A picture rail is an essential addition to any home or office, offering an elegant and practical solution for displaying artwork, photographs, and other decorative pieces. The best picture rails allow you to effortlessly hang and rearrange your art without damaging the walls, providing a stylish way to showcase your favorite pieces. Whether you’re a professional artist, interior designer, or simply an art enthusiast, a high-quality picture rail system adds sophistication and flexibility to your space.
Picture rails are typically installed near the ceiling, providing a discreet yet effective way to hang pictures using hooks, cords, or wires. The best picture rails are made from durable materials such as wood, metal, or even plastic, and come in a variety of styles to match different interior aesthetics. Whether you prefer a traditional wooden rail with classic detailing or a sleek, modern metal design, there’s a picture rail that suits your needs.
One of the major advantages of the best picture rails is their versatility. They allow you to hang and swap artwork with ease, making them perfect for those who love to change their décor frequently. Additionally, they help to keep your walls free of holes and marks from nails or screws. Some picture rails also feature additional features, such as integrated lighting or adjustable hooks, to enhance the presentation of your artwork.
Our guide to the best picture rails features top-rated options that offer a seamless blend of functionality and style. Whether you’re outfitting a gallery wall or creating a minimalist display, the right picture rail will provide a professional and polished look for your art.
Invest in the best picture rail to effortlessly display your artwork while keeping your walls pristine and stylish.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualified purchases!
Reviews
Gallery Picture Rail: Durable, Versatile Installation for Hanging Heavy Paintings
The Gallery Black Anodized Picture Rail is a sleek and versatile wall-mounted rail system, perfect for hanging heavy paintings with ease. Crafted with durability and elegance in mind, this rail can be installed in any space and on various surfaces. With its flexibility feature, users can change the track orientation for top to bottom tensioned installations. The Gallery Picture Rail has been a staple in Systematic Art’s collection for galleries and museums, boasting a Registered Trademark status. Available in multiple lengths and finishes, this rail comes with eight pre-drilled holes for hassle-free installation.
White Gallery Picture Track for Secure Hanging
Bring a touch of elegance to your home with the TR100 Picture Hang Solutions from White Gallery. This 79-inch long track can support up to 154 lbs, making it ideal for hanging light to heavy paintings, frames, and posters on your smooth, flat walls. Installing it is a breeze with the included locators, screws, and anchors. Plus, the sleek design hides fasteners on the wall for a subtle and classy look.
Innovative STAS Minirail Aluminum Picture Hanging System
Transform your walls with the sleek and innovative STAS minirail hanging system, the thinnest in the world. Measuring 78.75 inches (200 cm) in length, it seamlessly blends with your interior, ensuring a modern and clean look. With the installation kit included, hanging pictures has never been more effortless, and you can easily rearrange your frames without any tools. Elevate your home with the stylish and practical STAS minirail picture hanging system.
Systematic Art Moderna Picture Rail with 8 Pre-Drilled Holes – White – Powder Coated
The Systematic Art Moderna Picture Rail is a versatile and elegant choice for hanging artwork, designed for both residential and commercial settings. Featuring a sleek, powder-coated white finish, this rail is not only durable but also lightweight, able to withstand up to 251.3 lbs / 114 kg of weight. With 8 pre-drilled counter sunk holes for easy installation, the Moderna picture rail can be used with a variety of hanger options, providing maximum flexibility for your hanging needs. Perfect for high-traffic areas like offices, galleries, and museums, this picture rail system is both functional and stylish, making it a top choice for hanging your favorite pieces of art.
Brass Gallery Rod Kit for Picture Hanging
The Brass Gallery Rod Kit, a versatile and elegant solution for hanging pictures, mirrors, and decor in your home. This hanging system features a J Channel Aluminum Wall Rail designed for weights up to 70 pounds, and Monkey Hangers rated at 35 pounds each. The kit includes all necessary hardware, providing an elegant vintage look to your gallery wall.
Unfinished Poplar Picture Rail Molding for Hanging Artwork
This unfinished poplar picture rail is a versatile addition to your interior design. With a natural, sustainable, carbon-neutral hardwood base, these 94-inch rails can enhance the look of your walls while providing a stylish and practical solution to picture hanging. Perfect for displaying artwork in a variety of styles, this picture-perfect addition is ready to elevate the look and feel of your space.
