Wainscoting or Chair rail divides a wall into
human scale divisions. Adding details makes
a space look
larger (not smaller as commonly
thought).
This wall
decoration is known as Boiserie.
There are the
natural proportions that one
should adhere
to in laying out wainscoting
design,
however like all design projects it is
also a matter
of taste. Nothing is more
offensive than
seeing walls divided in half.
1/3-2/3rds is
the rule.
In the
craftsman style the bottom is 2/3rds
while in a traditional style
the bottom is 1/3rd
which is appropriate, but never in half.
Follow the
guidelines of the "golden rule"
of
proportions.
