How to choose furniture that’s the right size and scale for your home

Whether your ceilings are low or high, your space is small or spacious, it is important to select furniture that is the appropriate size and scale.

When it comes to furnishing a space, so often one is focused on style and color. But other important aspects needed for a successful space such as size and scale should also play a role.

Often, furniture selections are made for aesthetic reasons as opposed to considering the critical aspect of how the furniture will “feel” in the space.

In spaces that are large and cavernous, oversized pieces will likely be successful, as large furniture selections are essentially needed to help “fill” the room. In general, if your space is oversized, choose pieces that are heavier in nature to help add weight to the room. Selections such as wood and upholstered furniture will be more inviting than transparent surfaces such as glass.

Conversely, if you have a small space, you will need to add a sense of spaciousness so the space doesn’t feel closed in. Look for furniture selections that are smaller in scale so that the space doesn’t feel overstuffed.

When looking to select furniture of the appropriate size and scale, here are some Design Recipes do’s and don’ts:

Do select furniture that is low in profile if you have low ceilings. Tall pieces will close the room in and make the ceilings feel even lower.

Do use light colors vs. darker tones in small spaces, as lighter colors open a space.

Do select the proper number of items for your space. Often buying the “set” is not successful; for many people it is simply too much furniture.

Do have a cohesive color scheme. Tying pieces together using color can help a space feel cohesive as opposed to disjointed.

Do select furniture and accessories that are timeless as opposed to trendy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with high/low. Incorporating tall and low pieces in a space can add interest.

Don’t use pieces that are tall or have high backs in spaces with low ceilings; instead use pieces that are low in profile. A simple trick such as removing back cushions off a sofa or swapping out tall furniture feet for those lower in profile can help.

Don’t forget the power of mirrors. Mirrors, especially in spaces that don’t get much light, can act as windows.

Don’t be afraid to use oversized artwork. If you have tall ceilings, oversized artwork hung in twos or even threes can be very effective.

Don’t overstuff a space. Rooms tend to be most unsuccessful because they are simply overstuffed with too much furniture. Remove the excess.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.