by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: A Functional Rail
Chair rails originally served to protect the walls from damage when a chair was pushed up next to it. The height of the rail depends on the height of the back of the chairs used in the room. Measuring from the floor to the top of the chair where the chair back rests against the wall sets the level for the rail.
On the Other: An Aesthetic Rail
Aesthetically a chair rail serves to enhance the appearance of the wall. A chair rail is typically set at 1/3 of the wall height, which ranges from 32 to 40 inches. Measure the wall from floor to ceiling, and divide by three to determine the proper setting.
Bottom Line
Determining the height for a chair rail depends on form and function. If the rail is to protect the wall, set it to match the chairs in the room. If the rail is for design purposes only or if the chairs are different heights, go with the 1/3 formula for best results.
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