Wainscoting is a centuries-old paneling technique that protects the lower part of walls. It’s generally limited to the bottom 3 to 5 feet above the baseboard. These wall sections used to be much more susceptible to damage from moisture than they are today. However, wainscoting also protects walls from bumps and scratches from furniture – so it’s still useful. Many homeowners install it as a decorative feature in kitchens and dining room areas. The exterior design of the kitchen cabinets often serves as inspiration for the design and color of wainscoting.

Decorative molding marks the upper limit for the wainscoting and is sometimes called the chair rail. Typically the horizontal molding strip is placed approximately at countertop height (or 1/3 of the way up the wall from the floor). Its primary function is to serve as decoration to cover the cut edge of the beadboard.

In the kitchen, this feature also ensures clearance for appliances. An appliance doesn’t bump directly into the wall because the molding behind it sticks out a bit. This strip of molding needs to be properly mitered at the corners so that it fits together and appears to be one single piece. It covers the entire perimeter of the room and should have as few seams as possible. It also needs to be absolutely level to look good.

Generally, matching the appearance of the baseboard and upper molding creates a pleasing effect. Or, the baseboard can be wider than the upper trim. The baseboard and molding are installed on top of the wainscoting boards or paneling.

As an alternative to beadboard paneling, extra cabinet doors (without the knob or hinges) can be used as accent pieces to cover lower wall sections or the lower portion of a center island. This is a more expensive option, but has a very aesthetic appearance on walls that are brightly painted.

Related posts:

1. Wainscoting – Adding style to any room
2. Practical Kitchen Concepts – The Backsplash
3. Universal Design for Kitchen Cabinets
4. Wallpapering Ceilings
5. Opening Up a Narrow Kitchen

Tags: Kitchens

This entry was posted on Friday, December 3rd, 2010 at 8:02 am and is filed under Kitchens. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.