How To Get Your Room Proportions Right In Interior Design

Use proportion to enhance your room’s inherent architectural features. Spaces with prominent chimney breasts, large windows and grand staircases are made successful by pieces which fit them well. Making the most of the grand dimensions of this Notting Hill living room by Katharine Pooley (above), an eye-catching black and white print fills the space above the fireplace simply flanked by two statuesque candlesticks. Also note how the chest of drawers and their vignettes fill the niches on either side of the fireplace perfectly.

"Proportion can alter the way an interior looks and feels and is fundamental to achieving a good design" – Intarya

Wooden and fully upholstered furniture appear visually heavier than glass and metal pieces despite perhaps sharing identical dimensions. Similarly patterns and bold colours are visually heavier than lighter and plain coverings. This elegant seating area by Intarya opts for a solid colour for its smart sofa and walls and introduces patterning through its carpeting, artwork and some upholstery. The table – although solid – offers a weightless appeal thanks to its mirrored finish.

Proportion is all about the relationship between two pieces so dimensions are important. Large spaces work well when balanced with a statement pendant light. For the perfect chandelier width, add the length and width of your room and convert to inches. If your room has exceptionally high ceilings, you can afford to opt for grander dimensions like the chandelier – at 59 inches wide – in this project from Helen Green Design. The rule of thumb for coffee tables is to choose one which is between one half and two thirds of the length of the sofa.

Silhouettes are a major component of successful proportion play. As examples, the silhouettes of this room’s coffee table and statement table lamps are well-proportioned. By using visually light metal structures and a balance of light and dark tones, the designs don’t feel too heavy. Add in to the mix subtly rounded forms and an expertly balanced built-in display unit – think glass and glossy finishes which are also visually light – and the room appears well-balanced.

Whether you’re going for calm and collected or exciting and directional, your proportion choices affect the vibe of your room. Adding an oversized element to a room will always increase drama whilst regular proportions – what’s called human scale – is the easiest way to create a visually and physically comfortable room. This refreshing scheme of uniformly proportioned furniture by Greg Natale is anchored by a large-scale geometric area rug which creates a sense of intimacy in an open space.