One of the most overlooked aspects of interior design is the use of proportions. Many people are reluctant to play around with proportions in furniture and decor within a space, fearing that they might create a cluttered or unbalanced look. However, proportions can make a huge difference in the visual appeal and functionality of a room.
A common mistake that people make by not using this concept is to choose furniture and decor that are too small or too similar in size for the space. For example, a tiny coffee table in a large living room, or a row of identical picture frames on a long wall. This can make the room look boring, cramped, or disproportionate.
Another common mistake that people make is choosing furniture and decor that are all the same size or scale. For example, a living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and two armchairs that are all the same height and width can look flat and uninspiring. Similarly, a bedroom with a bed, two nightstands, and two lamps that are all the same size can look dull and predictable.
To avoid this, you must tap into the Superpowers of Proportions...it is important to vary the size and scale of furniture and decor in a room, including lighting and wall art. By mixing different proportions, you can create contrast, interest, and harmony in your space. For example, you can pair a large sofa with a small side table, or a tall floor lamp with a low ottoman. You can also use wall art of different sizes and shapes to fill up empty spaces and create focal points.
Here are three tips to using proportions in your next decorating project. You can visit our previous blog posts to learn more about these recommendations.
- Use the 60-30-10 rule. This is a classic guideline that suggests dividing your room into three color zones: 60% for the dominant color, 30% for the secondary color, and 10% for the accent color. You can apply this rule to proportions as well, using 60% large pieces, 30% medium pieces, and 10% small pieces in your room.
- Use the golden ratio. This is a mathematical principle that states that the most aesthetically pleasing proportion is 1:1.618. You can use this ratio to create balance and harmony in your room by dividing your space into two sections: one that is 1 unit long and one that is 1.618 units long. For example, you can place your sofa along the longer wall and your coffee table along the shorter wall.
- Use odd numbers. This is a simple trick that can make your room look more dynamic and interesting. Odd numbers tend to create more visual interest than even numbers because they are more asymmetrical and unpredictable. You can use odd numbers to group furniture and decor in your room, such as using three throw pillows on your sofa instead of two or using five frames on your gallery wall instead of four.