Lusting over Picture Rail
A few months ago, during the memorable Bo Visit, everything I knew about picture rail was turned on its head, and I did a post about this new reality.
In short, I learned:
- Picture rail, at least during the 1890s, was not necessarily installed by the finish carpenters but rather by wallpaper hangers.
- Picture rail did not, likely, have anything to do with the trim in a room but rather was selected to complement the wallpaper.
Wow. Crazy mind trip, man.
With this mind-altering new reality, I had to do something about the suddenly boring picture rail already ordered and sitting on the floor of the library.
And this was my solution. (The frieze has since been changed.)
This solution seemed…OK. The applied decorative vine was better than just plain ol’ rail. But I yearned to see some actual period picture rail. Surely some was out there somewhere, right?
Well, my curiously must have alerted the Gods for my wish was granted.
I do love attentive Gods.
Yesterday, in talking with my friend Eric (who has his own blog), he casually mentioned that he had two pieces of period gessoed picture rail stuck away somewhere.
My heart stopped.
What did Eric just say?
After a long pause (I so don’t do pauses) I managed to croak: “What???????? You have some period picture rail?”
“Yes. I just have to find it.”
OMG! OMG!
So I begged. I pleaded. I even demanded. “Pictures! I need pictures!! STAT!”
Eric, not seeming to fully understand the absolute emergency of the situation, calmly replied: “Well, I might have some time to unearth the rails in the next week or so. Then I could send you some images.”
This was NOT the answer required to restart my heart. But what could I do?
Then, the Gods, without question, sprinkled some magic dust over Eric, who, with alacrity, suddenly forward images a few hours later.
I gasped.
Scroll way down. And then you, too, will gasp.
OMG!!!!!!!! New old stock! INCREDIBLE! (Click images to enlarge.)
OMG!!!!!!!!
These are friggin’ GORGEOUS! And now I know just what Bo was talking about. And that such rail would be selected and installed by the wallpaper hangers rather than trim carpenters makes sense.
In a million years I would never have thought that picture rail — picture rail! — could be so fabulous!
Now, I hate my tarted-up picture rail. Now, I want actual period picture rail! Surely, in some salvage yard, there must be enough to do my parlor? Right????????
Well, I hope the Gods are listening.
MUST HAVE PERIOD PICTURE RAIL!
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I just saw an episode of this old house where they had original piece of molding railing etc. they then had it silicon molded and then made with a 3D printer out of resin. I know very 21 century. But that could be a possibility
I also know some universities are printing various items for free like prosthetic arms and historic pieces for future preservation. You could possibly see if local university would want to help get those picture rails duplicated.
Too funny. Ross! I don’t hate your picture rail. I think it’s lovely and not “tart”-like at all. If you want it to look more “fancy” maybe you could try one of your metallic colors?
I love your picture rail. It is decorative enough for the character of the house yet is sleek and modern at the same time.
Gesso is still available at any art supply store. If it were me, I would take an impression of the lincrusta tiny detail, then just gesso it on to a plain rail. Why don’t you get a quart of gesso and play with it? Art painters use it to prep wood, so the technique is easy to learn. For about 10 dollars you might get something detailed, unique, and totally you.
Now that I’ve seen the pictures of original picture rail, I now know what you’re talking about. I cleaned out an attic about 9 years ago that had bundles of what I thought was thin picture frame molding. Now I realize that was picture rail.@ It’s sitting at a friend’s garage if she still has it. How many feet do you need? Oh if I remember correctly it’s not 2 inches wide like you want. I think it’s only 1.5 inches.
Oh NO! Lusting Ross is back! ????Quick, someone feed him wine ????and chocolate ????until the gods cough up the goods! Or at least move the couch under the oculus so he can relax an look at the astounding ceiling until picture rail arrives!????
Before you pull down your picture rail, you should read what you wrote above: “Picture rail did not, likely, have anything to do with the trim in a room but rather was selected to complement the wallpaper.” In the absence of wallpaper, your rail should complement the wall color/design, which your already does. In the end, do what makes you happy, but don’t make a quick decision. I think your rail looks great.
Ooh! I like that. It would really take the design in a room up a notch.
I did a quick web search and found gesso picture rail molding here.
I bet a longer search would turn up more options.
Also: Search for “moulding,” too. There are probably companies in Britain that still produce this type of picture rail, and that spelling might help find them.
Hi Barb!
The link you provided shows the same product I pictured in my previous post on picture rail. This is more of an 1870s picture rail (I think) so not ideal for the Cross House.
The two rails which Eric has seem pretty perfect. I am still drooling!
Well, phooey. I thought I’d really found something there.
It looks like it’s created using some sort of stamping or molding technique. You might just have to design your own. How cool would that be?
Hold out hope that someday 3D printing technology will make that kind of custom work possible
Here’s a suggestion…keep the picture rail you currently have in the parlor as it blends well with your design theme. Now search high and low for that period picture rail that you covet and put it in that “period correct” dining room you’re getting ready to start on!
I found this company making some.
Only seems to come in one flavor though…
Hi Adam,
That is the same picture rail that Barb linked to, above. And which I showed in my previous post about picture rail.
It seems to be all that is out there!
I would also plead to leave the picture rail as it is in this room. You have enough rooms to install the period correct ones.
Seeing the first picture before scrolling down I thought: I would like the berries between the leaves popping out in that blue color of the freeze.
I would never have matched the chartreuse with the blue ’cause I’m not talented in color-matching but I must admit it looks fabulous!
Greetings from Germany, Meike B.
Does any company make these picture rails today?
I know where one 12 foot section sits. Sadly not enough for either of us…
You tantalize so!
WHERE is the piece?
WHAT does it look like?