6 modern dado rail and picture rail ideas

 If you're looking for a way to make your period property stand out or if you want to add detailing to an otherwise boxy room: look no further. The ongoing popularity of dado and picture rails proves that decorating's latest trend is here to stay. That's why we're sharing with you six decorating ideas for how you can use our range of interior paint to complement these 18th-century fittings and bring them firmly into the modern-day.

What is a dado rail?

A rail that runs roughly along the middle of a room, above the 'dado' – a panel made from wood – and is often painted a different colour to the rest of the room. Although today their use is aesthetic, they were designed to protect walls and wallpaper from damage caused by furniture being propped against it.

What is a picture rail?

A rail that runs close to the top of the room, around the height of the door frame, or just below the ceiling. Similar to the dado rail, picture rails were designed to prevent damage to your walls when hanging artwork. Unlike the dado rail, they are sometimes still used for practical purposes and make for a very elegant way to hang a picture. They're also a gorgeous feature in any room and a great way to break up colour on the wall.

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.

2. Paint white above the picture rail

By painting the ceiling above the picture rail, it appears to increase the room's height and create the illusion of space (just one of the reasons you should paint or wallpaper your ceiling.)

3. Contrast the colour of the rails to the walls

You can either keep things traditional by painting your dado and/or picture rails white to highlight your wall colour, or go bold and attention-grabbing by painting them in contrasting colours with the help of our living room paint collection.

4. Match the colour of dado and picture rails to the walls

Create a seamless effect by painting them the same colour, such as this relaxing bedroom paint shade. The traditional picture rail adds texture and interest to otherwise plain walls.

5. Colour block using dado and picture rails

You can really get creative here. Perfect if you want to tie in several colours and mix your palettes. Try incorporating colour blocking between the picture rail and the ceiling. This will draw the eye upwards and create a colourful stripe around the room.

6. Opt for dado rails on your staircase

Make an entrance by creating a feature of your staircase. Follow the curve of the stairs by mirroring dado rails to the height of the banisters. Use our range of curated hallway paint colours to find the perfect hue to complement hallway or staircase dado rails. For an even more dramatic or unique look, see our guide on how to paint your staircase.

It doesn't matter if you decide to keep things simple or go all out and make a statement; however you decide to use these design trends, dado and picture rails are both a great way to upgrade your home interior.