Could you paint it the same color as the trim and have a few low key corbels so it feels finished?

Below are a few ideas for you from various designs for our clients. Take note of the sofa table with chairs, bar table and stools, and small table with stools.

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I feel like a drink ledge is usually higher than a chair rail. Both a ledge and a chair rail would look weird. I would remove the chair rail and do a higher ledge with some sort of paneling below, all painted trim color. Like Lyn’s picture.

The best way is removing the chair rail, then adding the drink ledge. If you use a box knife/utility knife to score the chair rail edges where the rail meets the wall, to break the paint and or caulk seal, that chair rail should pop right off with a small pry bar. Protect the wall with a small pice of flat wood as you pull the rail away from the wall and all you'll only have a little spackle/sand/paint to do to clean up the wall. Alternatively, you could paint the chair rail to match the wall color and at least visually it will "go away" maybe enough not to bug you. Then add the ledge.

Just wondering about a ledge’s feasibility so close to the table and subsequently, glasses being knocked by a cue. Ideally 5 feet is needed. Without seeing rest of room, would the idea below work (if there is room). My brother has this set up and it works well for drinks/snacks and as a social area.

This thread is so old. I hope they didn't put up the drink ledge.

I haven’t done the project yet! And I really appreciate the feedback.