Size Does Matter! Scale and Proportion.

In Interior Design, there are many keywords which we'll use often to describe or apply a design.  Words like scale, proportion, size, balance, harmony, cohesive, flow, etc.  These words play a huge role in how a design comes together.  If you can't use these words to describe a design, then it's probably lacking and therefore, needs to be corrected.

There are fundamentals in the design process which need to be a part of the design in order for the design to feel complete.  A well-executed design will have such fundamentals.     

Today we'll go over a few example of how these words come to play in the design process, and we'll also see how the lack of or the elimination of affects the final design.

Here's a perfect example of how the scale of two pieces can complement each other when considering the space they are in.  Why does it work so well?  The length of the bench complements the width of the mirror creating balance.  Also, they are in a room that is bright and airy and clutter free.  

Picture: Amber Interiors

Here's an example of a space where the balance and proportion are thrown off creating an awkward look.  

If you're going to have a coffee table it should be the same height as the sofa.  In this case, I'm not sure this is a sofa - it appears to be a multipurpose sofa/daybed.  However, the coffee table is too low and you have to bend too far down to place something on it.  

Here's an example of the complete opposite.  Beautiful doesn't always mean perfect.

Coffee table is way too tall for the setting.

What a gorgeous room!  It is almost perfect in every aspect except for the big eyesore in the middle.  That table is way too tall for the setting.  Although it complements the design and the setting and is styled beautifully, it interferes making it difficult for the people in this conversation area to see each other.  A lower height cocktail table would perfect the space.

Here is a conversation area executed perfectly.  

Perfect conversation area!
static.squarespace.com

I can't take credit for this, but I am in love with everything in this picture.  The scale of the ottoman-style coffee table is perfectly proportioned to the size of the chairs.  Notice,  although the chairs vary in height and style, the dimensions and width and the complementing fabrics and color harmonize so well that it does not take away from the design and setting.

Tell me what is wrong with this next one?

A cute room for sure, but, Oh!  That thing in the middle!  While I think it's great to find a new purpose for old things to bring charm to a room, I believe they also need to be functional.  Okay, so it's sort of functional.  The scale of this "thing in the middle" is absurdly too small.  Now, I'm not here to criticize, I'm here to help you make your space functional and stylish without the absurdity of repurposing (formerly known as improvising) incorrectly.  And don't get me started on the scattered chairs and random things.  Extra seating is always great but make sure they are equal in "weight" to the other furniture and also, well placed to create a cohesive space.  

Scale and proportion also play a role not only in design but also in function.  

This table is really nice and appears to go great with the design of the room and the colors.  However, the height is too small.  Imagine trying to reach over to put your drink on the table.  There's a good chance that if you're not paying attention you're going to spill it.  The same is possible when trying to retrieve it as you're likely to bump it on the arm of the sofa.  And because the table is too small the lamp also looks disproportioned.  You won't benefit from the light of the lamp since it's too low.  If the table was taller then the lamp will look well proportioned too.

Finally, here is a wonderful example of scale and proportion.

A well-executed vignette

Everything in this vignette is perfect.  The mirrors fill out in the same width as the desk (proportion); the tall lamp is well balanced by the small flower vase and is a perfect size for the desk (proportion); the camera stacked on the books is well-balanced by the frame behind it, which also serves as an additional layer (I love layers!); and finally, the white rocks (displayed in odd numbers - always use odd numbers) contrast the color of the desk, frames, and lamp, but coordinate perfectly with the books, flowers, and mats on the frames.  Everything harmonizes so beautifully!

So many wonderful design elements were used in this vignette alone.  And, that's how a well-designed space should be.  Everything in the room should have a fundamental design element to it.  That doesn't mean that you have to be strategic about every item in the room, but when you use your fundamentals you will execute a design just like the pros.

Don't let yourself be too impulsive when putting a room together.  As much as you may love a piece of furniture or artwork, if it doesn't harmonize with everything else, if it isn't cohesive, if the scale or proportion is absurdly in contrast to the other pieces in the room, stay away from it.  Sometimes we're in such a rush to put a space together that we overlook details and let our impulses take over.  The best designed spaces aren't put together in one day or in one shopping trip.  A good space evolves over time.  

Now that you understand some of the design elements a little better, go ahead and find a space in your home that you can apply what you have learned.  Take a before and after shot and compare them.  In fact, feel free to comment and share them with me.

P.S. A little secret of mine is to look at a room through the camera lens.  I may think it looks wonderful but once I look at it through the camera lens, I can see what needs to be changed.  If it looks good through the camera then it's probably right.

Here's a little extra eye candy.  Look at the way these rooms use balance, proportion, scale, flow, etc.

Picture: buyerselect.com 

Picture: bassettfurniture.com

Picture: Pinterest (couldn't find original source)

Picture: Pinterest

               

*Disclaimer: none of these images are my own.  Opinions are all mine.  I have done my best to give credit to the image sources as I have found them.  

