Why Old Homes Have Thin Wall Molding Installed a Foot From the Ceiling

If you lot live in an old home, especially i congenital prior to Earth War 2, you may take a thin piece of stock molding…

One Kings Lane

If you live in an old dwelling, especially one congenital prior to World War II, you lot may have a sparse piece of wood molding that sits a flake beneath the ceiling.

Non as showy as crown molding, this sparse strip is known as picture rail and information technology has a very utilitarian function.

Then what exactly is picture show rail?

Traditionally, motion picture rail is about ii-inches wide and is installed to run horizontally along the wall. Picture rail in an old home are especially popular in parts of the S and New England and are designed to hold a picture rail claw. These hooks were used to hang artwork and mirrors without damaging the wall.

How to apply a picture rail

While picture runway aren't designed to hold heavy loads such as flat-screen televisions, art collectors can use the motion-picture show rail to hang favorite works of fine art. Simply exist sure to use movie rail hooks, not nails or other film hanging hardware.

A benefit to using the picture rail to hang fine art in an old home is that you can easily shorten or lengthen the wire on the back of each picture to adjust the height. Also, y'all don't need to chase for a stud, potentially damaging the wall. A picture show rail too makes it easy to swap out fine art for a new look.

Want to add a picture rail?

While the picture rail is generally institute in old homes with plaster walls, you can add one for little money and with little effort. Just look for a piece of trim 1.v- to 2-inches wide and purchase enough to get around your room. Make sure you install the picture show runway evenly parallel to the ceiling and attach it to studs and so it'due south stiff enough to concord some weight.

Photo: Courtesy of One Kings Lane

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Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/why-old-homes-have-thin-wall-molding-installed-a-foot-from-the-ceiling/