Number six on the list of design principles is
Proportion, which says it is “the feeling of unity created when all parts –
sizes, amounts, or number – relate well with each other.” This principle of design draws on some old
staple rules of home decorating that still ring true today.
When hanging pictures or other artwork, odd numbers
look more cohesive, with three and five being the most popular collection
numbers. Occasional seating chairs
usually come in twos, providing a nice balance alongside a sofa or
fireplace. What is hung over a fireplace
mantel is usually large, such as a sizeable mirror or portrait, as it
compliments the size and opening of the fireplace itself. A lighting fixture over a dining table will
likely be larger than other lights in the home because it is in proportion to
the size of the table arrangement. On
the other hand, lights over a kitchen bar can be slender pendant styles to
coordinate with the individual bar chairs.
What you hang above a bed’s headboard should not be too small, as the
bed’s size would overpower it. Instead,
a large mirror or framed art, or a series of small to medium-sized framed or
canvas pieces together works with the largest item in the room instead.
Tabletop and shelf decorations need proportion as
well to look pulled together. You would
not place a floral arrangement alongside a lamp if they were the same overall
height and size. But a short, compact
vase of flowers beside a taller lamp with a broad shade would couple well
together. A tiny coffee table in front
of a large couch is going to look too off balance, but pair a substantial table
or upholstered ottoman with your sofa, and it adds to the warmth and inviting
feeling of your setup. Consider a
similar plan for pillows on your seating arrangement. The mixing of shapes and heights of throw
pillows can fill in and add more dimension to any sofa.
Vary the size and number of items in a furniture
arrangement or decor display for a cohesive appearance. It is how you compile pieces together that
gives a space a unity that builds the right proportions with visually appealing
elements. With the goal of creating
rooms that look polished with a professional touch, focusing on proportion can
give you a sizeable advantage in the design department.
