Whether your ceilings are low or high, your space is small or spacious, it is important to select and choose furniture that is the appropriate size and scale.
When it comes to furnishing a space, so often one is focused on style and color. But other important aspects needed for a successful space such as size and scale should also play a role.
Why are size and scale important?
Often, furniture selections are made for aesthetic reasons as opposed to considering the critical aspect of how the furniture will “feel” in the space.
In spaces that are large and cavernous, oversized pieces will likely be successful as large furniture selections are essentially needed to help “fill” the room. In general, if your space is oversized, choose pieces that are heavier in nature to help add weight to the room. Selections such as wood and upholstered furniture will be more inviting than transparent surfaces such as glass.
Conversely if you have a small space, you will need to add a sense of spaciousness. Look for furniture selections that are smaller in scale so that the space doesn’t feel overstuffed.
Here are some Design Recipes do’s and don’ts:
Do’s
- Do select furniture that is the low in profile if you have low ceilings. Tall pieces will close the room in and make the ceilings feel even lower.
- Do use light colors versus darker tones in small spaces as lighter colors open a space.
- Do select the proper number of items for your space. Often buying the “set” is not successful; for many people it is simply too much furniture.
- Do have a cohesive color scheme. Tying pieces together using color can help a space feel cohesive as opposed to disjointed.
- Do select furniture and accessories that are timeless as opposed to trendy.
Don’ts
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with high/low. Incorporating pieces that are both tall and low in a space can add interest.
- Don’t use pieces that are tall or have high backs in spaces with low ceilings; instead use pieces that are low in profile.
- Don’t forget the power of mirrors. Mirrors, especially in spaces that don’t get much light, can act as windows.
- Don’t be afraid to use oversized artwork. If you have tall ceilings, oversized artwork hung in twos or even threes can be very effective.
- Don’t overstuff a space. Rooms tend to be most unsuccessful because they are simply overstuffed with too much furniture. Remove the excess.
