Dear Alice | Interior Design

Episode: Scale | Rugs, Furniture, and Lamps
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Bennett (Jess), Suzanne Hall (Suzanne), Corey (Co-host), and Alice (Alice)

Introduction to Scale in Interior Design

In this insightful episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett, Suzanne Hall, Corey, and Alice delve into the intricate concept of scale within interior design. Sparked by a thoughtful question from listener Julia Sader, the conversation centers around understanding scale, its application, and the fundamental rules that can guide homeowners and design enthusiasts in creating harmonious living spaces.

Understanding Scale: Definitions and Importance

Alice begins by defining scale as:

"Scale, the relative size and proportion of objects, furniture, and elements within a space. It is concerned with how these elements relate to one another and to the overall dimensions of a room."
(00:35)

She emphasizes that achieving the right scale is pivotal to making a room feel "homey" and comfortable. When scale is correctly implemented, it often goes unnoticed because it seamlessly blends into the overall design, creating an environment that feels just right.

Corey adds to the definition by highlighting the human aspect:

"Scale is also really considered off of human proportion. It's based on your height... your eyeline is sitting down around 5ft 5, 2, 5, 4, depending on how high you are. That is where your eyes want to look at this."
(20:10)

This human-centric approach ensures that spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and functional.

Common Scale Pet Peeves

The hosts share their personal frustrations with common scale mistakes in interior design:

• Alice's Tile Scale Issue:

  "When they use a really small liner and just the wrong scale of tile for that space... they could have saved that if they just made that border six inches bigger."
  (01:22)

• Jess and Corey's Rug Size Concerns:
  Jess recalls her initial inability to recognize correct rug sizes until she saw professional examples:

  "Before I started working for Alice Lane, like, the 4x6 rug in front of a sofa... it always felt off to me."
  (03:29)

  Corey concurs:

  "Wrong size rug is just really cheating the potential of any space."
  (04:05)

These pet peeves underline the importance of considering scale to avoid diminishing the functionality and aesthetic of a space.

Practical Guidelines for Rugs

The discussion transitions into actionable advice on selecting the right rug sizes:

• Starting with the Rug:
  Alice mentions that they begin design projects by determining the rug size, typically using larger dimensions like 12x15 feet to ensure that all major furniture pieces, such as sectionals and chairs, are adequately anchored on the rug:

  "The rug's job, scale-wise, in that room is to create interior walls to make that space feel homey... So go larger, go as large as you can with the rug."
  (15:13)

• Custom and Designer Rugs:
  For unique spaces, custom rugs or specific styles like needlepoint carpets can be tailored to fit perfectly:

  "You can have it cut to fit your room exactly... especially if you have a square room."
  (16:09)

• Recommendations:
  Jess advises opting for larger rugs than what big-box stores typically offer, ensuring that all furniture sits gracefully on the rug, enhancing the room's cohesiveness.

Selecting the Right Furniture

Corey and Jess discuss the significance of choosing appropriately scaled furniture to complement the rug and overall room dimensions:

• Sofa and Sectional Sizes:
  Corey shares insights from their product development experience:

  "We make cocktail tables that are large, like 48-inch round or 54 by 54 square... to fit perfectly with big sectionals."
  (26:29)

• End Tables and Their Proportion:
  Alice emphasizes the need for end tables to match the depth and height of sofas:

  "If you have a 48-inch deep sectional, the end tables should be around 36 inches deep."
  (18:00)

• Avoiding Common Mistakes:
  When furniture pieces are too small, functionality decreases:

  "If the end table is too small, you end up with limited space for lamps, books, or drinks... which diminishes the room's utility."
  (24:20)

Lamps and Lighting: Striking the Right Balance

Properly scaled lamps are crucial for both aesthetics and functionality:

• Height Guidelines:
  Corey recommends lamps to be around 30 inches tall, providing a balanced look without overpowering or shrinking the furniture:

  "A lamp that's 30 inches tall looks really awesome on your side tables."
  (20:26)

• Design Tips:
  Ensuring that lamps complement both the height of furniture and the room's ceiling height can elevate the space's overall feel:

  "You don’t want to see the light bulb lit up... if the lamp is too small or too big."
  (21:37)

Real-World Applications and Examples

The hosts share examples from their own projects and experiences:

• Corey's Family Room Transformation:
  Before and after comparisons illustrate the impact of correct scaling, particularly in choosing larger side tables that enhance functionality and aesthetics:

  "Our favorite cocktail table is 54 by 54 square... it works perfectly with our big sectional."
  (26:29)

• Industry Insights:
  Corey discusses how their designs are informed by 17 years of experience, ensuring that all pieces are proportioned correctly to meet customers' needs:

  "All of our furniture is based off of scale... we know what works and what sells because it's the right size."
  (27:04)

Advice for Shoppers and Designers

To help listeners apply these insights, the hosts offer practical tips:

• Measure Before Buying:
  Always check the dimensions of furniture and rugs, especially when shopping online where scale can be misleading.

• Use Tools and Resources:
  Corey suggests utilizing tools like tape measures or collaborating with design professionals to visualize how pieces will fit:

  "You have to have a little tape measure in your purse because you cannot tell the scale of something if you're out shopping."
  (21:37)

• Consult Professionals:
  Working with home furnishing designers can provide personalized guidance to ensure all elements are harmoniously scaled.

Conclusion: The Essence of Scale in Design

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reinforce that mastering scale is fundamental to creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. By paying attention to the relative sizes of rugs, furniture, and lamps, and ensuring they align with human proportions and room dimensions, one can transform any space into a cohesive and inviting home.

Corey closes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to experiment with scale in their own homes and seek professional advice when needed:

"Scale is one of those things that is really, really fun to play around with. Once you get it right, it's going to feel really, really good."
(32:12)

Key Takeaways

• Scale is crucial for creating harmonious and functional living spaces.
• Common mistakes, such as using too small rugs or mismatched furniture sizes, can disrupt the room's balance.
• Practical guidelines include starting design with appropriately sized rugs, selecting furniture that complements the room's dimensions, and ensuring lamps are proportionate to other elements.
• Professional insight and measurement are invaluable tools in achieving the right scale.
• Personal comfort and functionality should always guide design choices to ensure spaces are both beautiful and livable.

Notable Quotes

• Alice (00:35):
  "Scale, the relative size and proportion of objects, furniture, and elements within a space. It is concerned with how these elements relate to one another and to the overall dimensions of a room."

• Jess (03:29):
  "Before I started working for Alice Lane, like, the 4x6 rug in front of a sofa... it always felt off to me."

• Corey (20:26):
  "A lamp that's 30 inches tall looks really awesome on your side tables."

• Corey (27:04):
  "All of our furniture is based off of scale... we know what works and what sells because it's the right size."

This episode of Dear Alice serves as an essential guide for anyone looking to refine their interior design skills, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical advice to master the art of scale in their living spaces.