Whether you’re designing a nursery for your newborn, moving into a new home, or simply refreshing the look of your living room, one of the most important elements to consider when decorating is scale.
Furniture that fits the size and shape of its intended space will make any area appear balanced and inviting – while oversized furniture pieces can overwhelm both small rooms as well as their inhabitants.
Read on how to scale furniture in a room and we’ll show you how to successfully select pieces that complement one another and blend seamlessly with their environment!
Necessary Materials
- Tape Measure
- Notepad and Pencil
- Measuring Stool or Chair
Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Scale Furniture in a Room
Step 1: Measure the Room
Using a tape measure, take the following measurements:
- Width and Length of the Room.
- Distance From Each Wall to the Threshold (or the Doorway).
- Ceiling Height.
Once you’ve measured each wall, jot down all your findings in your notepad.
Step 2: Assess which Furniture Pieces You Already Own
Take a look at the furniture pieces that are already in the room and decide which ones you would like to keep and which ones you’ll need to replace. This will help narrow down the selection of new pieces when it comes time to furnish your space.
It’s also important to consider furniture that can be used in more than one way; for example, a coffee table or bench can double as additional seating.
Step 3: Calculate the Ideal Space
To determine how much floor space each piece should occupy, use this formula:
Total Room Length x Total Room Width = Ideal Space
Subtract Doorway measurements from the total room measurements to calculate the available space. Then, divide this number by the number of furniture pieces needed. The resulting figure will be the ideal size for each piece in your room.
Step 4: Select Appropriately Sized Pieces
When shopping for furniture, be sure to look for pieces that are the right size. Measure each piece before you buy it and compare it with your notes in order to ensure that it’ll fit into your desired room size.
You should also pay special attention to any furniture with arms or legs, as these can easily overpower a small room if they’re too large. It’s also important to consider the traffic patterns in your room; larger furniture pieces can impede movement if they’re placed improperly.
Step 5: Use Visual Cues to Determine Proper Size
When selecting a piece of furniture, try using visual cues to help determine which size is appropriate. If you’re looking for a sofa, try placing an area rug in the area where it will be placed and then measure the area. This will provide you with a good starting point for finding the right-sized piece of furniture.
Step 6: Balance Out Furniture Placement
When arranging furniture, try to place the larger pieces first and then fill them in with smaller items. This will create a balanced look that is pleasing to the eye. You should also try to keep the largest piece in the center of the room and balance it with smaller pieces on either side.
It’s also a good idea to position furniture away from walls, as this will create an illusion of space. But make sure that you don’t leave too much negative space; it should be filled in with smaller items.
Step 7: Leave Space for Movement
When placing your furniture, be sure to leave at least 18”-24” between them so that people can move freely around the room. If you’re working with a small space, use smaller furniture pieces to maximize the area.
If you’re working with a larger area, use pieces that are proportionally sized to make the most of the space. But keep in mind that the furniture should not dominate the area; it should blend into its surroundings.
Step 8: Consider Proportions
When selecting furniture, consider not only their size but also their proportions in relation to each other. A loveseat may be the perfect size for your room but if it’s shorter than your sofa, the two pieces may look out of proportion with one another. However, if the loveseat is proportionally equal to or taller than your sofa, the two pieces will look perfectly in sync.
Step 9: Don’t Overcrowd
When arranging furniture, remember that less is more! If you have too much furniture in a room, it can become cluttered and overwhelming. Try to stick to just a few staple pieces such as sofas, chairs, and tables. It’s also a good idea to leave some negative space between furniture pieces; the room will appear more open and inviting.
Step 10: Use Accent Pieces to Fill in Gaps
If you still have a few empty spots in your room that need to be filled in, try using accent pieces such as an ottoman, throw pillows, or area rugs. These items can be used to tie the entire space together without taking up too much floor space.
Although these pieces may not be the focal point of your room, they can still create a sense of unity in the space. It’s also important to choose accent pieces that are in proportion with your larger furniture pieces.
Step 11: Re-Evaluate Your Work
Once you’ve arranged all the furniture in your room, take a step back and look at the finished product. Is it balanced? Does everything fit comfortably within the room? If not, make any necessary adjustments until you’re satisfied with the result. Always keep in mind the steps outlined in this article and you’ll soon be able to successfully scale furniture for any room!
By following these 11 guidelines on how to scale furniture in a room, furniture-scaling your room will be easy and enjoyable! You’ll soon have a space that looks properly scaled and is also inviting for family and guests alike. So get out your measuring tape, gather up those ideas and let’s start scaling those furniture pieces today!
Tips to Remember
- Measure the Room, Furniture Pieces and Doorway Before You Begin.
- Use Visual Cues to Help Determine Which Sizes Are Appropriate for Each Piece.
- Place Larger Items First Then Fill in With Smaller Items.
- Leave Space Between Furniture Pieces for Movement.
- Consider the Proportions of Each Furniture Piece Relative to One Another.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Room – Keep It Minimal.
- Use Accent Pieces to Tie the Entire Space Together.
- Reevaluate Your Work Before You Call It Finished!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Type of Furniture Should I Use in a Small Room?
A1: When selecting furniture for a small room, opt for pieces that fit the scale of the space. Look for items that are smaller in size and/or multi-functional, such as ottomans with hidden storage or sofa beds.
Q2: How Can I Make a Room Look Bigger?
A2: To make a room look bigger, select furniture pieces that are appropriately scaled and use light-colored paint on the walls. Strategically place mirrors to create an illusion of depth and use wall decor sparingly as too many items can make a room feel cluttered.
Q3: How Should I Arrange Furniture in an Oddly Shaped Room?
A3: To arrange furniture in an oddly shaped room, start by placing the largest piece in the center of the space and then work your way outwards using smaller pieces. Be sure to leave enough space between each item for movement, and use accent pieces such as area rugs to tie the entire look together.
Q4: What is the Best Way to Scale Furniture in a Room?
A4: The best way to scale furniture in a room is to measure each wall, assess which pieces you already own, calculate the idea space, select appropriately-sized pieces, use visual cues to determine proper size, balance out furniture placement, leave space for movement, consider proportions, don’t overcrowd and use accent pieces to fill in gaps. Finally, reevaluate your work before you call it finished!
Conclusion
Being able to accurately scale furniture in your room can be a great way to elevate your interior design. You can use the tips we have provided today — measuring, calculating space ratios based on the size of objects, and being aware of user experiences — as an effective guide to quickly scale furniture in any room.
To keep things unique and interesting every now and then, you might want to play around with sizes that don’t fit into the traditional ratio wheel. Finally, use your creativity and personal preferences when it comes to scaling because that unique touch can make your space unforgettable and truly representative of who you are at heart.
With these tips on how to scale furniture in a room in mind, you should have no problem scaling furniture to design any room in style!
