When we take advantage of our vertical space we find many things happen. One is floor space usually clears. You find yourself with more livable square footage, uncluttered walk through areas and it is easier to achieve the old adage of “a place for everything and everything in its place”. Examples for accomplishing this are incorporating etageres and bookshelves.
When we draw our eyes up vertically it lifts our gaze upward and allows for us to fully take in and get a visual sense of the space we are in. Not just scanning our eyes around the room because everything is waist high. What about the additional five feet up? Some are fortunate enough to have a lot more than that. You paid for that space. Use it! An example would be placing your drapery as high as you can. It salutes your ceiling, creates more of an impact and makes your windows feel larger than life.
I will say right now, this same statement does NOT apply to artwork! Many, many, many of us hang our photos, mirrors and artwork way too high. This creates a feeling of the piece not being grounded; just floating up there somewhere without relevance to scale or connection to the room.
To get you on the right track, you can always use the rule of thumb “the center of the artwork should hang approximately five and a half feet above the finished floor.” Needless to say, this varies when the hanging is going over a fireplace or even a sofa. In that case more than likely six to eight inches above the back of the sofa, settee or mantel should be your ball park.
Take a look around. Start making a difference inside and out!
Next month Something to think about…will be on lighting. If you have a question or something to share please write to me directly at jessica@jskinteriors.com
