Dado rails, also called chair rails, are an architectural feature present in many period homes. While the rails were added to serve the purpose of protecting the walls from being knocked by chairs and furniture, the dado rails also add to the aesthetic which is enhanced with the use of colour. Whether you have a period home or a modern one, a dado can be the perfect accent.
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The height of a dado rail is traditionally 90cm from the ground up, in line with the average chair height, but it can be higher depending on the size and function of a room. The area of the wall below the dado rail is called the dado, the actual dado rail can be added or omitted. It is common to see dado rails painted white, this draws focus to the cutting line around the room. If this is not intentional, painting the dado the same colour, or similar tone to the wall will make it blend in. A darker paint used in the area below the dado rail will ground the wall. A lighter colour above the rail will create a feeling of more space. Here are some great examples of painted dados with some colour inspiration. A sophisticated look can be achieved with two colours in a similar tone.
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Painting a dado works well in a bedroom, it is a great alternative to a headboard if you don't have one. Painting the walls all white can make a room cold and isolating. In the example below the addition of a soft pink dado makes this bedroom welcoming, relaxing and comforting.
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How to paint a dado:
Paint the entire wall in the lighter colour first as your base colour. if you are painting a dado over an existing paint colour, be sure the wall is clean from dust and dirt.
Using a pencil and measuring tape, make a mark at a height of 90cm from the floor every metre or so. Then draw a line in pencil or chalk using a spirit level. Note - not all floors are level, so using a spirit level will ensure your dado is straight. Another method often used is a chalk line.
Use masking tape to mask off the area you want to paint, be sure to de-tack it first so that it does not pull off any paint. De-tack masking tape by putting it on the floor or carpet first to make it less sticky.
Paint two coats of your desired colour in a water based paint. Paint away from the masking tape so that the paint does not seep underneath. Remove the masking paint before the paint dries and touch up with an artist brush.
For a modern creative twist, you can leave out step three and lead the edge of the dado roughly painted. This look is easy to achieve and right on trend.
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