Chair rails are practical, as well as decorative and are applied to a wall, anywhere from 32 to 72 inches up from the floor. They were typically used to protect the wall from scuffs and dents from the backs of chairs, but are now used as decorative room accents. The chair rail runs along the wall, parallel with the baseboard and crown moulding. Adding a refined decor to any space, it’s a choice that makes a big impact. The chair rail is an essential element of wainscoting or wall panels.