Decorating a space is quite an undertaking. Besides locating suitable furniture and decorations that match both your taste and finances, you likely also aim to
avoid common design blunders
. Mounting artwork too high up, making subpar lighting decisions, and excessively following fleeting trends are some instances that might spring to mind.
However, there is another significant error that experts claim many individuals frequently commit: neglecting scale.
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“Properly managing scale is a design element many individuals frequently mishandle; however, when executed correctly, the whole space suddenly falls into place,” asserts designer Linda Hayslett.
LH.Designs
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“People often believe that a compact area necessitates diminutive furnishings, but this is typically not the appropriate strategy,” explains Delia Kenza Brennen.
Delia Kenza Interiors
“The incorrect scale is a clear indicator of a badly designed space,” according to Delia Kenza Brennen.
Delia Kenza Interiors
.
“Problems with scale frequently arise due to neglecting proportionality and context,” according to designer Justin Williams.
Trademark Design Co.
The main factor here is context. What narrative do you wish to convey in this area? What effect are you aiming to achieve?
Below are some guidelines to help you maintain the proper sense of scale in any space effectively:
Furniture
Avoiding furniture that is either too petite or overly massive for your area is crucial because it significantly affects the room’s aesthetic allure. As Hayslett points out, “The couch might make the space feel cramped, or an armchair could look minuscule.” Her tip: Temporarily place a chair, ottoman, or side table from another part of your home into the spot you’re considering to get a sense of proportion prior to purchasing something new.
She similarly motivates her clients to take away two items of furniture from a space and opt for a larger piece that creates a strong impression. “This introduces more open area and equilibrium,” says Hayslett.
Artwork
Williams points out that individuals frequently place diminutive artworks on expansive, bare walls. He clarifies, “Artwork that is undersized relative to the wall space can appear misplaced and unimportant, not achieving the desired effect.” Instead, consider relocating these smaller items to less spacious areas within your dwelling. As Williams suggests, “These smaller art pieces could either be clustered together or positioned in snugger spots such as corridors or cozy reading corners.”
One of her favorite techniques involves installing large-scale artwork in powder rooms. She believes this goes against conventional advice but notes that it creates a significant effect in compact areas. This approach, which she refers to as her “happy mistake,” consistently yields excellent outcomes.
Hayslett suggests using the paper trick for precise artwork placement. She recommends cutting out shapes from paper, cardboard, or boxes to represent the desired dimensions. This technique allows you to visualize the actual size at full scale, making it simpler to choose the perfect piece or combination of pieces. According to her, this approach is more effective than using painter’s tape since it clearly defines the edges without causing confusion about their exact location. By employing this method, one gains a clearer understanding of how the final arrangement will look.
Rugs
Gail Davis of
Gail Davis Designs
feels annoyed when a carpet doesn’t fit the area properly: “I’ve noticed in a living room scenario where the coffee table seems to be the sole object on top of the rug. It looks isolated as though it’s floating alone. Anyone seated would have to stand up and move towards the coffee table every time they want to put their drink down.”
Davis also prefers bedroom rugs to be quite large. She mentions, “In my latest visit to a new client’s main room, the rug barely fits beneath the bed.” Davis adds, “When I get out of bed, I like to feel the luxury of walking on a plush rug that feels wonderful underfoot.”
If you’re still unsure about selecting the appropriate size and often opt for placing a smaller rug in an expansive area, Hayslett advises using painter’s tape. She suggests, “Use painter’s tape to outline the shape of your items.” This method aids in visualizing where everything will fit best and how they’ll flow together spatially. Additionally, you could draft a simple floor layout and create paper models of your furniture to test various arrangements. As she notes, this approach may be old-school but remains quite practical.
Curtains
Hayslett’s main tip on hanging curtains to create a polished look? “A lot of scale issues happen vertically, like short curtains or short bookcases in tall rooms,” Hayslett says. “To fix it, hang curtains closer to the ceiling and use taller pieces to draw the eye up. It immediately elevates the room, literally and visually.”
Selecting suitable furniture based on a room’s dimensions as well as positioning drapes at the correct height plays a crucial role in determining whether a space will be successful or not. As Williams points out, “Carefully adjusting elements doesn’t just bring back equilibrium; it also boosts the aesthetic coherence and practicality of your living area.”
