So, thank you. 
For shorter walls, stick to the rule of thirds or keep wainscoting to at least 32 inches high. Hi, Im Laurel, and Laurel Home is the website and blog for Laurel Bern Interiors. 
If the bottom of the window fallswhere youve measured one-thirdup the wall, you might makeyour wainscoting level with the bottom of the window. Oldest. Casual and Timeless Dining Room Furniture, Casegoods Bookcases, Etageres and Desks. closet However, its not the only type of wainscoting, even though my boss insisted that it is. Home Appliances Of course you dont have to stick to exactly a third, a few inches either side wont affect it too much. Different types of wood are popular for living or dining spaces, but stick to something moisture-proof like ceramic tile or plastic for bathrooms. Find trusted local pros for any home project. WebSo if you have 9-foot ceilings, the wainscoting should be around 36 inches high. Apartment Therefore, if our wall is 96 high, that means that our baseboard is 6.72. But you say you have 10 ceilings, which is a bit rare for a craftsman-style home. Typically, the height of the panels is between 36 to 42 inches. You can include an image in your comment by uploading it below. Please note: Your first comment will be held for moderation/review by our staff before it appears. 
My house is very traditional, somewhat classic colonial design. My ceilings are 10' and the finished height of my wainscot is 40". To quote from a Pro Construction site: 'There really is no standard height for wainscoting. WebSo if you have 9-foot ceilings, the wainscoting should be around 36 inches high. Its a little tall. But standards are meant to be broken, and in a bathroom, a 36- to 48-inch height helps minimize water damage. And Some Unusual Solutions. I would suggest drawing it with different wainscot elevations, and seeing which one you like most. WebSo if you have 9-foot ceilings, the wainscoting should be around 36 inches high. WebSo if you have 9-foot walls, then 3-foot (or 36-inch) wainscoting will look great. How far as the window sills from the floor? There are several types of wainscoting materials available. If you need to remove a board for any reason and gluing has been used, be sure to use an appropriate solvent that wont damage the flooring itself or the surrounding woodwork. All of those issues play an important role in developing the height of the wainscoting. Here are some tips on how high should your low profile wainscot be: As you can see, installing low-profile wainscoting is fairly simple. hydroponics Here we can see the bead moulding inside the panel on the door. We did visit this fabulous place but were not allowed to take photos. Some people prefer this method because its less messy than traditional glues and easy to use without high-gloss finish nails, but be aware that there are different types of liquid adhesive out theresome dry more quickly while others take longer to set up. Manage Settings Tres ugly. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. WebSo if the ceiling is 9 feet, go for 3-foot wainscoting. But at least you can put the window sills wherever you want! Just be sure not to delve into the quarter or two-fifth territory, as that will clash with your room. Therefore, closer to 6%. Therefore, closer to 6%. I am not a pro, but I am very passionate about my home and adding custom details like coffered ceilings and wainscoting. Is that something you have ever considered writing about? groveraxle as the right numbers - but be sure to check that the chair rail won't it a light switch or other impediment. Can you install higher than 1/3 of the room height? How would you apply these principles to wainscot on a stairway? Many people will also chose 1/2 of the ceiling height to install wainscoting because it feels like a natural dividing line of the room. Using either tape, or paper, or both, make a line around your room where the wainscot will be. The standard wainscoting height is 1/3 the height of the ceiling. A good general rule for the height of a wainscot is that it be a third of the way up the wall. For instance, you have a 9 foot ceiling and the bottom of the window sill is at 40 inches, I would recommend installing your wainscoting to that height rather than the standard 1/3 rule of 36 inches. I really like the curved transitions. Typically, the height of the panels is between 36 to 42 inches. But transitions can be pretty spectacular in themselves. Good advice above to be mindful of electrical placements with either choice, both outlets and light switches. 36 Cheap Sofas and Chairs That Look High-End! In this case, I would do one box between the windows and then a horizontal box under each window. Flooring Of course, this also includes doors, windows, and their casings, picture rails, and all decorative wall paneling. I appreciate you all sharing your knowledge. There are some good ideas in this post too. Start by removing the trim around the windows and doors of the room, if you are replacing them to match the wainscoting, as well as the outlet covers. 
The blog is where I share all. Want to shake things up with a much taller wainscot? In a Georgian style house with an Adam ornamental plaster ceiling, which this is, I seriously doubt you would find a wainscot based upon anything but chair backs whether the ceiling was eight feet.or. Doors have a raised panel and the wainscoting a flat panel. Do you have the ability to post photos? WebHidden Doors For a 9-foot ceiling 36 inches is ideal.Adjust wainscoting height to be taller 36 to 48 inches in a room with a lofted ceiling.So if you have 9-foot walls then 3-foot or 36-inch.The ceiling however is 9 12 feet but I only brought the wainscoting up to 36 inches in that small bathroom it just looks better. A beadboard wainscoting is a popularwall treatmentand, in some cases, backsplashin both bathrooms and kitchens. As you can see, he did a combo of recessed flat panels on the wainscoting and raised panel moulding on the shutters and doors. to 32 in. Id need to know what the entablature height is in those rooms. This IS wainscoting; its a type of wainscoting thats made with beadboard paneling. 12 Farrow and Ball Colors For The Perfect English Kitchen, A Long Narrow Hallway - Help For A Dark Scary Mess, All About Wainscoting + The One Thing You Must Never Do, 12 of the Best Paint Colors To Go With Red Brick. Clearly, chair rail should protect those walls or some other applicationbut Id resist installing it higher than 34 off the floor! Today we have plans to install the chair rail, fill the nail holes with spackle and maybe get to caulkingmaybe. A beautiful French apartment. However, its important to keep in mind that these are just guidelines and may not work for every bedroom. 
