How do I put up wainscoting/chair rail and doors in hallway?

Lisa Randall
by Lisa Randall

I want to put chair rail and wainscoting in my hallway to give it some visual appeal since the walls are completely plain. I also want to replace or at least paint the doors and all trim white. Everything is dark stained wood. There’s no windows in our hallway that leads to our bedrooms and it’s incredibly dark! Lived here 8 years now. Then paint the walls white on the bottom and a very light complimentary color on top to brighten the hallway. I think that would like better. Hopefully we can replace the old dark and dirty carpet to complete the look!

Ps I have washed the carpet numerous times but stains keep coming back eventuallyicon

  3 answers
  • 4002639 4002639 on Sep 25, 2018

    Well let's start on your list.

    Wainscotting...this comes in 8foot lengths and is glued and sometimes nailed to the wall. Choose the pattern you like and install it to both sides, start at the top of the hallway and end at the back in case any cuts are needed.


    Chair rail....love them! This will sit on top of the wainscotting as a top. It is done the same way with the same materials. Both go up quickly. We did my bathroom in just a few hours, including cuts.


    Painting...doors can be taken off the hinges and painted outside. You can also use some thin trim molding to make them look more interesting by adding the boxes at top and bottom of more expensive doors. Be sure to sand the doors well and clean them before painting. Tape off hardware or consider replacing it if outdated.

    Trim...this is hard and risky to remove but paining in place can be done. The baseboards and door trim need cleaned very well and hinged need taped off.

    To protect the carpet put down plastic or a paper barrier while you paint. A good enamel for doors and trim is what you need for this job.

    A.low doors to dry completely before hanging them.


    Lastly...paint the wall section and while your at it the ceding probable needs a fresh coat too. White ceiling paint and a new light fixture cover that reflects more light or a bulb that puts out more will help.


    I hope this helps. This is my personal list, since I have the same problem and taking down walls doesn't always work, lol.

    Let me see a picture when your done.

  • Rymea Rymea on Sep 25, 2018

    That is a really good idea and will make a huge difference.

    You can just put up a chair rail and paint it, the wall and baseboard white. It will look like wainscoting with out all the work. Then if you think you need more trim you can always add it. Lots of examples on pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/118008452715537185/

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 01, 2018

    Here's a Hometalk project on board and batten for wainscoting:


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/walls/how-to-install-board-batten-37363408