Continuing with the series focused on “Principles and Elements of Designing“.
After balance, rhythm, harmony & emphasis the 5th principle in designing is Proportion and Scale.
When you enter a room, do you feel something is off? It could be due to proportion and scale.
In interior design, proportion and scale talks about the relationship between two objects or the objects & the user.
Relation is an important aspect in our life & so it is in design.
Let’s see how?
Scale
In general, scale refers to the relation between two objects.
In particular, where the size of one of the objects is known with certainty.
In architecture & interior design, any design or space is done in comparison with the size of the human body.
For Example,
Door width & height are standardized as per the human size.
Standard table top is maintained at 27″ to 30″ height for easy working.
Basic chair size of 18″x18″ is used to fit an average person.
Television’s center is placed at 45″to 50″ from the floor level. This is at the eye level when one is sitting on a chair or sofa.
So scale is one of the most important factors in selecting furniture.
Based on need, for a specific person or a certain group of people, scale can vary.
Just don’t go by the looks only but choose it; as per the users height & other requirements too.
Look at the example below,
Here, the study table is an important factor while designing kid’s room. Height of table & chair should be as per child’s height. Adjustable heights are the best options while considering kids furniture.
This also helps in maintaining proper posture which is a part of ergonomics
Space & scale
Scale also refers to the size of the object with the available space
Depending on big or small space, one needs to decide the furniture.
If room is big, then bigger furniture pieces will look good & for smaller spaces simple furniture will go well.
Sleek dining table & chairs make the space look open. For further improvement, instead of wood, glass table top would give a feeling of bigger space.
Teaser: In some of the above pics, there could be minor improvements possible. Can you spot them?
Feel free to give feedback & suggestion if any.
This topic doesn’t end here, See you again in part 2…. Proportion & how it is different from scale.