Stylish Bathroom Chair Rail Ideas to Try

Looking to add some style and dimension to your bathroom walls? Installing chair rail molding is an easy yet dramatic way to transform the look of any small or large bathroom. Chair rails break up wall space to create visual interest through color, texture, and creative patterns.

Read on for a complete guide to chair rails, including popular design ideas to inspire your next bathroom remodeling project.

What Are Chair Rails and Where Should You Use Them?

Chair rails are decorative moldings that run horizontally across walls around chair height. Traditionally they were installed in formal dining rooms to prevent chair backs from scraping the walls. Today they have a more decorative purpose and can be incorporated into many room designs.

Some popular places to install chair rail molding include:

• Accent walls: Use chair rail to divide an accent wall into two different colors or wallpaper patterns.
• Wainscoting: Line the lower half of walls with beadboard or another type of paneling, using the chair rail to create separation.
• Tile backsplashes: Install a chair rail above a bathroom sink or tub surround lined with ceramic tile.

Chair Rail Material Options

Chair rails come in a variety of materials like wood, PVC, or metal. The style you choose will impact the overall look and formality of your bathroom design.

Wood Chair Rails

Wood chair rail molding looks classic and elegant. Oak and poplar are budget-friendly wood types while mahogany and cherry provide richer, deeper tones. Distressed wood chair rails offer casual rustic or farmhouse appeal.

PVC Chair Rails

For moisture-prone areas, PVC is a smart chair rail choice. PVC trim won't warp or rot and offers durability along with affordability. It's easy to cut, drill, and install using basic tools.

Metal Chair Rails

Iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals create sleek, contemporary-looking chair rails with clean lines. Metal can be left bare for an industrial touch or painted any color to match your bathroom's modern aesthetic.

Factors to Consider When Installing Chair Rails

Bathroom Size

Chair rail molding adds horizontal emphasis to walls, which helps make small bathrooms appear wider and longer. But even large bathrooms benefit from chair rails by defining spaces within the room and creating an upscale ambiance.

Placement

The standard height to install chair rail is between 32 and 48 inches above the floor. But creative variations apply. Try aligning chair rail molding with the top of bathroom wainscoting or your tile backsplash for a seamless look.

Room Height

For rooms with 8-foot ceilings, keep chair rail on the lower end of the height scale or the wall may look chopped in half. Conversely, bump rails up higher in bathrooms with taller ceilings to balance the proportions.

Bathroom Chair Rail Design Ideas

From refined to eclectic, traditional to contemporary--chair rails offer endless possibilities for bathroom design. Get inspired by these examples:

Two-Tone Walls

Paint your lower and upper walls in contrasting colors, or cover one portion in dramatic wallpaper. Let the chair rail outline the colorblocking.

Chair Rail Bathroom Border

Use thicker chair rail moldings inset an inch or two from surrounding walls to create a bold border around your bathroom's perimeter.

Patterned Chair Rail

Make chair rail molding the centerpiece by choosing materials with unique textures and designs. Patterned rail molding options include fluted, reeded, egg-and-dart, ornate carved wood, trellis, or scalloped rails.

Chair Rail Picture Ledge

Mount wide chair rail a bit higher on bathroom walls to display framed photos, artwork, and decorative accents in a functional floating ledge effect.

Planning Tips for Chair Rail Installation

Ready to install bathroom chair rails? Follow these steps for foolproof planning and execution:

Measure Your Space

First, measure wall widths and lengths to calculate the amount of chair rail molding needed. Sketch a layout indicating inside and outside corners.

Select Material and Profile

Choose chair rail widths and depths to suit your bathroom's proportions. Delicate rails for small rooms; wider, chunkier chair rails for larger baths. Match color and style to other trims.

Paint Colors

Select at least two coordinating paint colors--one for walls below the chair rail line and one for walls above. Or introduce colorful wallpaper or tile above the rail's divide.

Installation Method

Most chair rails use construction adhesive, nails, or clip systems to adhere them to walls. Decide if this is a DIY project or better left to a professional carpenter.

Bathroom Chair Rail Inspiration

Check out these stylish examples of chair rails incorporated into all different bathroom design aesthetics.

Traditional Bathroom Chair Rails

Formal chintz patterns, clawfoot tubs, antique brass fixtures, and dark wood chair rail trim capture old-world sophistication in a traditional bath sanctuary.

Modern Bathroom Chair Rails

Crisp white upper walls pop against charcoal lower walls flanked by sleek, wide metal chair rails in this serene, spa-like master bath retreat.

Coastal Bathroom Chair Rails

Breezy blues and greens inspired by sea and sky set the stage for relaxed, coastal comfort. Beadboard wainscoting topped with white chair rail boasts beach house charm.

Rustic Bathroom Chair Rails

Knotty pine chair rails with hand-scraped texture match the reclaimed wood vanity in this cozy, cabin-esque bath. Neutral earthy hues keep the woodsy vibe going.

Creative Chair Rail Ideas

Make a bold statement by pairing chair rail with checkered tile or surrounding walls with hand-painted vine motifs. Complement with gold trim and sconces for glamorous impact.

Chair Rail Installation Tips

Installing chair rail molding lends instant sophistication. Follow these key steps for flawless results:

Prep Your Walls

Fill any holes, cracks or imperfections with drywall compound. Sand surfaces smooth and wipe away dust before priming.

Map Layout

Measure and mark level horizontal lines for chair rail placement. Indicate inside and outside corners.

Cut Rails

Use a miter saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade to cut rails to needed lengths. Miter corners at 45 degrees.

Affix to Walls

Apply adhesive all along the back of rails, position on layout lines, and firmly press in place. Nail or screw brackets provide extra strength.

Finish Details

Caulk along top and bottom edges for clean lines. Fill nail holes, prime, and paint chair rail and walls for a seamless backdrop.

Chair Rail Design Galleries

For a full dose of inspiration, check out these eye-catching bathrooms decked out with unique chair rails: