Wainscoting is a classic way to add elegance and charm to any room. But when it comes to deciding how high to install it, things can get a little tricky.
Should it be one-third of the wall height? Two-thirds? What about the height of the window sills?
In this article, we’ll explore the different factors to consider when deciding how far up wainscoting should go. Whether you’re renovating an old home or just looking to add some character to a new space, read on for some helpful tips and guidelines.
How Far Up Should Wainscoting Go
When it comes to wainscoting, the general rule of thumb is to install it at one-third of the height between the floor and ceiling. However, this is just a guideline and there are other factors to consider.
Firstly, the height of the room plays a big role in determining the height of the wainscoting. For example, if you have 9-foot walls, then 3-foot (or 36-inch) wainscoting will look great. Scale down to about 32 inches for rooms with 8-foot walls. The key is to keep it in proportion with the room.
Secondly, consider the height of your window sills. In period homes, wainscoting was typically installed at the same height as the window sills. However, if you have windows of differing heights or if they’re particularly low, it wouldn’t make sense to have wainscoting at that level.
Thirdly, think about what furniture and other items you want to have in the room. If there’s a special painting or mirror to hang, for example, you want to make sure it fits in the space afterwards and not be too imposing.
Lastly, keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wainscoting height. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what looks best in your space. Some rooms may benefit from taller wainscoting or even a statement wall with wainscoting covering two-thirds of the entire wall.
Consider The Style And Architecture Of The Room
Another important factor to consider when deciding how far up wainscoting should go is the style and architecture of the room. If you have a historic home with traditional architecture, it may be appropriate to install wainscoting at a higher height than in a modern home with sleek lines and minimalist design.
For example, in homes with Georgian or Colonial architecture, wainscoting was often installed at a height that aligned with the window sills. This created a cohesive look that emphasized the symmetry of the room. In Arts-and-Crafts homes, wainscoting was often installed higher up on the wall and capped with a plate rail, which added an extra layer of visual interest.
In addition to considering the architectural style of the room, you should also think about the overall style and decor. A room with ornate furniture and traditional decor may benefit from taller wainscoting, while a room with modern furniture and clean lines may look better with shorter wainscoting.
Ultimately, when deciding how far up wainscoting should go, it’s important to take into account all of these factors and choose a height that complements the overall design of the room.
Determine The Purpose Of The Wainscoting
Before deciding on the height of your wainscoting, it’s important to determine the purpose of it. Are you installing it purely for aesthetic reasons, or is it also meant to serve a functional purpose?
In bathrooms, wainscoting can serve as a functional backsplash for the vanity and tub while also protecting the walls from water damage. In this case, aim to keep the wainscoting height to one-third of the entire wall height or 4 to 8 inches above the fixtures.
In other rooms, wainscoting can add visual interest and a touch of elegance. It can also be used to create a sense of proportion and balance in a space. For example, if you have high ceilings, taller wainscoting may help to bring the room down to a more human scale.
Consider the overall style and design of your space when deciding on the purpose of your wainscoting. If your space has a more traditional or formal style, wainscoting may be more appropriate for adding elegance and sophistication. In a more modern or minimalist space, wainscoting may not be necessary or may need to be simplified in design.
Ultimately, the purpose of your wainscoting will help guide you in determining its height and placement in your space.
Take Into Account The Height Of Other Elements In The Room
Another important factor to consider when deciding how far up wainscoting should go is the height of other elements in the room. For instance, if you have tall furniture or high ceilings, you might want to install wainscoting higher up on the wall to balance out the space. On the other hand, if you have low furniture or low ceilings, installing wainscoting too high could make the room feel cramped and crowded.
Similarly, if you have artwork or other decorative elements on your walls, you’ll want to take their placement into account when deciding on the height of your wainscoting. If you install wainscoting too high, it could obscure important pieces or make them look out of place. On the other hand, if you install it too low, it could clash with other elements in the room and disrupt the overall flow of the space.
Ultimately, when deciding how far up wainscoting should go, it’s important to take a holistic approach and consider all aspects of your room’s design. By taking into account the height of other elements in the room and keeping everything in proportion, you can create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing space that feels balanced and harmonious.
Think About The Proportions Of The Room
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding how high to install wainscoting is the proportion of the room. Wainscoting that is too low or too high can throw off the balance of the room and make it appear smaller or larger than it actually is.
As a general rule, it’s recommended to install wainscoting at one-third of the height between the floor and ceiling. This means that for a room with 9-foot walls, 3-foot wainscoting will look great. For rooms with 8-foot walls, scale down to about 32 inches. However, this is just a guideline and you should also consider other factors such as the height of your window sills and the furniture you plan to have in the room.
It’s important to keep in mind that the height of your wainscoting should be in proportion to the rest of the room. If you have high ceilings, you may want to consider taller wainscoting that covers two-thirds of the wall for a statement look. On the other hand, if your ceilings are lower or if you have a small room, it’s best to stick with lower wainscoting that won’t overwhelm the space.
Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wainscoting height. It’s important to consider all factors and choose a height that looks best in your space and fits your personal style.
Look At Examples For Inspiration And Guidance
If you’re still unsure about how high to install wainscoting in your home, looking at examples can be a great way to get inspiration and guidance. One option is to match the style of the wainscoting to the period of your home. For example, if you have a Victorian-era home, you may want to consider a more ornate wainscoting design that includes hand-carved friezes and pilasters.
Another option is to consider the function of the room. If you’re installing wainscoting in a more formal space, such as a dining room or living room, you may want to opt for taller wainscoting that covers two-thirds of the wall. This can create a more dramatic effect and add elegance to the space.
For a more modern look, consider raising the height of the wainscoting to 24 inches below the ceiling of the room. Then, cover the remaining 2 feet with a punchy color of paint or vibrant wallpaper. This can create a unique and eye-catching design that adds personality to your space.
It’s important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wainscoting height. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what looks best in your space. So take some time to explore different options and find the perfect height for your wainscoting project.