Many principles are used to separate a good room from a great room. Two of those principles are scale and proportion. Have you ever sat on a sofa and the light from the table lamp was glaring in your eyes? Or tried to put your drink on the end table only to find you had to bend over the arm of the chair just to reach the table because it was too low? Scale and proportion are important factors in a well-designed, well-functioning room. Simply put, scale is the size of objects and proportion is the relationship between them.
By definition, scale is comparing the size of objects. Let’s take accent pillows as an example. Many people struggle with mixing patterns. What’s the secret? It’s about mixing scale or sizes of the patterns. In the example below, you will notice there are 4 fabrics. The scale ranges in large to small. In this example, we are also incorporating a large pattern on the area rug. These patterns work together to create a unified design based on their unique patterns and similar color pallets.
Take note of the varying sizes of artwork. To place only 3 small pictures above the sofa would not be appropriate but to mix them into a wall collage that is proportionate to the sofa and wall space makes a beautiful statement.
Image found on Pinterest
Another example of scale and proportion is featured in the below picture. This beautifully designed room is centered around a large-scaled coffee table. The proportion of the coffee table is perfect in the room with the chairs surrounding it. It helps create an inviting conversation space that is appropriately grounded with the coffee table. I especially appreciate the placement of the drapery panels which draw your eye upward. They elongate the space and are proportionate for the height of the room.
Image found on Pinterest
So, how can you achieve appropriate scale and proportion in your own home?
Avoid filling a room with furniture. Keep smaller scale furniture in a small room. My advice is to add height in a small room, not bulk. Steer clear of heavy, overstuffed furniture and bulky tables. Look for taller items that will draw your eye up to exaggerate the height and give the illusion the room is taller than it is. In end tables and coffee tables, consider tables that are on legs and open underneath. This will create an “airy” feeling.
If you choose to do an area rug select the size based on your layout. I, generally, like to advise that all legs of each piece of furniture are under the rug at least 6-12″. This will help anchor your space.
Don’t be afraid to mix shapes and sizes. This will keep your eye moving and add interest to the room.
Make your room cozy. If you have a big room, anchor the furniture on a rug. Avoid the “middle school dance” with all furniture placed against walls. Floating furniture is an easy way to create an inviting environment.
Let’s discuss the room below and offer some advice on how scale and proportion to add a designer touch to the space.
Found on HGTV
1. Consider a larger rug: at least a 10’x 10′
2. Place the sofa on the right side of the picture perpendicular to the sofa against the wall on the left side so it is floating in the room. Place a console table behind the floating sofa.
3. Move the coffee table that is under the window to the center of the room in front of the sofas.
4. Consider stationary drapery panels that will mount near the ceiling and will “kiss” the floor.
5. Add larger scale artwork on either side of the newly introduced media cabinet.
6. Add large artwork above the sofa on the wall.
Space planning and rendering by Sauder Furniture and Design Studio
As designers, we are trained to recognize appropriate scale and proportion. We understand the impact it will have on your individual happiness in a room. A designers trained eye can quickly transform your space following the basic principles of rhythm and harmony, balance and symmetry, and scale and proportion.
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