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 ...