Upgrade your doors with decoflair chair rails
A simple DIY to turn plain doors into statement features. Doors are often overlooked surfaces in an interior. Yet with just a few well-chosen details, they can become a true design feature.
Chair rails are not only perfect for walls—they also offer an easy and creative way to upgrade your doors and give them an elegant, architectural look.
Take a look at this video for an easy installation instruction and inspiration:
And here are the few simple steps you need to follow to replicate this in your home:
What you’ll need to recreate the look
Essential decoflair items
- The decoflair chair rails of your choosing
- decoflair CM500 glue
- decoflair MB2 mitre box
Other must-haves
- Large-tooth hand saw or electric saw
- Caulking gun
- Spirit level
- Pencil
- Masking tape
- Folding ruler
- 150 grain or finer sandpaper
- Spatula, sponge or cloth
Step 1: plan your layout
A successful result always starts with good planning. Before cutting or gluing, take the time to visualise your layout. Decide whether you want a single frame, multiple panels, or a more classic door-moulding composition. Below are a few options.
You can use a laser level to define straight lines, but we highly recommend lightly marking the layout directly on the door with a pencil or some masking tape. Ensure symmetry and balance for a clean look.
Step 2: cut the chair rails
Once your layout is planned, it’s time to cut the chair rails to size. Using the decoflair MB2 mitre box, cut both ends of each piece at a 45° angle to create clean corners for your frames.
Insider tip: after cutting, lightly sand the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. This smooths the cuts and ensures sharp, seamless corners once installed.
Step 3: Install the chair rails on the door
Apply a continuous strip of decoflair CM500 glue to the back of each chair rail. Press the pieces firmly onto the door, following your pencil markings. Use a spirit level to keep everything perfectly aligned. Allow the glue to dry for at least 6 hours and make sure to fill small joints with a bit of extra glue for a flawless finish.
Insider tip: you can remove any excess glue during installation with a spatula, sponge or damp cloth. If dry, excess glue can also be removed with sandpaper.
Step 4: the finishing touches
Once the glue is fully dry, it’s time to personalise your design. Decoflair chair rails are fully paintable, allowing you to match them to your door colour or create contrast for a bold, architectural effect. From subtle tone-on-tone to dramatic colour accents—the choice is yours.
And voilà! Your doors now look refined, structured, and completely transformed.
Here is a little secret: decoflair also offers practical pre‑cut chair rail frames. Skip the cutting step entirely and speed up your project without compromising on design. Each set fits a 59 × 39 cm frame. Discover the CL1 set & CL2 set.
Simply glue them in place, paint, and enjoy the result.
For more detailed instructions, don’t forget to check out our wall frame installation video on the decoflair YouTube channel—perfect for visual learners and DIY beginners alike.