhead lighting feel cozier with rich, saturated wall colors. Cool-toned pendant lights or chandeliers pair better with light green or blue tones.
Most Popular Dining Room Color Schemes
Now that you know what to consider, here are some of the most popular paint color combinations for dining rooms with chair rails:
Monochromatic
Selecting different tones within one main paint color is a sophisticated, foolproof option. The varying shades add subtle depth without overwhelming the space.
Try light, medium and dark blue. Or soft and neutral bone whites up to a warm antique white. Gray is another color that shines in numerous shades from pale dove to charcoal.
Complementary Colors
Complementary color schemes use opposite hues on the color wheel to create high-impact contrast.
Blue walls pop against the vibrant contrast of orange. Green and red also complement each other beautifully. But beware of going overboard into a kitschy, dated aesthetic.
Muted complementary colors tend to feel more elegant. Think slate blue walls with burnt orange trim. Or olive with rust red accents.
Analogous Colors
Analogous schemes use hues located right next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmony through soft contrast.
Try different tones of green, from sage to hunter green. Shades of blue like navy, royal and sky flow seamlessly. Violet, mauve and lavender also complement in an analogous blend.
Vary tones and intensities for added depth. Navy walls, sky chair rail, and royal curtains provide an analogous statement.
Paint Finish for Walls and Chair Rail
The sheen you choose for walls versus the chair rail also impacts their appearance.
Flat or eggshell paint on walls provides subtle texture. These matte finishes minimize imperfections like uneven plaster or drywall joints.
Semi-gloss or high-gloss enamel paint gives trim and molding a smooth,lacquered look. This helps the chair rail stand out in contrast to the flatter wall finish.
Consider finishing the chair rail in a glossy tone several shades darker than the wall color. This grounds it visually, framing the walls elegantly.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Painting Your Space
Follow these tips for foolproof, professional paint results:
- Prep walls by washing off dirt and oil. Fill holes and cracks with spackle for smooth coverage.
- Use painter’s tape for clean edges along ceilings, baseboards and trim.
- Prime walls before painting for uniform absorbency and true color.
- Invest in high-quality applicator brushes and microfiber paint rollers.
- Work top to bottom. Paint ceilings first, then trim, then walls.
- Allow proper dry time between coats. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish.
The right dining room paint colors can make your chair rail molding sing. Consider the unique size, lighting and elements of your space. Choose a color scheme that matches your style sensibility. And don’t overlook the power of paint finishes to make your trim detail pop.
You can showcase your dining room chair rail to its fullest potential by using paint and color. The finished space will feel cohesive, polished and undeniably your own.
