In the world of interior design, trends come and go with the seasons. It’s more than likely that current tastes are influenced by eras that have come before them, and decorative mouldings are no exception. MDF Dado Rail and Picture Rail have both been around for centuries, the former better known in their prime time as Chair Rails. Their original purpose was to protect walls from furniture, as all furniture would be moved to the outside of a room resting against each wall when not in use, and then brought into the centre of the room when required.
Picture Rails still serve their original purpose, allowing pictures and mirrors to be hung without damaging the walls with nails or hooks. As ceilings were incredibly high, these mouldings were carefully placed for practical purposes but today are used more for their aesthetic appeal. Pairing dado rail with wall panelling served for extra wall protection, while also creating a statement design feature that still heavily influences interior design today. Nowadays, there are many more modern ways to incorporate dado rail and picture rail into your space that are simple yet effective.
Add Wall Texture with Dado and Picture Rail Panelling
Creating a beaded panelling design using dado rail or picture rail can be a brilliant way to maintain the character of an older property or similarly to add a touch of luxury and character to a modern space. When colour drenched, these spaces will look refined and luxe in a subtle way. This wall feature is effective in its simplicity and is easy to achieve, perfect for DIYers and those who don’t feel ready to commit to a full wall panelled design. Primed MDF dado rail is a great option for creating this type of design, as it is available in long lengths, easy to cut and install and has a smooth surface for an overall superior paint finish. Choose our SAM85 primed MDF dado rail to create the perfect beaded design, effortlessly adding some detail and interest to otherwise bare walls.
Dado Rail with Tongue and Groove Panelling
Dado rail has always been used to neatly cover the top of wall panelling; some might say this is the more traditional approach to incorporating dado rail into homes. However, when paired with on trend paint colours and minimalist décor, this can elevate your space to make it feel more contemporary and current. There is no better place to see such designs than on Instagram, where DIY enthusiasts have donned their tools to create these wall features which instantly give their rooms more personality, warmth and texture. SAM offer various wall panelling options; from simple square edge profiles for bespoke wall features, to tongue and groove fully finished or primed panelling which create a clean panelling finish that works with both modern and traditional interiors.
Staircase Dado Rail and Panelling
Dado rail is often found in hallways along the wall of a staircase. This area of the home usually feels quite small and enclosed, but with the addition of dado rail and wall panelling, you can create a striking design. If you prefer to maintain the minimalist, modern feel, we suggest using a calm, neutral colour palette to compliment the design. This style continues to grow in popularity, adding a touch of luxury and class to your space that feels timeless in its design.
Keeping it Traditional
It can be just as impactful to keep things simple, and with dado rail and picture rail there is no exception. Using primed MDF dado rail or picture rail as a trim around your walls can be just enough detail for minimalist, contemporary properties. Using a picture rail moulding to hang modern minimalist mirrors or wall art is a simple way to amplify bare walls and personalise your space. If this doesn’t suit your taste, you may choose to opt for an alternative profile within the decorative mouldings family, like cornice. Ceiling cornice, often referred to as coving, has made a comeback over the last year and it’s no wonder. Traditionally favoured in older properties, we are now seeing cornice in more modern homes, leaving behind the minimalist trend and instead giving newer spaces a touch of character.
Primed MDF Dado and Picture Rail Mouldings
For easy installation and aesthetic appeal, primed MDF mouldings are an excellent choice. SAM MDF mouldings are moisture-resistant making them durable in a variety of conditions. Unlike alternatives, MDF doesn’t warp or split meaning it can stand the test of time. With a smooth, primed finish, MDF mouldings provide the perfect surface for a seamless topcoat, allowing for less preparation time and a superior overall finish. Add some character to your modern space with these simple tips and tricks using SAM primed MDF dado and picture rail mouldings.
As MDF mouldings can be manufactured into intricate profiles, you have a variety of options to choose from to achieve your desired design. With both dado rail and picture rail to choose from, SAM Mouldings offer high quality, moisture-resistant profiles suitable for a variety of interiors.
SAM Primed MDF Mouldings
SAM provide a range of different profiles to suit your project, with consistent quality and quick delivery for extra efficiency. Whether you are looking to add some character to your modern space with dado and picture rail or looking for skirting and architrave to complement existing mouldings, we have you covered. Explore the full range of SAM primed MDF dado rail and picture rail to uplift your space or add that extra touch of interest to your next project.