Walnut Picture Rails – Wood Display System for Framed Prints | 18 Inches
Introducing the Walnut Hanging Rails, a beautiful addition to your home decor. These elegantly crafted, responsibly sourced wood rails are designed to showcase your prints proudly. With a handy 18-inch size, they seamlessly complement your prints and provide effortless installation for your viewing pleasure.
Stas Riva: 47-inch Wooden Picture Rails for Robust Art Display
Introducing the STAS Riva – a 47-inch wooden picture rail designed with sustainability in mind. Harvested from FSC and PEFC certified forests, this stunning hanging moulding profile is perfect for enhancing your interior with a robust yet modern look. The smooth texture of Ayous wood makes repainting a breeze, allowing you to create a cohesive style throughout your space. Simply mount it to the wall and ceiling with ease using screws, nails, and glue*. Experience the warmth and charm of wood in your home, while ensuring you’re making a sustainable choice.
Professional Click Rail Kits for Hanging Frames & Decorations
This Picture Hanging System makes a stylish addition to any frame with its Click Rail Kits. Included in each set is a pair of white rails perfect for maintaining a clean, professional look. The system boasts ease of use thanks to its built-in hooks for effortless adjustments – perfect for changing frames or even hanging a few flower pots to adorn your walls. The combination of aluminum track and solid steel cables ensures the system is sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest of frames. With an array of hooks offering various hanging arrangements, the possibilities are endless with this versatile picture hanging solution.
Pottery Barn’s 3ft Bronze Picture Frame Rail with 2 Chains
Picture rails are a sophisticated and timeless option for displaying an assortment of photographs or framed art. With Pottery Barn’s Bronze Picture Frame Rail, you’re not only improving your home’s aesthetic but also contributing to a global cause. This hanging picture frame rail is crafted from fair trade certified wood and mild steel, ensuring safe and ethical labor practices. Measuring 3′ in length and complete with 2 chains, it includes 1 rail, 6 s-hooks, 2 brackets, and the necessary hardware. Although assembly is required, this durable and stylish addition to your home is worth the effort.
Gallery Rail System for Art Displays – 6.5 ft., White
Elevate your gallery or museum experience with this sleek and elegant Gallery Rail System. The white aluminum rail adds a touch of sophistication, effortlessly holding up to 110 lbs. per 6 ft. of stunning masterpieces. This versatile addition to your full system blends seamlessly with its 6.5 ft. length and ultra-thin profile, making it a must-have for any art lover.
Stas Windsor: Victorian-Style Wooden Picture Rail for Art Hanging (47 inches)
Experience the classic elegance of the Stas Windsor picture rail with its smooth and paintable Ayous wood profile sourced from sustainably managed forests. Ideal for art enthusiasts who love hanging multiple prints with ease, this rail comes in perfect condition for easy installation and supports a significant weight capacity. Boasting resistance to warping and splintering due to temperature and humidity changes, the Stas Windsor provides a stylish and sturdy addition to any interior design.
Buyer’s Guide
Picture rails can add a touch of elegance and style to any room in your home. Whether you’re looking to hang a single painting or a gallery wall, picture rails are a great choice for displaying your art. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll cover the important features to consider when purchasing a picture rail and offer some general advice to help you make the best choice for your home.
Styles and Designs
Picture rails come in a wide range of styles and designs, from traditional to modern. Consider the style of the room where you plan to install the picture rail and choose a design that complements the existing decor. Many picture rails are available in various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic, which also affects their overall look and feel. Wooden picture rails provide a warm, natural aesthetic, while metal rails can add a sleek and modern touch.
Material Quality
The material quality of a picture rail can impact its durability and longevity. Look for picture rails made from high-quality materials like solid wood or metal, which can withstand heavy use and wear over time. Avoid picture rails made from low-quality materials, as they may be prone to bending, cracking, or breaking.
Installation
Consider the ease of installation when choosing a picture rail. Some picture rails can be installed with just a few screws, while others require more complex installation methods. Look for picture rails that come with all the necessary hardware and instructions for a seamless installation process. If you’re not confident in your ability to install a picture rail, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.
