Are there guidelines to placing things correctly in your home like hanging pictures, chandeliers or placing a floral arrangement on the dining room table? You bet- Here’s some advice from professionals to help you make every room look functional, balanced and fabulous.
1. Hanging Artwork
Above a sofa: Hang 6 (15cm) to 9 inches (23cm) above the top of the sofa. The size of the artwork (or grouping) should be about two-thirds or the width of the sofa.
Above a mantle or console: Hang 4 (10cm) to 12 inches above, depending on the height of the furnishing. If the mantle is 4 feet or taller, then hang art 4 to 6 inches above. If the artwork or mirror is taller than 3 feet, lean it on the mantle or console for a casual effect.
In a hallway, on a landing or on a blank wall: The centre of the picture/artwork should be hung about 60-66 inches from the floor. In sitting areas pictures can be hung a little lower so that when in a sitting position, the picture is at eye level.
Extra high ceilings such as a foyer or loft: Move the artwork up 3 to 4 inches in order to take advantage of the extra height and proportions of the space. If the width is larger as well, a larger piece will look more appealing in relation to the wall size.
Up a stairwell: Follow the same rule as for hanging art on a blank wall, except measure 60-66 inches up every third step, forming a diagonal line that the middle of the artwork will follow.
Picture groupings: Many small framed photos (preferably all with the same colour frames) have the same impact as a single large piece of artwork. Start with the largest frame in the middle of the wall and surround it with the next largest frames; hang the smallest ones on the outer edges. Position the pieces no more than 5-6 inches apart so they don’t look disconnected. This is an attractive way to display old family photos or a collection of like items for big impact in a room, hallway or office.
2. Place Lighting
Chandelier: In a room with an 8 foot ceiling, the chandelier should hang 30 inches above the table. Each foot that the ceiling is higher, raise it 3 inches.
Table Lamp: In the living room- lamps on side or end tables next to a sofa or chair- make sure the bottom of the shade is at eye level when you are sitting, or 40 to 42 inches from the floor. If it’s higher, you’ll end up getting glare from the bulb. If it’s too low, the light will be inadequate for reading.
On a sofa table behind a sofa, the same eye-level rule applies. Because sofa tables are higher than side table it may be more practical to use a larger lamp for general lighting, or smaller accent lights like a candlestick style.
When you’re sitting at a desk doing work, again, the bottom of your lamp’s shade should be at eye level.
When sitting up in bed reading, the bottom of the lampshade should be even with your shoulder, or about 20 inches from the top of your bed. If your lamps are the only source of light in the room, and you don’t use it for reading, you can get away with taller lamps.
Floor Lamp: The distance from the floor lamp to a book you’re reading should be 20 inches (50cm). Also, when sitting in a chair (same situation as sitting on the sofa beside a table lamp) the bottom of the shade should be at eye level. If the lamp is too tall, move it back about 10 inches (25cm) behind your shoulder to change the angle of glare.
Wall sconce: With 8 or 9 foot ceilings sconces should be installed between 51/2 and 6 feet high respectively- measured from the floor to the centre of the fixture. In a hall the shade is best focused down to light the floor.
3. Television Position
To determine the proper distance between your television and the viewer, take the measurement of the TV diagonally and multiply it by 3 and divide by 12. For example, the ideal distance from a 40 inch TV is 10 feet.
4. Area Rugs
The rug should be large enough in the room to be able to snug under the front legs of the furniture by 3 inches or more.
5. Flowers
Flowers in a tall arrangement should be two times the height of the urn. Centerpiece arrangements should be 2 inches below eye level.
6. Dining Table
The distance between the wall and the dining room table should be no less than 3 feet and every person at the table should have 24 to 30 inches of table space. Area rugs should extend two feet outside the perimeter of the dining table; this allows the front chair legs to remain on the rug when pulled out.
7. Hanging Drapes
The drapery rod should be mounted at least 2 inches above the window. The rod should extend 6 to 12 inches on either side of the window.
Applying these design tips will make a huge difference in the look, feel and function of your home. Use them the next time you decorate or take aim at a room that needs help.