Principles of Design: Proportion and Scale

Proportion

This olioboard demonstrates bad proportion because the pillows are far too big compared to the bed. The night tables are also far too big for the bed's size as are the flowers on the tables. The lamps are too small compared to the rest of the room's furniture. When these problems are fixed and the room is proportionate it will look much different.

(same room with proper proportions)

Scale

This room is an example of bad scaling. The table and chairs are not to scale with the room itself, because they are too big. The chandelier is also too big for the room. The trees by the window, on the other hand, are too small for the room. The furniture not being the proper size for the room creates a poor overall sense of scale which is a simple fix.

(same room with proper scaling)