Wainscoting in the background of an informal dining room space
Wooden panels that line the lower portions of the walls in a room are known as wainscoting. Wainscoting can drastically alter the appearance of a room, making it feel more shabby chic, cottage-like, traditional or even contemporary depending on the type of panels used. As with any type of decor, there are certain rules or recommendations on the height of wainscoting in a dining room.
About Wainscoting
Although wainscoting is typically made from wooden panels, it can also be made from textured wallpaper combined with trim along the top. Wainscoting made from panels can be stained or painted to match the overall style of the rest of the room. Meanwhile, textured wallpaper may come pre-colored or you might be able to paint it; this allows you to match the wallpaper to the rest of the room. Wallpaper is typically less expensive but may not give the same overall feel of true wainscoting.
Chair Height
Historically, wainscoting was meant to protect the walls from dings and dents from family or guests moving chairs around in the dining room. Therefore, to determine how high the wainscoting should be in a dining room, you should measure the height of the backs of your chairs and use this as a guideline. Ideally, the top of the chair should be at the same height as the top of the wainscoting.
Standard Height
Some homeowners may feel more at ease using a commonly recommended height rather than measuring their own chairs. Typically, wainscoting should take up approximately one third of the wall's overall height. So, for a 9-foot-high ceiling, the wainscoting should be 3 feet tall from the floor up. Many wainscoting panels are commonly available in heights of 36 inches or 42 inches.
Alternative Heights
There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to wainscoting. Gordon Bock of the "Old House Journal" notes that the height of wainscoting is more of a trend than anything, evolving and changing throughout the years. During the 19th century, wainscoting could be as tall as 48 or 54 inches. By the time the 20th century came around, wainscoting had reached heights of 60 inches. Other heights that have become popular throughout the years include 32, 36 and 50 inches.
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