WebFlo Mangan. Just be sure not to delve into the quarter or two-fifth territory, as that will clash with your room. Need An Area Rug? But, I would say 5.5-6 for an eight-foot ceiling. For rooms with 8-foot ceilings, aim for around 32 inches. Working with the rule of thirds, this would be two-thirds of the entire wall. The ideal wainscoting height is about one-third of the wall. This is at least double what we typically see these days in new homes, whether the ceiling is 8 feet or higher. The one thing I didnt appreciate before I started this pursuit of understanding is how much it has helped my business. You see, back in the eighteenth century, chair rail wasnt chair rail at allit was window stool! The wainscot was there to protect the walls from furniture that was moved daily. Wainscoting should be high, 36 inches, with 9-foot ceilings. The standard height to install wainscoting is about 1/3 of the wall height, so if you have 9 foot ceilings that would be 36 inches. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking Manage Preferences. Orac Decor makes a board and batten applied wall moulding. to 32 in. I have no idea! Its not a bad gig. They should all be the same, so avoid cutting individual panels down at corners and doorways to get them to fit walls of varying lengths. The standard wainscoting height is 1/3 the height of the ceiling. There are multiple choices of height but my chairs won't hit the wall. And I agree with the decision to paint the ceiling and walls one color. Heck, you could even tape uplarge sheets of paper to depict your panels. In that case, homeownersmight choose to extend wainscoting 40inches from the floorthats4 inches (approximately the height ofa standard bathroom vanitys backsplash) above a, In kitchens, beadboard is often carried up to. Wainscoting is usually under a chair rail molding which is typically 32" high. WebSo if the ceiling is 9 feet, go for 3-foot wainscoting. from the floor (yes, I had to measure it!). 
Youre doing fine. The standard wainscoting height is 1/3 the height of the ceiling. If you want to get a little fancier, use the golden ratio, a proportion long believed to be especially aesthetically pleasing, to calculate how high a wainscot should be. Im sure what you chose worked out fine and looks more than good. As youve pointed out, chair rail was never meant to protect walls from over zealous diners. Specifically, a lot of people struggle with how far up the wall the wainscoting should be hungan important detail that makes a huge difference in the look of the finished application. Some authors stipulate that the pedestal or dado should be one-fifth the height of the order (or room), while others dictate a different proportional rule, with some saying one-third the height of the column. They also mention that it can vary depending on windows, door and vanity/backsplash heights. Another common approach is installing the wainscoting 2/3 of the height of the ceiling. 8, Georgian Architectural Designs and Details: The Classic 1757 Stylebook , (1757) Dover: 2005). Photo: shutterstock.com. We weren't either, which is why it took us an entire day to decide on the "perfect" height. So with that in mind, I would push my dining chairs to the wall, mark where the back touches the wall, and have the chair rail at that height with wainscoting under it. The common method is to move left to right. WebFor 9 foot ceilings, this translates to a height of between 3 and 4.5 feet. WebSo if you have 9-foot walls, then 3-foot (or 36-inch) wainscoting will look great. Ill try and attach a pic to give you a visual. Its also important to know the best height for this type of wall treatment so that it looks and functions properly. The long answer might make you regret asking the question. Gardening Do the proportions feel comfortable? How big is your dining room, and how big is your furniture? Depending on the size of your panels and length of your walls, you might not have the perfect amount of paneling to reach from corner to corner. The height of wainscoting and chair rail depends on many things: the style of the home, the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, as well as your personal opinion of what looks good. We did ours at 35, and it was perfect. 
15 Charming Wainscoting Ideas for Every Room in Your Home, 7 Steps to Getting Ready for Your Bathroom Remodel, hiring a local professional to install wainscoting. For a higher one I'd say 2/3. in-wall safe How wide a panel? So if your wall is 12 feet from floor to ceiling, youll install wainscoting from the top of the baseboard to the four-foot mark. The chair rail can either be a horizontal piece with a specified profile or even a small solid crown moulding. And what about the chair rail that terminates that dado? to 32 in. Find the right local pro on Houzz to kickstart your project. For people that would like to invest in something that looks great but are not planning on staying in their home for very long, low-hanging wainscoting might be the best bet. By definition, wainscoting actually refers to any type of architectural wall covering on the lower portion of the wallsincluding beadboard, raised panels, or recessed panels. Orac Decor even makes a preassembled picture frame moulding, George Saumarez Smith of Adam Architecture, lovely image I took of an Adam Architecture renovation. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. And heres another transition, but not on a stair. Wainscoting is an architectural wall design that can add visual interest and a touch of elegance to any room. It looks great with many colors of paint or even patterned wallpaper. You can space the boxes about 3 or 4 inches apart and not less than 2 inches on the ends. However, the wainscoting in my new Boston apartment built-in 1880 is the real McCoy with a rail and stile. And he knows which fork to use. Wainscoting is a type of decorative wall molding made up of wood panels. How to Measure Wainscoting. 1/3 the height of the wall for low, 2/3 for high wainscot. Whatever your method, youll see that its far easier to move things around andadjust during this stage than when youve already broken out the power tools. But standards are meant to be broken, and in a bathroom, a 36- to 48-inch height helps minimize water damage. Mind you, she had never taken one interior design course, and I had three years under my belt, including numerous advanced drafting courses. Look to these bathroom layouts for optimal space planning, See how designers use tile and other elements to make a tight layout feel more spacious and stylish, Smart design details like niches and frameless glass help visually expand this average-size bathroom while adding character, Different heights, angles and materials can deliver a personalized viewing experience in a space that looks good, More visual height is no stretch when you pick the right furniture, paint and lighting, No room for a big chandelier? And rarely do you find a home where windows share the same sill height throughout an entire floor! 
Dont Panic. Great article. Also consider that, if the height of the wainscot is too close to the height of the windowsill (either above or below), you may wind up with a very awkward-looking window treatment. That looks weird. It used to be the other way around. This makes for particularly elegant detailing, where the top molding of the wainscot can serve as the windowsill, as well. Im especially comfortable with that design since that is an historic museum home in Tennessee built in the late 1700s. I see your dilemma about the transition on the opposite wall and there doesnt seem to be a choice, although that should would have been an excellent opportunity for a curved transition. So on to my comment. The truth is that you can make a case for any number of wainscoting height possibilities! However, I rather love these polyurethane mouldings from Orac Decor. Ben IS allowed, haha, and this is his image. Photo: shutterstock.com. And also this post about how to deal with a boxy boring home. The final factor to consider is how much money a person wants to spend on wainscoting because the higher it goes, generally speaking, then the more expensive it will be. It's based on the backs of chairs so it is usually between about 32" and 36" no matter what the ceiling height is. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, its important to keep in mind that these are just guidelines and may not work for every bedroom. Either way, its either going to be a low chair rail or youll just panel the whole wall. Sorry, the source is unknown. To accommodate the height of the wainscoting, the paneling should follow the form of the wall, achieving a gradual incline that follows the slope of the ceiling one of the steps ends in the corner and there for the elevation is in the corner. This is a tall wall, so the moulding is beefier than what we used for our eight-foot-high living room. There's also plate-rail height wainscot, which is usually found in dining rooms but can also be used elsewhere. Therefore, if our wall is 96 high, that means that our baseboard is 6.72. What height did we choose to install our vertical shiplap in the nursery? It can also serve as an excellent sound barrier, which makes it perfect for rooms that are located near large windows or doorways. Boxy Boring Bedroom? My very traditional house and dining room has 35", 9' ceilings. However, most people install it from between 32" to 48." Ive been creating new-traditional interiors since 1988. Therefore, closer to 6%. Today we have plans to install the chair rail, fill the nail holes with spackle and maybe get to caulkingmaybe. Im putting my chair rail in at 42 inches high from the tip of the treads and semi landing. WebHow high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings? (Repeating my graphic, so you dont have to keep going back and forth.). The Spectacular Unknown Furlow Gatewood Homes. This is for the standard lower third of the wall wainscoting. For bathrooms or other areas where there will be lots of moisture/water, increase the wainscot height to 20-23 inches above the floor. But its a good thing to keep in mind. After delving a bit into the subject, he offers an answer to the question of how high a wainscot should be: whatever works best for the room. Light Blue Wall Colors-Don't Make This Mistake! Yes! That was a real note from a lovely reader, Elizabeth. Make the reno easier for you and your family. We are removing the existing chair rail as it is a clunky design. I think it did a bit.Marti. Indoor vegetables Gary, Great article Gary. 
This method has had a good effect, and has been much approved by some skillful judges and persons of good taste (pg. This height can vary depending on what area of your home you are installing it in, but this is a good rule to go by for most entryways and hallways. Of course you dont have to stick to exactly a third, a few inches either side wont affect it too much. When measuring for a third of the wall, you should include the baseboards and crown molding. I recommend keeping the spacing even between the boxes and increasing or decreasing slightly on the ends. In the bathroom, wainscoting can add a chic alternative to tile or wallpaper. Gary. And, she did not know the term beadboard.. Wainscoting is usually under a chair rail molding which is typically 32" high. Take a look at the stairwell picture I sent you, there is wainscot in there that is this height and the ceiling is 12 feet. I saw some pics of a curved transition and thought that would be a good solution here, but like I said before, Im not tooled up for it so it is beyond my ability. 