Cost and Value
Picture rails come in a wide range of price points, so it’s essential to find one that offers good value for your money. Look for picture rails that are well-constructed, made from high-quality materials, and come with a reasonable price tag. Avoid picture rails that are excessively expensive or made from cheap materials that may not last as long as you need them to.
FAQ
What are Picture Rails?
Picture Rails are decorative horizontal rails that offer an aesthetically pleasing way to mount and display artwork, mirrors, and other items on the wall. They come in various materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and are usually fixed to the wall at a certain distance from the floor, creating an elongated focal point.
Picture Rails originally gained popularity in Victorian England, where they were used to separate the upper and lower halves of a room’s wall decor. Nowadays, they’re a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their homes, offices, and other commercial spaces.
How do I measure and install Picture Rails?
To ensure proper installation and placement of Picture Rails, consider the following steps before commencing the process:
- Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom edge of your artwork or mirror. 2) Add a few inches to this measurement (usually around 2-4 inches) to create a hanging gap for your wall decor. 3) Mark this spot on the wall with a pencil, and use a leveler to ensure everything is straight.
Depending on your chosen type of Picture Rails, installation method may vary. For instance, wooden rails can be screwed directly into the wall using wall plugs, while metal rails can require additional brackets or braces for sturdiness. Many Picture Rails also come with pre-drilled holes for easy hanging. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your product to ensure a successful installation.
What types of homes or spaces can benefit from Picture Rails?
Picture Rails can enhance the appeal of many different types of homes or spaces. They are especially popular in traditional or classic properties, such as Victorian or Edwardian buildings, as they complement these architectural styles. However, Picture Rails can also be an excellent addition to modern and contemporary interiors, adding both a decorative and functional touch. They are suitable for a range of settings, including residential homes, offices, galleries, and even public spaces, where wall art and mirrors are displayed.
If you’re unsure whether Picture Rails will fit in with your aesthetic, consider doing a mock-up installation with some painter’s tape or removable adhesive. This can give you an idea of how the rails will look in the space without causing any permanent damage or commitment to the installation process.
What are the different materials available for Picture Rails?
Picture Rails come in a variety of materials, each offering unique aesthetics, durability, and affordability. Woods such as oak, mahogany, or pine are among the most popular and traditional options. These rails have a natural and warm appearance, but may require additional care and maintenance to maintain their finish. Metal Picture Rails, typically made of brass or pewter, are known for their longevity, elegance, and resilience. They’re easy to clean and maintain and offer a sleek, modern look.
Plastic Picture Rails, although the least expensive choice, can provide a decorative and functional solution for those on a budget. They’re lightweight, easy to handle, and often available in various colors to match different interiors. However, they may not offer the same quality or longevity as their wooden or metal counterparts.
Can Picture Rails be custom-made?
Yes, Picture Rails can be custom-made to suit your specific needs and preferences. Many manufacturers and retailers offer custom-made options that allow you to choose the dimensions, materials, and even the design or profile of your rails. By working with skilled artisans or craftsmen, you are able to create the perfect Picture Rail solution for your unique space.
Custom-made Picture Rails can be particularly useful for irregularly shaped walls, custom-designed artwork, or for creating a cohesive and stylish look throughout your home or business. Always communicate your requirements to your chosen supplier or manufacturer and discuss any specific details, such as color match or decorative accents.
Where can I buy Picture Rails and how much can I expect to pay?
Picture Rails can be purchased from various retailers, both online and in-store. Prices can vary depending on the size, material, and complexity of your chosen design. For a simple wooden rail, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per linear foot. For more intricate or custom metal designs, the price range can increase to $100-$200 per linear foot. When shopping for Picture Rails, consider visiting multiple suppliers to ensure you’re getting the best value for money while still maintaining the desired quality and craftsmanship.
For those with specific requirements or unique situations, it may be beneficial to discuss your needs directly with a manufacturer or specialist dealer. They may provide additional cost-saving options and can assist you in choosing the right Picture Rails for your home or business without overspending.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualified purchases!