Learn how to use scale and proportion in interior design in 10 easy-to-follow steps. From placing your furniture to create zones, master scale and proportion like a pro.
Scale and Proportion
Scale and proportion are one of the key principles of interior design – along with colour, balance and rhythm and repetition. Like a good photo, we recognise when the scale and proportion of a setting works. However, creating this yourself can be difficult.
Scale
Scale refers to the size of one object in relation to another and how well your pieces fit to your space in general.
Generally in interior design, scale refers to the size of objects in relation to the human body and the size of objects in relation to the room. For example, why is a door measurement standard worldwide? Because it is scaled to the general height and breadth of the human body. Why does an oversized sofa not complement a small room? Because it is not to scale.
Proportion
Proportion refers to how well pieces fit together and the general relationship in size between objects.
Generally in interior design, proportion refers to how two objects relate to one another in a room. For example, a general rule when hanging art above furniture is that the art should be around two thirds the width of the item below it.
Scale and Proportion in 10 steps
1. Scale in relation to the principal furnishing item
The principal furnishing item in your room sets the foundation for the scale of other furnishings in relation to it. For example, a huge plump sofa will look odd next to a spindly chair.
2. Apply architectural detailing
The eye is naturally drawn to architectural details which classically frame and delineate certain parts of a room – a dado at waist level or coving at ceiling height. For example, in a low ceilinged room, installing a low dado can add vertical emphasis, helping balance out the scale. Often fireplaces are used to help set the proportions of other pieces of furniture around it.
3. Group items using the ‘rule of thirds’
The rule of thirds is a great rule to follow when delineating space and grouping items in a room as it helps add balance, flow and unity. Unless going for perfect symmetry such as two lamps on either side of a console table, stick to odd-numbered groupings and vary the heights and sizes to add interest.
4. Create zones using the ‘rule of thirds’
Zoning refers to separating areas according to their function. To add flow, cohesion and visual interest when applying zoning, divide the room into two zones – one that takes up two-thirds of space and the other one third. The bigger section should be allocated to the room’s primary function and the smaller, the secondary. A typical example might be a bedroom-cum-study.
5. Hang pictures in proportion to furniture
When hanging pictures above furniture – whether a table or sofa, make sure the width of the picture or pictures is no more than that of the item position below it. Another rule when hanging wall art is that it should take up just under 60% of the wall space it occupies.
6. Ground the room
A typical design practice is to use low furniture, like coffee tables and rugs to help ground a room and add interest to height – emphasising the vertical. As a rule, coffee tables should be roughly two-thirds the height of the sofa they are matched to. With rugs, opt for large – so that they sit under the front legs of the furniture.
7. Repeat proportions
Repeating the proportions of one object elsewhere in a room can add cohesion and harmony. For example, if the paneling below the dado uses square panels. You could use a similar proportioned (but smaller) square picture frame above it on the frieze.
8. Scale to height
This should go without saying but higher ceilings call for taller pieces of furniture and lower ceilings shorter furniture. For example, a wardrobe so tall that it covers your coving with no ‘white space’ is only going to emphasise how low the ceiling is. For sitting rooms, low seating sofas naturally suit lower ceilings. Scale to height and your rooms will appear larger and more airy.
9. Scale patterns to size
Similar to height, the patterns used in a room should be to scale with its dimensions. A small room should use smaller prints and a larger room vice versa. Using a lot of large print in a small room just emphasises the room’s small proportions. When using a larger pattern in a small room use it sparingly, balanced with white space. For example, a cushion would be ideal.
10. Include white space
A room needs to breathe. The Victorians were fond of ‘cosy clutter’ but it is not suited to contemporary living. Making sure you have enough white space in a room helps emphasise the important features and furniture. Covering every square inch of a room throws all scale and proportion out the window. The eye needs a rest – this is why, for example, a picture should take up no more than 60% of the wall space it’s on.