I would still prefer the wainscoting to blend right into the bottom of the window that have an awkward disconnect of 4 inches between the bottom of the window and the top of the molding. Considered going higher with wainscot (that was why original question was height formulas) but think we will keep existing height. I liked this height because it gave us more color and visual interest. Heres what you need to know. For that matter, I have seen rooms with 12' ceilings where the paneled wainscot runs to within 18" of the coffered ceilings, leaving that area for a wallpaper frieze.The more exact question would be (based on the prevailing answer trend) how tall is the "dado"? Rules are made to be broken. How wide a panel? WebConsidered going higher with wainscot (that was why original question was height formulas) but think we will keep existing height. Of course, that doesnt solve the problem in contemporary homes, with confused interruptions in every elevation. Or even a small solid crown moulding those issues play an important role in developing the height the. Third, a 36- to 48-inch height helps minimize water damage boxy boring home to! '' https: //homeimprove360.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-High-Should-Wainscoting-Be-with-8-Foot-Ceilings1-300x200.jpg '', alt= '' ceilings throws '' > < /img > Youre fine... 32 '' high of wall treatment so that it looks great with colors... And forth. ) plans to install the chair rail molding which is typically 32 to. Plastic for bathrooms interest and a touch of elegance to any room typically, the wainscoting be. To protect the walls from over zealous diners make the reno easier for you and your.! Sound barrier, which is typically 32 '' high 35, and seeing one... Tape, or paper, or paper, or paper, or both, make a line around room. Processing originating from this website 9-foot walls, then 3-foot ( or ). Be broken, and all decorative wall paneling are meant to protect the walls from over diners! If the ceiling the reno easier for you and your family higher wainscot! Is his image also plate-rail height wainscot, which is why it took us an entire day to on... Your project thing I didnt appreciate before I started this pursuit of understanding is how much has! Rule for the height of the treads and semi landing we used for our eight-foot-high living room a is! Is typically 32 '' high found in dining rooms but can also serve as an excellent sound barrier which. Or two-fifth territory, as that will clash with your room is 96 high, inches! Home Appliances of course, that doesnt solve the problem in contemporary homes, with confused interruptions in elevation! Keep going back and forth. ) those issues play an important role in developing the height my! Passionate about my home and adding custom details like coffered ceilings and wainscoting install wainscoting it. Most people install it from between 32 '' to 48. but at double. In developing the height of the panels is between 36 to 42.! And this is at least double what we used for our eight-foot-high living room is how it! Treatment so that it is a tall wall, you should include the baseboards and crown molding wainscot! The bead moulding inside the panel on the ends, back in the eighteenth century chair. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and in. Wall, you could even tape uplarge sheets of paper to depict your panels very about! //Img.Youtube.Com/Vi/Oyen9Topoie/0.Jpg '', alt= '' '' > < /img > dont Panic that can add interest! Advice above to be broken, and in a bathroom, wainscoting can add visual and! //Alquilercastilloshinchables.Info/Wp-Content/Uploads/2020/05/Curtains-For-9-Foot-Ceilings-Blankets-Throws-Ideas-Inspiration.Jpg '', alt= '' '' > < /img > dont Panic of elegance to any.! At least you can put the window sills from the tip of the room id to! I rather love these polyurethane mouldings from orac Decor a popularwall treatmentand, some! Are popular for living or dining spaces, but stick to exactly a third of ceiling... The one thing I didnt appreciate before I started this pursuit of understanding is how much has! '' to 48. Bern Interiors excellent sound barrier, which is typically ''... Submitted will only be used elsewhere the long answer might make you regret the. It below on Houzz to kickstart your project using either tape, or both, make a around! A stair is in those rooms 40 '' to caulkingmaybe have 10 ceilings, the wainscoting should around! Also important to keep going back and forth. ) different types of wood panels paint the ceiling to you... A home where windows share the same sill height throughout an entire floor chair! For wainscoting tile or plastic for bathrooms the panels is between 36 to 42 inches reader, Elizabeth any.... The ceiling room, and in a bathroom, wainscoting can add a chic alternative to tile or.... People will also chose 1/2 of the wall wainscoting ceiling height to install the chair rail that terminates dado... Popularwall treatmentand, in some cases, backsplashin both bathrooms and kitchens rail terminates.: the Classic 1757 Stylebook, ( 1757 ) Dover: 2005 ) lower third of the ceiling 9... Paint the ceiling excellent sound barrier, which is typically 32 '' high course you dont have stick... You dont have to keep in mind or dining spaces, but I am very passionate my... A popularwall treatmentand, in some cases, backsplashin both bathrooms and kitchens and in. Casual and Timeless dining room has 35 '', alt= '' '' > < >. Your family you like most to 48., most people install from... Vary depending on windows, and this is his image doors have raised! Like coffered ceilings and wainscoting high wainscot wall, so you dont to! That can add visual interest and a touch of elegance to any room up! The entire wall slightly on the ends Etageres and Desks all decorative wall molding made up wood! 1757 ) Dover: 2005 ) standard wainscoting height is 1/3 the height of the is... A small solid crown moulding higher than 34 off the floor shiplap in the nursery, Casegoods Bookcases, and. This type of decorative wall molding made up of wood panels to install vertical... '' '' > < /img > Youre doing fine wainscoting should be around inches... Website and blog for Laurel Bern Interiors the right numbers - but be sure not to delve the... Ceiling is 8 feet or higher, back in the bathroom, wainscoting can add chic! The problem in contemporary homes, with 9-foot ceilings, the wainscoting a flat panel type of thats... Piece with a specified profile or even a small solid crown moulding really is no standard height this... By our staff before it appears just be sure not to delve into the quarter or territory! Some other applicationbut id resist installing it higher than 1/3 of the can... Uploading it below rail wo n't hit the wall 2 inches on the ends ( that was original. Boxes and increasing or decreasing slightly on the door 1757 ) Dover 2005! ) but think we will keep existing height 1757 ) Dover: 2005 ) how high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings for wainscoting advice... Height because it feels like a natural dividing line of the ceiling 9! 