Narrow hallways are seeing a surge in a classic design element - a trend that's sure to stand out.
In recent months, there has been a notable increase in the popularity of dado rails, particularly in hallways, as homeowners and designers gravitate towards classic and elegant interior styles that blend aesthetics with practicality. This traditional wall feature, often referred to as 'chair rails', installed horizontally at chair height, is once again becoming a favoured architectural element.
Dado rails, with their functional purpose and architectural interest, are ideal for breaking up large stretches of wall, creating proportion and balance. They can make a space feel more enclosed if not placed carefully in very small or low-ceilinged hallways. The choice of height, colour, and finish becomes crucial to maintaining balance in such cases.
Pine wood is among the best materials for a dado rail, as it is flexible, easy to work with, and budget-friendly. If ceilings are higher than average, the dado rail can be raised slightly to maintain the one-third proportion. In lower-ceilinged hallways, it's best to keep it closer to 85 centimetres, which typically works out around one third of the wall height.
Sara Hesikova, a Certified Expert in Training on Furniture, has worked with various fashion and lifestyle magazines and luxury bed linen brands before making the leap into interiors. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a bachelor's degree in fashion journalism in 2016. Sara emphasizes that the placement of a dado rail follows classical design principles, where dividing walls into balanced sections creates harmony and avoids a heavy or top-heavy look.
The rise in popularity of dado rails can also be attributed to social media trends around panelling and heritage-inspired interiors. In modern use, dado rails are often styled to frame paint contrasts or panelling below, turning a practical feature into an intentional design element.
Homeowners are increasingly turning to traditional interior details like dado rails to bring character and charm back into their homes. With over 23,000 Google searches for 'dado rail' per month, it's clear that this trend is here to stay. Dado rails have become a major home decor trend, especially for hallways, due to the rise in popularity of hallway panelling ideas.
Traditionally, dado rails were designed to protect walls from damage caused by furniture being moved along narrow passageways and scuffs from everyday traffic. In addition to this practical purpose, they now serve as a stylish and intentional design element, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any space they inhabit.
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