Measure for Measure: Part 1

Have you ever wondered how high to hang a chandelier or what size of area rug to purchase?

If so, our crash course on the rules of proportion and placement in interior design is for you .

The rules are based on human ergonomics, so following them not only results in harmonious spaces but also helps avoid mishaps.

LIVING ROOM

Rug

A living room area rug should be large enough that the front legs of all the furniture in a conversation grouping are on the rug. There should be 18inches of flooring between the rug edge and the wall.

Side Tables

The heights and depths of either side or occasional tables varies widely, so a good rule of thumb is to match the height and depth of the sofa's arms as closely as possible.

Coffee Tables

The standard height for coffee tables is from 16 to 18 inches, but may go as high as 21 inches. A higher table is a smart choice if you entertain frequently so that guests don't have to bend too much to set down their drinks. But, ultimately, the height of the adjacent upholstered pieces should determine the height of the table. One guideline is that a coffee table should be about the same height or one or two inches lower than the seat height of the sofa. The length of a coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa (not including arms). The width should be determined by how much room you have between the soft upholstered pieces and the table in your seating arrangement - leave at least 16 inches around each side of the table.

Artwork

Artwork behind a sofa should take up wall space equal to on half to two thirds the sofa's total length. The width of a grouping of works includes the measurements of each piece plus that of the spaces between them. Hang a grouping of pieces with equal space between each frame- two to three inches is best. Ensure that the bottoms of the frames are between eight to twelve inches from the top of the sofa.

BEDROOM

Lamps

If you enjoy reading in bed, choose a bedside lamp that is tall enough so that the bottom of the shade is the same height as your shoulder when you're sitting up in bed. Choose translucent shades so that the light comes through the shade, as well as above and below it, for a soft, romantic mood.

Bedside Tables

The height of the bedside tables should be within a couple of inches of the height of the mattress, which can vary widely depending on the bed frame and the mattress design. Choose tables that have a large enough surface to accommodate a lamp, clock, and a few personal effects, like books, and reading glasses. Place the tables a few inches from the sides of the bed, so that reaching for items on the table is easy but there is sufficient space for bed making.

Look for our "Measure for Measure" part two in next month's newsletter ...

Decor Dilemas

We selected a few common design dilemmas that are often asked of us and thought we would share them with you ...

Q. What is the rule of thumb for hanging drapery rods?

A. They should be about three inches above and beyond the window frame. Be careful about hanging them too high ... when the drapes are open too much wall will be exposed above the window, and the look will be awkward.

Q. How do I determine the right height for hanging a picture on a wall?

A. As a general rule, centre the piece according to average eye level, which is five feet six inches. (If you have cathedral ceilings, you may want to change the rules a bit and hang some pieces a little higher.) The space where the art hangs should also be considered. For example, on a larger wall, smaller picture frames may look best in groupings. If you're creating a photo wall, you may want to mix up the heights of the pictures. These rules are just guidelines, but generally the most common mistake is to hang art too high ... you should look at it, not up to it.

Q. Blinds or Drapery?

A. That depends on your budget, your style, the shape of the window and the amount of light and privacy you need in the room. Generally, the clean look of blinds works well in contemporary spaces, and drapery enhances more traditional looks. But a combination of blinds and framing side panels is also a great look, even in contemporary spaces.

Q. What's the secret to good lighting, and what should be avoided?

A. Lighting should be soft, warm and welcoming. Keep it closer to the perimeter of the room, so it reflects off the walls and/or the ceiling. Dimmer switches are crucial - add them to any overhead lights and pot lights as well. Also use light at different levels by combining table lamps and floor lamps. Avoid any bright, direct downlighting, as it causes heavy shadows and isn't that flattering.

Look for our "Décor Dilemmas" part two in next month's issue ...

Designer Art ... Personalized For You

Want to add a splash of colour or texture to your home?

Each tile is a 5 X 5 canvas (you can customize your size as well) and it is a great and inexpensive way to add "original art" into your home.
Each 5 X 5 canvas retails for $50 and you can choose the colour palette that is right for you.

It is a great idea for smaller unique walls, bathrooms, kids rooms etc.

Arrange the tiles in groups of three, six or nine.Several smaller works of art can pack as powerful a visual impact as a single larger one. The key is to respect the area's proportions.


COME IN AND WORK WITH ONE OF OUR OWN ARTISTS. WE WILL CO-ORDINATE YOUR INTERIOR COLOURS WITH THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF CANVASES TO GET THE PERFECT "DESIGNER ART" FOR YOU!