Bigger isn’t always better. Often going too big can be impractical (nobody wants an oversized toothbrush!). In other cases, going too big can just look plain silly.
However, there are other cases where it can be stylish to scale up certain objects in our home. Doing so can turn them into statement features and even create a sense of opulence.
Below are just a few examples of when it can be fun to play around with proportion.
Artwork
Small paintings can make nice features on mantelpieces or in walls in cramped spaces like hallways. However, there can be times when something larger is better suited.
For example, a giant painting hanging on the wall above a sofa or running parallel to the length of a dining table can create an explosion of energy in a room. This is ideal for spaces where you want people to be active and social.
Of course, the room needs to be large enough so that people can step back and take in the whole painting at once – otherwise it’s too big. Oversized paintings should therefore be reserved for bigger rooms rather than small rooms like hallways and bathrooms – even if you do have a large empty wall.
Houseplants
Most people choose small houseplants that can be placed on a window sill or side table. However, large floor plants are an option for those that want to make a statement.
This can include plants like kentia palms, money trees and birds of paradise. These plants can be more effective air purifiers than small plants. Many are also not too hard to look after compared to some smaller fussy plants.
Just make sure you definitely have the space to grow these plants. Although sunlight needs for plants can vary, most plants need to be close to a window. Some plants will also need to be cut back to stop them growing too far outwards.
Lighting
Larger lights can help to brighten up a room more. They can also be eye-catching features.
Oversized light bulbs are often used to add a vintage feel to a room. Such bulbs resemble the first bulbs produced by Thomas Edison and can be hung from a ceiling without a lamp shade.
Large floor standing anglepoise lamps can be another fun form of oversized lighting. These can be placed beside a sofa for reading under as an alternative to a table lamp, or even placed over a desk to provide more lighting than a regular desktop anglepoise lamp.
Clocks
Clocks come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are small designed to be seen at close range, such as bedside alarm clocks. However, others are large and are ideal for large spaces where people need to see them from a distance.
Large wall clocks are fantastic for filling an empty living room or kitchen wall. You can also look into floorstanding clocks (i.e. grandfather clocks) for a fun statement feature.
Mirrors
While some mirrors are only big enough to see your face in, others are designed to allow you to see your whole body. These are great mirrors for bedrooms, hallways and walk-in wardrobes so that you can take in an entire outfit.
Large mirrors can also add the illusion of space to a small room and help reflect light, making them great in small and gloomy bathrooms.
A large framed antique mirror could be great for leaning against a wall and offering a fantasy feel. Frameless mirrors are better for hanging on walls.
Rugs
A big mistake that many people make when choosing a living room rug is opting for one that’s too small. Living room rugs can look much more dramatic and cosy when they’re the same width or wider than your sofa. In fact, your sofa (and coffee table – if you have one) should sit on top of the rug with the rug overlapping slightly on each side.
You can shop for large rugs online. Some online companies even sell rugs made to measure.
Furniture
It’s less common to choose supersized furniture, because furniture typically needs to be a certain height and width to be used properly. However, there are times when it can be fun and practical to go large.
Loveseat armchairs for example are deliberately wide enough to fit two people. They can be great options for couples. Meanwhile, super king beds can increase comfort when sleeping and are ideal for larger people or those who like to roll around a lot who may feel restricted in a regular king sized bed.
Of course, such furniture does require a lot of space. Make sure that your room is truly big enough so that it doesn’t make the room feel cramped.