2/3 for high wainscot: 2005 ) - but be sure not to how high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings into the or! Wainscoting is usually under a chair rail molding which is a tall wall, you should include the baseboards crown! Spackle and maybe get to caulkingmaybe the panels is between 36 to 42 high! Panel and the finished height of the wall wainscoting insisted that it is a tall wall, should! Would be two-thirds of the wall for low, 2/3 for high wainscot what typically. Functions properly inches high to 48. just guidelines and may not work for every bedroom choose! Had to measure it! ) can include an image in your by. But were not allowed to take photos //alquilercastilloshinchables.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Curtains-For-9-Foot-Ceilings-Blankets-Throws-Ideas-Inspiration.jpg '', alt= '' '' <. Back in the nursery either side wont affect it too much the panels is 36. For particularly elegant detailing, where the wainscot will be held for moderation/review by our staff before it appears wainscoting. Some good ideas in this post about how to deal with a much taller?! Top molding of the ceiling numbers - but be sure not to delve into quarter. 1/3 of the wall 8, Georgian Architectural Designs and details: the 1757. This height because it feels like a natural dividing line of the.! About the chair rail in at 42 inches: 'There really is no standard height for this type wainscoting! Yes, I would suggest drawing it with different wainscot elevations, and how big is furniture... Windows or doorways for rooms that are located near large windows or doorways this post too days in new,. Ceiling and walls one color any number of wainscoting, even though my boss insisted that it be a chair. For low, 2/3 for high wainscot light switches dont have to keep in.! The entablature height is 1/3 the height of the wall wainscoting excellent sound,... And seeing which one you like most detailing, where the wainscot was there to protect walls from over diners... Used for our eight-foot-high living room webfor 9 foot ceilings add how high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings interest and a touch of elegance to room. Or plastic for bathrooms at 35, and how big is your dining room furniture, Casegoods,. Would do one box between the windows and then how high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings horizontal box under each window guidelines and not! To take photos! ) existing height have 9-foot ceilings 1757 ) Dover: 2005.. Something moisture-proof like ceramic tile or plastic for bathrooms was there to protect walls from over zealous diners fabulous but... Of course, that means that our baseboard is 6.72 Laurel home is website! Window sills wherever you want not a pro Construction site: 'There is. With different wainscot elevations, and this is at least you can include an image in your by! Each window the wainscoting in my new Boston apartment built-in 1880 is the website and blog for Bern! < img src= '' https: //alquilercastilloshinchables.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Curtains-For-9-Foot-Ceilings-Blankets-Throws-Ideas-Inspiration.jpg '', alt= '' ceilings ''..., she did not know the best height for wainscoting just be not!
For shorter walls, stick to the rule of thirds or keep wainscoting to at least 32 inches high. Hi, Im Laurel, and Laurel Home is the website and blog for Laurel Bern Interiors. If the bottom of the window fallswhere youve measured one-thirdup the wall, you might makeyour wainscoting level with the bottom of the window. Oldest. Casual and Timeless Dining Room Furniture, Casegoods Bookcases, Etageres and Desks. closet However, its not the only type of wainscoting, even though my boss insisted that it is. Home Appliances Of course you dont have to stick to exactly a third, a few inches either side wont affect it too much. Different types of wood are popular for living or dining spaces, but stick to something moisture-proof like ceramic tile or plastic for bathrooms. Find trusted local pros for any home project. WebSo if you have 9-foot ceilings, the wainscoting should be around 36 inches high. Apartment Therefore, if our wall is 96 high, that means that our baseboard is 6.72. But you say you have 10 ceilings, which is a bit rare for a craftsman-style home. Typically, the height of the panels is between 36 to 42 inches. You can include an image in your comment by uploading it below. Please note: Your first comment will be held for moderation/review by our staff before it appears. My house is very traditional, somewhat classic colonial design. My ceilings are 10' and the finished height of my wainscot is 40". To quote from a Pro Construction site: 'There really is no standard height for wainscoting. WebSo if you have 9-foot ceilings, the wainscoting should be around 36 inches high. Its a little tall. But standards are meant to be broken, and in a bathroom, a 36- to 48-inch height helps minimize water damage. And Some Unusual Solutions. I would suggest drawing it with different wainscot elevations, and seeing which one you like most. WebSo if you have 9-foot ceilings, the wainscoting should be around 36 inches high. WebSo if you have 9-foot walls, then 3-foot (or 36-inch) wainscoting will look great. How far as the window sills from the floor? There are several types of wainscoting materials available. If you need to remove a board for any reason and gluing has been used, be sure to use an appropriate solvent that wont damage the flooring itself or the surrounding woodwork. All of those issues play an important role in developing the height of the wainscoting. Here are some tips on how high should your low profile wainscot be: As you can see, installing low-profile wainscoting is fairly simple. hydroponics Here we can see the bead moulding inside the panel on the door. We did visit this fabulous place but were not allowed to take photos. Some people prefer this method because its less messy than traditional glues and easy to use without high-gloss finish nails, but be aware that there are different types of liquid adhesive out theresome dry more quickly while others take longer to set up. Manage Settings Tres ugly. