
This is because a dark color feels heavier, and thus more natural lower down.

The most common way to use chair rail is to have a darker color below and a lighter color above. What’s the best color to paint chair rail?

Bedroom chair rail molding is inexpensive and easy to install, and provides an opportunity to introduce a second paint color, wallpaper, or beadboard above or below the molding, as these bedroom chair rail ideas demonstrate beautifully.
One color walls with chair rail install#
Simply install a chair rail in the bedroom and you’re on your way. The light color will dominate, and the dark color will have a grounding effect. Use Multiple Colors Wisely If you have a chair rail or wainscoting and you want to paint the top and bottom of the walls different colors, it’s best to use the darker color on the bottom portion and the lighter on top. Should dark color be on top or bottom of wall? Try a dark hued paint that is several shades darker than your wall paint to create a sense of depth.
One color walls with chair rail windows#
Painting Trim Darker Than Walls If you want to create a contrasted look or bring focus to your windows or door frames, choosing a trim paint color that is darker than the walls of a room can be an ideal choice. Should Trim be darker or lighter than walls? If the furniture is lighter in value, the wall color below the chair rail can be darker.” “A lighter wall color is better below the chair rail if the furniture is dark. Should I paint above or below chair rail?

The chair rail and other trim should be painted in a neutral or light complementary color. It is best to paint the lighter or warmer color on the upper portion of the wall to create a more open feel to the room. What color should you paint a chair rail? If you keep the colour neutral and pale, the walls will simply fall away. Alternatively, painting the chair rail (and trim) the same colour as the wall will create a striking monochromatic effect. Putting a darker colour below and lighter one above will make the wall appear taller. A natural wood or black enamel chair rail divides the two.Can I paint chair rail same color as walls? Go for contrast with slate gray lower walls paired with neon yellow or lime upper walls - a lively contemporary color choice. Muted or gray-toned hues are a softer choice for balancing vivid opposites - dusky lilac and pale buttercream is very light rose and translucent jade are dynamic but delicate.

Colors that oppose each other on the color wheel are complementary: orange and purple, red and teal, or yellow and violet. Both complementary and contrasting colors are modern updates for the traditional look of a chair rail. Complementary ColorsĬhoosing two complementary colors for upper and lower walls makes a bolder statement. Keeping the deep shade below the chair rail avoids making the room feel small or crowded the lighter color on upper walls maintains the open airiness of the room. The area above the chair rail gets a lighter shade in the same color family: lavender, rose or cream are lighter intensities of the paint on the lower walls. Paint the space below the chair rail with a dark shade of your color: dusty purple, burgundy and mocha are adaptable options. Choose different shades of one color for each wall section for effects that range from subtle and relaxed to bold and bright. Light and Dark ColorsĬhair rails create two distinct wall spaces - one above and one below the rail. They present both design challenges and opportunities for homeowners preparing to paint the walls. A chair rail divides a wall into sections, providing options for creative painting ideas.
