What goes under a chair rail?

What is installed underneath a chair rail depends entirely on the chosen interior design style and the level of architectural detail desired for the space. In many traditional and transitional homes, the lower wall section beneath a chair rail features wainscoting, which can include classic vertical beadboard panels, elegant raised wooden panels, or sophisticated flat-stock board-and-batten boxes that add rich texture and character to the room. Alternatively, homeowners frequently utilize two-tone paint schemes beneath the chair rail, painting the lower wall a darker or contrasting shade compared to the upper wall to create visual weight and a grounded aesthetic. In simpler minimalist or contemporary designs, the drywall beneath the chair rail remains plain and painted in the same uniform color as the rest of the wall, allowing the horizontal molding line itself to serve as the primary architectural accent.