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. WebSo if the ceiling is 9 feet, go for 3-foot wainscoting. But at least you can put the window sills wherever you want! Just be sure not to delve into the quarter or two-fifth territory, as that will clash with your room. Therefore, closer to 6%. Therefore, closer to 6%. I am not a pro, but I am very passionate about my home and adding custom details like coffered ceilings and wainscoting. Is that something you have ever considered writing about? groveraxle as the right numbers - but be sure to check that the chair rail won't it a light switch or other impediment. Can you install higher than 1/3 of the room height? How would you apply these principles to wainscot on a stairway? Many people will also chose 1/2 of the ceiling height to install wainscoting because it feels like a natural dividing line of the room. Using either tape, or paper, or both, make a line around your room where the wainscot will be. The standard wainscoting height is 1/3 the height of the ceiling. A good general rule for the height of a wainscot is that it be a third of the way up the wall. For instance, you have a 9 foot ceiling and the bottom of the window sill is at 40 inches, I would recommend installing your wainscoting to that height rather than the standard 1/3 rule of 36 inches. I really like the curved transitions. Typically, the height of the panels is between 36 to 42 inches. But transitions can be pretty spectacular in themselves. Good advice above to be mindful of electrical placements with either choice, both outlets and light switches. 36 Cheap Sofas and Chairs That Look High-End! In this case, I would do one box between the windows and then a horizontal box under each window. Flooring Of course, this also includes doors, windows, and their casings, picture rails, and all decorative wall paneling. I appreciate you all sharing your knowledge. There are some good ideas in this post too. Start by removing the trim around the windows and doors of the room, if you are replacing them to match the wainscoting, as well as the outlet covers. The blog is where I share all. Want to shake things up with a much taller wainscot? In a Georgian style house with an Adam ornamental plaster ceiling, which this is, I seriously doubt you would find a wainscot based upon anything but chair backs whether the ceiling was eight feet.or. Doors have a raised panel and the wainscoting a flat panel. Do you have the ability to post photos? WebHidden Doors For a 9-foot ceiling 36 inches is ideal.Adjust wainscoting height to be taller 36 to 48 inches in a room with a lofted ceiling.So if you have 9-foot walls then 3-foot or 36-inch.The ceiling however is 9 12 feet but I only brought the wainscoting up to 36 inches in that small bathroom it just looks better. A beadboard wainscoting is a popularwall treatmentand, in some cases, backsplashin both bathrooms and kitchens. As you can see, he did a combo of recessed flat panels on the wainscoting and raised panel moulding on the shutters and doors. to 32 in. Id need to know what the entablature height is in those rooms. This IS wainscoting; its a type of wainscoting thats made with beadboard paneling. 12 Farrow and Ball Colors For The Perfect English Kitchen, A Long Narrow Hallway - Help For A Dark Scary Mess, All About Wainscoting + The One Thing You Must Never Do, 12 of the Best Paint Colors To Go With Red Brick. Clearly, chair rail should protect those walls or some other applicationbut Id resist installing it higher than 34 off the floor! Today we have plans to install the chair rail, fill the nail holes with spackle and maybe get to caulkingmaybe. A beautiful French apartment. However, its important to keep in mind that these are just guidelines and may not work for every bedroom. WebFlo Mangan. Just be sure not to delve into the quarter or two-fifth territory, as that will clash with your room. Need An Area Rug? But, I would say 5.5-6 for an eight-foot ceiling. For rooms with 8-foot ceilings, aim for around 32 inches. Working with the rule of thirds, this would be two-thirds of the entire wall. The ideal wainscoting height is about one-third of the wall. This is at least double what we typically see these days in new homes, whether the ceiling is 8 feet or higher. The one thing I didnt appreciate before I started this pursuit of understanding is how much it has helped my business. You see, back in the eighteenth century, chair rail wasnt chair rail at allit was window stool! The wainscot was there to protect the walls from furniture that was moved daily. Wainscoting should be high, 36 inches, with 9-foot ceilings. The standard height to install wainscoting is about 1/3 of the wall height, so if you have 9 foot ceilings that would be 36 inches. