Decorating your home can be a lot of fun, but it can also trip you up in ways you might not expect.

Decorating your home can be a lot of fun, but it can also trip you up in ways you might not expect. 

Whether you’re shopping for a cozy sofa, picking out artwork for the walls, or trying to find just the right lighting, there are plenty of chances to make choices that don’t look quite right. While most of us are pretty careful to skip over-the-top décor trends or weird lighting setups, there’s one big mistake that comes up way too often: not paying attention to scale and proportion.

According to Linda Hayslett from LH.Designs, “Scale is one of the most misunderstood elements in home decor. But when you get it right, everything in the room just feels right.” 

That’s something worth thinking about. 

Let’s dig into why keeping scale in mind is so important when you’re decorating, and share some tips on avoiding this common pitfall in your own space.

First off, what’s the deal with scale and proportion in home design? 

A lot of folks think that if a room is small, it means all the furniture should be tiny, too. However, according to Delia Kenza Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors, that isn't the case. “People often make the mistake of downsizing everything in a small space. But that throws off the room’s balance and makes the design feel disjointed.” Justin Williams from Trademark Design Co. gives us some perspective on this. He says, “Scale is all about context. Ask 

yourself: What story am I telling in this space? 

What effect would I like it to have?"

Now, let’s get into some practical tips for getting the scale right in your home.

 1. Furniture: Choose the Right Size for the Space  

One of the first things you’ll notice if the scale is off in a room is furniture that just doesn’t fit right. Linda Hayslett points out, “People often end up with a sofa that overwhelms the room or a chair that looks like it belongs in a dollhouse.” Before you add any new furniture, try out pieces from other rooms to see how they flow in the space you’re decorating. Hayslett suggests a great trick: “Take out two small items and replace them with one larger piece that makes a statement. It offers the room breathing space and equilibrium."

2. Artwork: Avoid Tiny Art on Big Walls  

Hanging small pictures on big walls is a common mistake you want to avoid. 

Justin Williams says, “When art is too small, it looks lost and fails to make the desired impact.” Instead of that, think about grouping smaller pieces together in cozy areas like hallways or reading corners. And don’t be shy about using big art in surprising spots.

Williams suggests, “I love placing oversized art in powder rooms. It breaks the rules—but in the best way.” Want a quick tip? Use cardboard or paper cutouts to visualize where your artwork will go before you hang anything up. It saves you the headache of making changes afterward.

3. Rugs: Go Bigger Than You Think  

Choosing a rug that’s too small is a mistake a lot of people make. Gail Davis from Gail Davis Designs says, “I’ve seen living rooms where only the coffee table fits on the rug—it looks like it's floating.” In bedrooms, you’ll want a rug that extends well beyond the bed."You want to step onto a soft rug when you get out of bed—not bare floor," suggests Davis.You can use painter’s tape to outline the size of a rug on your floor to figure out what works best in your space.

4. Curtains: Hang Them Higher to Add Height  

How you hang your curtains can really change how tall or balanced a room feels. 

Linda Hayslett states, “Short curtains in tall rooms throw off the entire look. Instead, hang your curtains close to the ceiling—it draws the eye upward and makes the room feel more open.” She also recommends using taller bookshelves or vertical decor to create that visual height.

The Takeaway: Scale Can Make or Break Your Interior Design

When you nail down the scale and proportion, you can really transform your space in a positive way. From how you set up your furniture to the sizes of your wall art, rugs, and curtains, smart choices matter. As designer Justin Williams says, “Smart adjustments restore balance and enhance both the function and beauty of your home.”

If you’re looking for more tips from design experts, keep an eye on our blog! We’ve got room-by-room guides, helpful design hacks, and all the practical advice you need to make your space feel just right. 

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