chair rail

noun

plural chair rails
: a molding on a wall around a room to protect the wall from being damaged by the backs of chairs
… had removed the chair rail, thereby eliminating the dado effect …Elizabeth Lambert

Examples of chair rail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The walls in this room have a shadow boxing detail below a chair rail and windows that face south and west. James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2024 Shadow boxing below a chair rail complements the crown molding and decorative chandelier, while a large window overlooks the front yard. James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2024 Picture molding and chair rails add visual interest, while exposed ceiling beams bestow drama and a wood-burning fireplace in the living room contributes warmth. Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2024 An eat-in kitchen has lots of room for a casual dining nook and built-in shelving and is updated with wood-grain laminate flooring and chair rail molding. Monica Lander, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Use an existing feature in the room—such as a door frame, chair rail, or fireplace mantel—as a guide. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 The home has 5 ½ bathrooms, three fireplaces, crown moldings, chair rail, wainscoting in the dining room and office, a kitchen with an island, and coffered ceilings in several rooms. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2023 Surette Media Group From here, the original house beckons, aided by a 23-foot-long hallway with a chair rail and tall baseboards that stitches together two bedrooms, the laundry room, a full bath, a library, and a primary suite into a collective whole. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chair rail was in 1798

Dictionary Entries Near chair rail

Cite this Entry

“Chair rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chair%20rail. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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