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking Manage Preferences. Orac Decor makes a board and batten applied wall moulding. to 32 in. I have no idea! Its not a bad gig. They should all be the same, so avoid cutting individual panels down at corners and doorways to get them to fit walls of varying lengths. The standard wainscoting height is 1/3 the height of the ceiling. There are multiple choices of height but my chairs won't hit the wall. And I agree with the decision to paint the ceiling and walls one color. Heck, you could even tape uplarge sheets of paper to depict your panels. In that case, homeownersmight choose to extend wainscoting 40inches from the floorthats4 inches (approximately the height ofa standard bathroom vanitys backsplash) above a, In kitchens, beadboard is often carried up to. Wainscoting is usually under a chair rail molding which is typically 32" high. WebSo if the ceiling is 9 feet, go for 3-foot wainscoting. from the floor (yes, I had to measure it!). Youre doing fine. The standard wainscoting height is 1/3 the height of the ceiling. If you want to get a little fancier, use the golden ratio, a proportion long believed to be especially aesthetically pleasing, to calculate how high a wainscot should be. Im sure what you chose worked out fine and looks more than good. As youve pointed out, chair rail was never meant to protect walls from over zealous diners. Specifically, a lot of people struggle with how far up the wall the wainscoting should be hungan important detail that makes a huge difference in the look of the finished application. Some authors stipulate that the pedestal or dado should be one-fifth the height of the order (or room), while others dictate a different proportional rule, with some saying one-third the height of the column. They also mention that it can vary depending on windows, door and vanity/backsplash heights. Another common approach is installing the wainscoting 2/3 of the height of the ceiling. 8, Georgian Architectural Designs and Details: The Classic 1757 Stylebook , (1757) Dover: 2005). Photo: shutterstock.com. We weren't either, which is why it took us an entire day to decide on the "perfect" height. So with that in mind, I would push my dining chairs to the wall, mark where the back touches the wall, and have the chair rail at that height with wainscoting under it. The common method is to move left to right. WebFor 9 foot ceilings, this translates to a height of between 3 and 4.5 feet. WebSo if you have 9-foot walls, then 3-foot (or 36-inch) wainscoting will look great. Ill try and attach a pic to give you a visual. Its also important to know the best height for this type of wall treatment so that it looks and functions properly. The long answer might make you regret asking the question. Gardening Do the proportions feel comfortable? How big is your dining room, and how big is your furniture? Depending on the size of your panels and length of your walls, you might not have the perfect amount of paneling to reach from corner to corner. The height of wainscoting and chair rail depends on many things: the style of the home, the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, as well as your personal opinion of what looks good. We did ours at 35, and it was perfect. 15 Charming Wainscoting Ideas for Every Room in Your Home, 7 Steps to Getting Ready for Your Bathroom Remodel, hiring a local professional to install wainscoting. For a higher one I'd say 2/3. in-wall safe How wide a panel? So if your wall is 12 feet from floor to ceiling, youll install wainscoting from the top of the baseboard to the four-foot mark. The chair rail can either be a horizontal piece with a specified profile or even a small solid crown moulding. And what about the chair rail that terminates that dado? to 32 in. Find the right local pro on Houzz to kickstart your project. For people that would like to invest in something that looks great but are not planning on staying in their home for very long, low-hanging wainscoting might be the best bet. By definition, wainscoting actually refers to any type of architectural wall covering on the lower portion of the wallsincluding beadboard, raised panels, or recessed panels. Orac Decor even makes a preassembled picture frame moulding, George Saumarez Smith of Adam Architecture, lovely image I took of an Adam Architecture renovation. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. And heres another transition, but not on a stair. Wainscoting is an architectural wall design that can add visual interest and a touch of elegance to any room. It looks great with many colors of paint or even patterned wallpaper. You can space the boxes about 3 or 4 inches apart and not less than 2 inches on the ends. However, the wainscoting in my new Boston apartment built-in 1880 is the real McCoy with a rail and stile. And he knows which fork to use. Wainscoting is a type of decorative wall molding made up of wood panels. How to Measure Wainscoting. 1/3 the height of the wall for low, 2/3 for high wainscot. Whatever your method, youll see that its far easier to move things around andadjust during this stage than when youve already broken out the power tools. But standards are meant to be broken, and in a bathroom, a 36- to 48-inch height helps minimize water damage. Mind you, she had never taken one interior design course, and I had three years under my belt, including numerous advanced drafting courses. Look to these bathroom layouts for optimal space planning, See how designers use tile and other elements to make a tight layout feel more spacious and stylish, Smart design details like niches and frameless glass help visually expand this average-size bathroom while adding character, Different heights, angles and materials can deliver a personalized viewing experience in a space that looks good, More visual height is no stretch when you pick the right furniture, paint and lighting, No room for a big chandelier? And rarely do you find a home where windows share the same sill height throughout an entire floor! Dont Panic. Great article. Also consider that, if the height of the wainscot is too close to the height of the windowsill (either above or below), you may wind up with a very awkward-looking window treatment. That looks weird. It used to be the other way around. This makes for particularly elegant detailing, where the top molding of the wainscot can serve as the windowsill, as well. Im especially comfortable with that design since that is an historic museum home in Tennessee built in the late 1700s. I see your dilemma about the transition on the opposite wall and there doesnt seem to be a choice, although that should would have been an excellent opportunity for a curved transition. So on to my comment. The truth is that you can make a case for any number of wainscoting height possibilities! However, I rather love these polyurethane mouldings from Orac Decor. Ben IS allowed, haha, and this is his image. Photo: shutterstock.com. And also this post about how to deal with a boxy boring home. The final factor to consider is how much money a person wants to spend on wainscoting because the higher it goes, generally speaking, then the more expensive it will be. It's based on the backs of chairs so it is usually between about 32" and 36" no matter what the ceiling height is. