What is a picture rail molding?
Picture rail moldings are what was used in older homes to hang pictures on. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? When people come to my home, they don’t recognize what they are. It looks like fancy crown molding. I’m guessing that crown molding actually started off as a picture rail.
My mirror is hanging from a picture rail.
How do picture rails moldings work?
Basically, you slide on a picture hook and then you use whatever hanging medium you would like. My mirror is hung with picture hanging wire. The wire has a weight rating so I knew it would be strong enough to hold the weight of the mirror.
I’ve hung lighter decor items using ribbon on picture hooks or as some people call them, picture hangers.
You can also use a fine chain. Like I have with this decor piece.
Here is a close up look.
How do you attach the picture hook | picture hanger?
A few weeks ago, one of my friends brought her brother over to see my 100-year-old house.
He is an engineer and was trying to figure out the details of how these work. Because he did that, I know how to show you where the hooks go!
So here is what the trim with the picture rail looks like.
And a close-up. The picture rail molding has space to slide the picture rail hangers into/onto them.
See the gap? That’s what the picture hooks get slid into. The picture hooks in the picture below came with the house. Actually, the old owners dropped off a bag of assorted metal parts, including some of these.
Where do you find picture hooks | picture hangers?
I was scouring every antique and vintage shop I could find to try to get more of these. Unfortunately, these just disappear and probably get thrown out. I had more things to hang than hooks. And I tried putting nails into my plaster walls, and even screws. But, that didn’t work so well. There are a few holes in the plaster that I still need to patch : ).
The picture rails and picture hooks preserved the walls of homes.
Can I tell you, where I ended up finding the picture hooks? Take a look at this picture hook source. I was truly surprised I could buy them.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my picture tutorial of what picture railing and picture hooks look like and how they are used.
These are some of the details of the character in my 100-year-old home. It was a real fixer-upper when I bought it. There has been quite a bit of work done but I’m learning, there are always projects!
Other posts about my 1920’s house.
If you’d like to see more about my home, take a look at some of these posts.
My kitchen renovation – I bought a house without a kitchen!
If you want to see a room that hasn’t been renovated, take a look at my living room.
Blue Decor in my 1920’s living room.
Thanks Patty! This home is a dream come true for me. Life turns out in mysterious ways and this house has been so much fun to work on!
I love the woodwork! And am trying to figure out how to lighten the decor without painting it!
You can still add picture rails! I had some work done on the upstairs walls in a bedroom and they had to take the original picture rail off. Instead of using crown molding, picture rail molding exists!
Those old homes are just so memorable, aren’t they! My biggest challenge in decorating this house is that the decor needs to fit the house, not just my taste!
Thank you Lori! I love the detail and character. And am working very hard to preserve it!
Old homes have character – Some of us love the character (and the work)!
Thanks for the nice comment. It truly is a labor of love!
I consider myself so lucky that these picture rails are there. Now, I’m just trying to creatively use them!
there are many historical homes open for visitors that use these. In Hong Kong they were common years ago. It saves those plastered walls with no holding power! Smart of you to use them.
You have such a beautiful home. You have done such a great job in keeping the character and so much love has gone into it.
My family still lives in a home more tha 100 years old. This is beautiful. I love it
What a beautiful detail in your 100 year old home.Sooo glad you preserved it. Well done Susan!
Hi Susan! How nice that your home still has its picture rails and so much beautiful molding… When I was 4-5 1/2 years old, my parents lived in Boulder, Colorado while my father was going to law school there. We lived in a beautiful Queen Anne home and I remember so many little things about that home which directly affect my decorating tastes today. Love how you’ve hung the mirror! It is beautiful in its spot there. <3
Happy belated Valentine's to you and Happy Presidents' Day,
Hugs,
Barb ๐
See this, brings back so many memories of my grandma’s home. I really like this idea and style. It is lovely and inviting. Thank you for sharing.
I remember my Ouma had picture rails in her home and I’ve always wanted them. They make life so much easier. Why oh why did we decide that it wasn’t an in thing anymore. Love your beautiful home BTW Susan. It has so much character
Those are gorgeous! I love all the beautiful woodwork in your home!
What a beautiful house. I love taking house tours and the older ones have so much character. New homes can be lovely too but I think I tend to like older homes like yours. I bet you are just thrilled with this purchase. Though it takes time to get it where you want it, I think that is half the fun. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful home.