Coffee Table Talk

Creating a cozy feeling in your home has a lot to do with how you style it.  Styling your home doesn't have much to do with furniture selections as it does with all the little things that bring it together.

The living room is often the first room in your home that people will see.  Therefore, this room should be the most welcoming and feel the coziest.  It shouldn't feel cluttered and it shouldn't feel empty.

Most living rooms don't have a focal point, such as a fireplace.  However, you can create a focal point with what you do have.  The coffee table, for example, can serve as a focal point.  If you don't have a fireplace and you don't have room for a coffee table then you can use your walls.  On today's post, we'll be talking about the coffee table.

First let me give you some tips.  

The coffee table you choose should be about the same size of your sofa. If you have a long sofa, your coffee table should be about as long, minus a few inches.  The table height should be no taller than the top of your sofa seat cushions, or too low either.  If you have a long sofa and can't find the right size, work with two smaller ones that fit within the length of your sofa or try nesting tables that will allow you to extend. If you have a sectional, nesting tables will pair up really nicely because you can change the orientation of the tables to mimic the sectional.  A round coffee table might also work well with a sectional. 

With so many styles to choose from, which do you choose?  That depends on your style.  Do you want classy contemporary, luxurious, rustic, modern, or traditional?  Below are some examples.

A standard of 18" of space between the sofa and coffee table is recommended.  The table will be neither too far or too close.  

So how do you make the coffee table your focal point?  It's all in how you style it.  There are some basic accessories you should look for.  

- Natural or organic:  An organic element would be something like a seashell, driftwood sculpture, a mineral rock, or flowers.  You can never go wrong with flowers.  Flowers are easy to change with the seasons giving your room a more natural and fresh look.

- Books or magazines:  You can have a stylish look and keep your visitors entertained.  Look for books with covers that have coordinating colors - colors that match your decor.  Design books or architectural books are a good choice.  Magazines often have seasonal images on the cover - these will work great too.

- Candles: Nothing pulls a room together like candles!  A simple item, yet with so many color options, it's a great add-on to the table.  Group them in odd numbers on a tray or mixed with potpourri, sand, or rocks, or simply style them alone.  You can use candle holders, just be sure to keep them short.  Get creative with the candle holders.  Mix and match or repurpose something from around the house.  

- Tray: Use a tray to help organize a collection of random items you want to display, like the candles, or a bowl, a figurine or coasters.  Play around with them.  

It is important to keep it simple.  A cluttered table is unappealing and reduces the function of the coffee table if you are hosting.  If you're using flowers be sure to keep them short.  You don't want anything blocking your view.  The same goes for all other items, keep them low.   

One more trick to remember is to mix styles, shapes, colors, finishes and numbers - odd numbers always work best!

Okay, so I've gathered up some examples of different styles of coffee tables.  Which one is your favorite?  Mine is rustic, but I also swoon over glass, gold or brassy ones.

Transitional Wood Table

The transitional wood table: While the table matches the rest of the furniture perfectly, it is too small.  Also, it is too far apart from all of the furniture.  Pulled closer to one side will make the room feel more cohesive.

Geometric Brass Table

The geometric brass table: This table is perfect!  Perfect for the size of the sofa, and complements the decor in the space extremely well.  It's almost a statement piece all its own.


#flowers #organic #books #geometric #brass #glass

Tufted Ottoman
Image property of: Jay Jeffers

The tufted ottoman: This is one of my favorites.  I love tufted ottomans in any shape.  They are very versatile complementing both casual and luxury designs.


#trays #books #tufted

Rustic coffee table

The rustic table: This one is one of the most popular styles of coffee tables.  Probably because of it's natural and neutral beauty, but also because it's the easiest to customize.


#books #candles #rustic

Industrial coffee table

The industrial coffee table: Another versatile table style.  With a mix of wood and metal, it too can be customizable.


#rustic #industrial #books

Nesting tables

The nesting tables:  Another favorite of mine.  I love the look of layers and the option to play with the orientation of the tables.  This style of table is perfect if you have a sectional, especially an extra long one.



#nestingtable #organic

Glass coffee table

The glass coffee table:  A thing of beauty she is!  If you don't like the heavy look of a wooden or solid metal coffee table, this is a great option for you.  It allows the room to look airy and uncluttered even when styled as elegantly as this one.  And with the option to choose different metal finishes you're bound to find one you love.


#glass #flowers #books #candles #organic #chic










Well, we certainly have a lot of options in table styles.  And if you look at the details of each image you'll also find lots of great ideas on how to style them.  There is no perfect way.  The only way to correctly style a table is to do it with all the things that make it perfect for you.  

So, which is your favorite?  If you can, would you share a picture of your coffee table and how you styled it?



*Disclaimer:  The images on this blog have been accredited to the website in which I found them, they are not my own.