It is more likely that there was a picture rail, you can still see the division at the top of the wall between past and present. It is also possible that they had both, but as it doesn't occur in any other room, i'd say that's unlikely.

Its possible the dado is original but I think its more likely to be a later addition done when the fireplace was put in. The profile looks too complex and chunky to be in keeping with the 20's.

As Man about the house says its likely there was a picture rail and from shadowing you've uncovered I think there was also deco inspired wall trim which probably accompanied a deco tiled fireplace that echoed the shape.

I have a booklet from when the 20's and 30's homes in my area were built and it has a page of artists impressions of the interior which shows how both picture rail and panel trim.

I think it was more likely to have been picture rails, I think dado rails were later.

Sandra Boyce

Bill Boyce Decorators