Decorating by the Numbers
How High Do I Hang That?
Where Should it Go?
And Other Decorating Math
Ever wonder how high to hang art?
Ever wonder how far from your bed your nightstand should be?
Well, here are some answers to your decorating math questions.
Remember, these are guidelines, not rules. You know how I hate rules.
The best distance between a bed and a nightstand is 2”. It stops it from looking squished but keeps everything within reach.
The most comfortable coffee table height is about 18” – 20”. That’s because most sofa seats are about 22” and your coffee table should be about 2” shorter than your sofa seat. For a comfortable reach to your coffee table leave about 18” – 24” between the front of the sofa and the edge of the coffee table.
The best distance between outdoor pathway lighting is 24”. This provides enough light without looking cluttered. You don’t need so much light that an airplane could find the walkway, just enough to get to the door safely.
The best distance between the bottom of a pendant light and your kitchen island is 32” – 36”. This gives you enough task lighting without you hitting your head on the pendant. Nobody wants to lean over and whack their head on the light every time they chop an onion.
The proper distance between the bottom of a chandelier and the floor is 66”. This will leave enough room for a centerpiece on the table. It also won’t be in your line of vision when you’re sitting at the table. Plus, you want to look good to whomever you’re sitting across from. The right lighting always makes you look better.
The best height to hang artwork or mirrors, for the average height person, is 60” from the floor to the center of the art.
The best distance between artwork is 2”. This keeps the grouping looking cohesive without looking cluttered.
The perfect height to hang your toilet paper holder is 26” for a standard height toilet and 28” for a comfort height toilet. This will prevent that awkward stretch at exactly the time you don’t want to stretch.
A good height for your towel bar in your bathroom is 48” from the floor. You’ll be able to comfortably reach your towel without too much bending or reaching. And any oversized towels will still be up off of the floor (hopefully).
The ideal distance from the TV to the sofa is 72”. Close enough to prevent eyestrain and far enough for comfortable viewing. No, you won’t go cross-eyed like your mother told you when you were little. This is just comfort we’re talking about.
Now remember, these ‘rules’ are guidelines. Use them when you’re really unsure. Hold the item at the guideline height/distance and see what you think. In the end, it’s your house. You need to be comfortable and happy in it.
For more design inspiration and chat head over to the Details Facebook page www.facebook.com/detailsfullserviceinteriors
5 Things in Your Home to Swap Out NOW
