From Oversized TVs to Undersized Rugs: 6 Home Decor Scaling Mistakes to Avoid
Scale is something that can often be overlooked when furnishing a home. Not only can it be impractical to choose something in the wrong size, but it can also look awkward. Below are 6 examples of items in the home that people commonly buy in the wrong size.
TVs
Bigger is not always better when buying a TV. While an 80 inch screen might seem like the best option for a cinematic experience, it is often too large for most regular rooms. This is because you need to be a certain distance away to take in the whole screen. This TV size guide details the recommended viewing distance for each screen size. In a smaller room, a smaller TV could be more practical.
Dining tables
Choosing the perfect sized dining table can be a difficult balancing act. While a larger sized table could allow you to seat more diners, it needs to be able to fit into the room without looking cramped. An eight seater dining table is often enough for most families, while providing some room for guests. Such a table might be inappropriate however if you live alone and rarely have guests over to eat. When it comes to fitting lots of diners into a small space, consider choosing a circular or oval table – it’s often possible to squeeze more chairs around a table that is round.
Rugs
Does your living room rug look like a bathmat? You need to go much bigger. Living room rugs should ideally be wider than your sofa. The sofa should overlap them slightly and if you have a coffee table this should be in the centre of the rug. Similarly, bedroom rugs should be larger than your bed. You can find a rug size guide here.
Sofas
An overly large sofa in a small room can look cramped. Before investing in a large corner sofa, consider whether it’s really appropriate for your living room. The height of a sofa is also important to consider. A low sofa can make a room look taller, which can be an effective illusion in a low-ceilinged room. However, you need to make sure that the TV is level with the sofa – especially in a small room where you could get neck strain.
Houseplants
Looking for a houseplant to place on a table or a windowsill? Be careful of buying a plant that ends up being too big. Some people make the mistake of buying young plants, forgetting that they are still growing. This can result in plants that become an obstruction on a table or that block out all the light from a window. By making sure the plant is fully grown and making sure to prune it back, you can avoid these issues.
Mirrors
When thinking about mirror sizes, you need to consider what you want to be able to see in the mirror and how far you are able to stand back. Need to be able to see your whole reflection from head to toe? A medium sized mirror might not be able to fit your whole reflection in unless you’re able to stand a few feet away – which some rooms don’t allow. It’s for this reason that more people are investing in full size mirrors. These allow you to see your entire outfit without having to stand too far back.