When it comes to simple but effective household features, picture and dado rails will always top the list. They’re a practical, decorative feature that can add a touch of sophistication to your home and the Victorians adored them. 

Whether you’re lucky enough to have originals in your Victorian home and want to preserve them or you want to add them to your space, we’ve put together a guide to help you out. 

What is the difference between picture and dado rails?

Though both act as decorative mouldings that run along interior walls, there is a slight difference between the positioning of picture rails and dado rails that completely changes their practical use too. 

Picture rails

These will sit higher up on a wall (around 300mm to 500mm from the ceiling), making them perfect for displaying pictures and artwork further up while preventing damage to your walls. They’re also great at making a roomappear more spacious than it actually is. 

The different types of picture rails include:

• Wooden (pine or oak)
• Metal (aluminium or steel)
• Brass
• MDF (moulded medium-density fibreboard)
• PVC/plastic

Dado rails

Dado is also used to describe part of a pedestal or plinth between the base and cornice, which inspired the style of the dado rail. 

Unlike picture rails, dado rails sit lower, around chair height. They’re typically installed to protect the walls from furniture bumping into them but Victorians would sometimes place them higher up to hide damp marks or separate panelling. 

The different types of dado rails include:

• Wood
• Ceramic (can include tiling) 
• Marble 

The history of picture and dado rails 

Despite both becoming incredibly popular in the Victorian era, picture rails and dado rails have been decor staples for much longer. 

Dado rails came first as they were inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. The interior use of the rails began in the Georgian era as, in many homes, furniture was placed against the walls unless in use. Georgians were big fans of fabric-lined walls so they needed extra protection which is where dado rails came into play. 

The use of dado rails lost traction at the start of the Victorian era but had a huge resurgence, with the middle and upper classes enjoying them as an aesthetic choice. They became so popular that these rails tend to be associated with the Victorian era with many originals still being featured in homes today.

As for picture rails, these were first seen in 15th century Europe becoming popular throughout the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods. They were originally used to hang tapestries but evolved to be decorative items themselves, with intricate designs being incorporated.

Highly decorated picture rails were favoured in the Victorian era and they were used to display equally elaborate pieces of art by the upper classes. They fell out of favour in new builds around the 1970s but many Victorian properties still feature them. 

Will picture and dado rails work for your home?

In the last two decades especially, contemporary interiors have omittedthese more classical elements, with many us optingfor a more minimalistic approach. This is again changing however, with many interior trends beginning to embrace a house’s original features once more. 

The decorative appeal of picture and dado rails, along with panelling, has been getting a lot of attention recently, so if you’re lucky enough to have originalsfrom the Victorian period in your home, hold onto them!

If you don’t already have them, you may wish to consider installing some. Textured walls and the use of wood in the home are bang on trend so, picture and dado rails can work perfectly for that. 

How to style them in your home

Picture rails obviously help with styling your space because you can use them when decorating your walls but, like the Victorians, you can also choose railings with designs carved into them so they’re decorative by themselves.

They can also create the illusion of a higher ceiling. Paint your chosen colour over the picture rail and continue with it up to just under the room’s cornice. This will draw your eyes upwards. 

As for dado rails, you can paint them the same colour as your wall or make them pop with a different shade or colour altogether. Two-toned walls are on trend, plus it’s easy to achieve. A lighter shade can make a space feel bigger. 

Dado rails also come in a plethora of designs including an elegant Georgian design, the simple Edwardian choice, a classic Ogee look, or something more contemporary.

Installing picture rails in your home 

Want to install some picture rails? The process isn’t as complicated as you would think. 

1. Prep and measure 

Before you do anything, make sure the walls have been cleaned and dusted and any art or wallpaper has been removed from them. You’ll want a blank canvas. 

2. Cut to size 

You will then want to measure each wall and mark out those measurements on the railing material you have chosen. 

After the measurements have been marked out and double-checked, you’ll want to cut the railing. We recommend using a mitre or fine saw for this. 

You’ll want to cut your rails on a slanted angle so the ends slot into the corners of your room correctly and you can do this with a mitre box to assist you.

3. Positioning 

Use a spirit level and measuring tape to mark where on the wall you want to place the railing. Then use chalk or pencil to draw the guidelines. You’ll need at least one other person to help you with the next bit. 

Hold up the rail against the wall marking, lining it up and using the spirit level to ensure its level. 

4. Nailing it down 

You can use light adhesive or glue to keep the railing temporarily in place while you nail it down but another person holding it very still can also work in a pinch. 

We recommend drilling a nail or wall stud every 50cm to secure your railing. Double-check it isn’t loose and then also check the corners have lined up. Caulk can help with filling any gaps or if you can’t get them to line up perfectly. 

5. Finishing touches

You can now paint over your picture rails or leave them as is and hang paintings, pictures and other pieces of artwork onto them. The choice is yours. 

Installing Dado rails in your home

Due to their similar nature, installing dado rails will be the same process as above but, instead of placing the railing high up, you’ll be doing it lower down. Make sure whoever is helping you is prepared to crouch down at points.

Insuring your newly-decorated Victorian Home 

After all that decorating, you’ll want the right insurance for your home. At Adrian Flux, we know how important this will be, which is why we’ll use our expertise to help you find effective household insurance for your Victorian property. 
Call 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that works for you.