Dado

/ˈdɑːdoʊ/ noun

Definition

The lower portion of an interior wall, usually decorated differently from the upper part, or the main body of a classical pedestal.

Etymology

From Italian 'dado' meaning die (as in dice), referring to its cube-like proportions. The term comes from architecture and appears in both building design and classical orders.

Kelly Says

Dados create a practical 'wainscoting' that protects walls from chair damage in dining rooms—this is why historic homes have them—but the name 'dado' actually comes from 'dice' because the wall section is cube-proportioned!

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