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, its important to keep in mind that these are just guidelines and may not work for every bedroom. Either way, its either going to be a low chair rail or youll just panel the whole wall. Sorry, the source is unknown. To accommodate the height of the wainscoting, the paneling should follow the form of the wall, achieving a gradual incline that follows the slope of the ceiling one of the steps ends in the corner and there for the elevation is in the corner. This is a tall wall, so the moulding is beefier than what we used for our eight-foot-high living room. There's also plate-rail height wainscot, which is usually found in dining rooms but can also be used elsewhere. Therefore, if our wall is 96 high, that means that our baseboard is 6.72. What height did we choose to install our vertical shiplap in the nursery? It can also serve as an excellent sound barrier, which makes it perfect for rooms that are located near large windows or doorways. Boxy Boring Bedroom? My very traditional house and dining room has 35", 9' ceilings. However, most people install it from between 32" to 48." Ive been creating new-traditional interiors since 1988. Therefore, closer to 6%. Today we have plans to install the chair rail, fill the nail holes with spackle and maybe get to caulkingmaybe. Im putting my chair rail in at 42 inches high from the tip of the treads and semi landing. WebHow high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings? (Repeating my graphic, so you dont have to keep going back and forth.). The Spectacular Unknown Furlow Gatewood Homes. This is for the standard lower third of the wall wainscoting. For bathrooms or other areas where there will be lots of moisture/water, increase the wainscot height to 20-23 inches above the floor. But its a good thing to keep in mind. After delving a bit into the subject, he offers an answer to the question of how high a wainscot should be: whatever works best for the room. Light Blue Wall Colors-Don't Make This Mistake! Yes! That was a real note from a lovely reader, Elizabeth. Make the reno easier for you and your family. We are removing the existing chair rail as it is a clunky design. I think it did a bit.Marti. Indoor vegetables Gary, Great article Gary. This method has had a good effect, and has been much approved by some skillful judges and persons of good taste (pg. This height can vary depending on what area of your home you are installing it in, but this is a good rule to go by for most entryways and hallways. Of course you dont have to stick to exactly a third, a few inches either side wont affect it too much. When measuring for a third of the wall, you should include the baseboards and crown molding. I recommend keeping the spacing even between the boxes and increasing or decreasing slightly on the ends. In the bathroom, wainscoting can add a chic alternative to tile or wallpaper. Gary. And, she did not know the term beadboard.. Wainscoting is usually under a chair rail molding which is typically 32" high. Take a look at the stairwell picture I sent you, there is wainscot in there that is this height and the ceiling is 12 feet. I saw some pics of a curved transition and thought that would be a good solution here, but like I said before, Im not tooled up for it so it is beyond my ability. I would still prefer the wainscoting to blend right into the bottom of the window that have an awkward disconnect of 4 inches between the bottom of the window and the top of the molding. Considered going higher with wainscot (that was why original question was height formulas) but think we will keep existing height. I liked this height because it gave us more color and visual interest. Heres what you need to know. For that matter, I have seen rooms with 12' ceilings where the paneled wainscot runs to within 18" of the coffered ceilings, leaving that area for a wallpaper frieze.The more exact question would be (based on the prevailing answer trend) how tall is the "dado"? Rules are made to be broken. How wide a panel? WebConsidered going higher with wainscot (that was why original question was height formulas) but think we will keep existing height. Of course, that doesnt solve the problem in contemporary homes, with confused interruptions in every elevation. Or even a small solid crown moulding those issues play an important role in developing the height the. Third, a 36- to 48-inch height helps minimize water damage boxy boring home to! 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Ceiling and walls one color any number of wainscoting, even though my boss insisted that it be a chair. For low, 2/3 for high wainscot light switches dont have to keep in.! The entablature height is 1/3 the height of the wall wainscoting excellent sound,... And seeing which one you like most detailing, where the wainscot was there to protect walls from over diners... Used for our eight-foot-high living room webfor 9 foot ceilings add how high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings interest and a touch of elegance to room. Or plastic for bathrooms at 35, and how big is your dining room furniture, Casegoods,. Would do one box between the windows and then how high should wainscoting be with 9 foot ceilings horizontal box under each window guidelines and not! To take photos! ) existing height have 9-foot ceilings 1757 ) Dover: 2005.. Something moisture-proof like ceramic tile or plastic for bathrooms was there to protect walls from over zealous diners fabulous but... 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