Scale and Form

What does scale refer to in interior design?

Form refers to both the shape and the structural materials of an interior itself and of the furnishings. In good design, the form of the furnishings harmonizes with the form of the interior. For example, an airline terminal designed in free-flowing curves may include built-in curved furniture.

The form of furniture must also suit the furniture's purpose. For example, a chair made of tubular steel and plastic is a good form for the study area of a modern public library. The chair's simple lines suit the modern interior, and its durable composition will withstand constant use by adults and children. The same chair, may be an unsuitable form for home television viewing because it will not provide comfort over a long period of time.

Scale refers to the relationships between the size of an interior, the size of its furnishings, and the size of the people who use the interior. A design for an area is in scale when the sizes of the interior, furnishings, and people are in balance with one another. A design is out of scale when anything appears too large, too small, too heavy, or too light. For example, a steel and glass table, which has a light, airy appearance, would be out of scale in a room filled with heavy wooden furniture.

The scale of an interior and its furnishings have definite psychological effects on people. In a cathedral, for example, a high ceiling helps create a feeling of reverence for God. This feeling is probably exactly what the architects wanted people to have. But too high-ceilinged rooms in a home would make most people feel uncomfortable. People also feel uneasy if the furnishings they use are not in scale. For example, most tall, heavy men feel uneasy in light, dainty chairs but comfortable in large, sturdy ones. A youngster feels most comfortable in a play room with child-sized furnishings.

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