Add Creative Twist to Traditional Style Wainscoting - The Post Crescent, Judy Waggoner

   Rich embellishments often found in older homes like crown molding and wainscoting are adding architectural flourish in 21st century homes.

   Originally a chair rail ran the length of public spaces in a home at a height of about three feet, "so the back of a chair would hit wood and not plaster," explained home designer Cindy Mac Swain, owner of Vanney-Mac Swain Home Planning Associates, Appleton.

   Paneling that extends below a chair rail is called wainscoting and beadboard was a common choice in 19th century Victorian and cottage style homes.

   "Wainscoting has changed and is less likely to be just paneling with trim at the top and bottom," Mac Swain said.

   "We're seeing wood up another two feet above a chair rail height," said Luann Sippel, owner of Creative Design Center, Neenah.

   For those who want to avoid nailing paneling to a room's perimeter, wallpaper manufacturers are making three foot high borders that resemble paneling, picket fencing or shrubbery.

   "I've seen beautiful rooms done in wood raised panels, expensive library finishes, not just vertical boards," Mac Swain said.

"We're seeing wood up another two feet above a chair rail height," said Luann Sippel, owner of Creative Design Center, Neenah.