Can you picture the lopsided room with lighter weight (and color) shelving on one side and heavy, large furniture on the other? The homeowner had accommodated seating for several, with positions to see the television. But the proportion of the seating and coffee table, coupled with the seating being one massive solid, overpowered the room. That sectional was like trying to fit the movie monster King Kong into the room.

Proportion is the biggest problem I see in our interiors. Don’t be fooled by the size of furniture as it sits in massive furniture store displays, with hundreds of other pieces.

Take the measurements of the piece and compare them with the size of your room. Do not bring King Kong home unless the room can accommodate the monster!

Had our hostess used a lighter looking sofa, with smaller arms and less mass, with a few side chairs (versus fully upholstered lounge chairs), putting one chair at the shelving for balance, the room would have looked infinitely better and been far more flexible. If we can further visualize this furniture in the room, using two small tables rather than 1 large coffee table, we have space between pieces, smaller sizes, and better balance.

Psychologically, we all become uneasy with tilting objects. Don’t let your room tilt!

Proportion and balance contribute much to an enjoyable space.