Bathroom Chair Rail Ideas

By: Greca Sandford

Most people don’t immediately think of chair rails when trying to think up new bathroom molding ideas, but these small spaces are perfect for adding an interesting touch, above or below a newly added bathroom chair rail molding, that you might be afraid to try in a larger room. Whether it’s graphic wallpaper or a fun paint technique, exploring different chair rail ideas in a bathroom is a great way to decorate this small space in your home.

The bathroom is also a great space to use special materials. While chair rails in other parts of the house, like the bedroom or dining room, are usually wood moldings, the bathroom is the one place you can use tile! Besides being the practical choice in a room with sinks and showers, there are endless options for beautiful bathroom tile – including tile that looks just like chair rail molding.

Hopefully the following bathroom chair rail ideas will inspire you to perk up your powder room and rejuvenate your master bath!

Nautical Traditions

This bathroom look combines two distinct historic décor designs: angular Art Deco bathroom fittings with softer nautical themed toile de Jouy wallpaper. Linear chair rail moldings with navy blue accent underneath ties this look together beautifully.

Arabesque and Marble

With a nod to Art Deco, this stylish bathroom uses arabesque motif wallpaper, a marble countertop and brushed chrome fittings to exude a quiet glamor. The chair rail and picture frame molding adds an extra level of sophistication to the whole look.

Clean Contemporary Lines

This transitional bathroom design uses chair rail moldings and impressively molded baseboards to complement the strong lines created by the mirror, sink, floor tiles and window-frame. The freer style of the wallpaper design softens this linear composition, and the gray grape color of the lower wall panel brings the color scheme together.

Picture Frame Molding
This powder room features a classic white bathroom chair rail and picture frame molding underneath, adding architectural elegance to the small space.

Gray Grasscloth
Despite the neutral colors, this room is full of texture, including the bathroom chair rail molding, beadboard panels, and gray grasscloth. Never be afraid to combine patters, wood types and classic tiles when your bathroom molding ideas call for a bold statement!

Hint of Stripes
The chair rail in this bathroom provides a division on the wall and an opportunity to use whimsical décor both above and below the molding. As you see, the owner used a solid 1×4″ wide piece of wood to create the separation. Don’t limit your chair rail ideas in a bathroom to the off-the-shelf moldings you can get in local stores.

Display Space
Create a unique display space by placing artwork, plates, or photographs above a chair rail.

Pop of Pattern
The graphic branch design of the wallpaper adds a modern flair to the timeless tile chair rail.

Mosaic Border
By doubling up on the bathroom chair rail molding, putting a standard size on bottom and a smaller piece on the top, space is created for a colorful mosaic accent in this newly-renovated master bathroom.

Light and Dark
The light gray paint above the chair rail prevents this bathroom from getting overwhelmed but the black tile on the wall and floor.

Shimmery Shine
A tile chair rail and classic white subway tile provide a contrast to the watery shimmer of the tile on the top half of the wall.

Classic Styling
Classic black and white takes center stage in this small bath! A fresh blue paint is paired with white subway tile and black grout under the chair rail.

Modern Levels
This contemporary bathroom features multiple levels of moldings. The high molding behind the sink allows the tile to be carried all the way up the wall.