Measurement Mistakes Most Homeowners Make!

In this video I go over some of the simple interior design measurements that you need to know! So much of interior design advice can be vague and abstract so I thought I would put together a list of the common measurements that I see so you can take some of the guesswork of putting together a functional space. These interior design rules have really helped me over the years nail down the idea proportions for my space so it is beautiful and also functional for my needs.
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⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - Simple Interior Design Measurements You Need to Know
00:39 - The Distance Between Your Couch and Your Coffee Table
01:13 - The Distance Between Your Dining Room Table and Your Pendant
02:05 - How High To Hang Art
03:33 - Height of Your Coffee Table vs Your Couch
04:35 - How High To Hang Art Behind a Couch
05:29 - Distance Between Your Dining Room Table and the Wall
06:24 - Rule of 2/3rds
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[@SuperJezza2009]

Incredibly helpful to a first time buyer who is a little overwhelmed with interior design. Thank you!

[@HowToCuisine]

Exactly what I thought too 🥰🥰

[@irisbear9421]

same!

[@Nikkers8]

I recently found your channel and have been binging all your content. Your channel is SO informative! I love your candor and how you respect the viewer's time so much as shown in the quality of your content. Looking forward to watching more. Thanks!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Thanks so much for saying that!

[@MohammedAhmed-vv3vi]

٨٨٨

[@Jordan-sr3mr]

Yes agreed about respecting time. Thanks for getting right into the content. Great communicator.

[@smboehland]

Most of my artwork is hung too high for most homes, but being 6'4", the artwork is centered at my eye-level. Ha, ha

[@renuyadav4752]

My goodness, never knew this much detailing goes in interior designing!! Thanking u a gazillion times for making commoners like me educated ❤

[@Nick_Lewis]

There is so much and I'm still learning all the time!

[@clairebeswick9020]

Thank you!! It drives me crazy when people say 'not too big' or not too 'small' and don't give any details...

[@Nick_Lewis]

I'm guilty of it! I thought for this one I would get specific!

[@Beate75]

Thank you soooo much for adding Centimeters!!! I just don’t get inches. 😅 As a European I’m really greatful that you considered us.

[@TheYvesDropper]

So as the rest of the world outside the US. Thanks!

[@NatashaSallesSoprano]

So true

[@emilyegansmith]

As an American the fact that we use inches drives me nuts. Can we start using metric already? Argh!

[@TheYvesDropper]

@@emilyegansmith Respect, gurl! Hahaha.

[@NatashaSallesSoprano]

@@emilyegansmith love it, said by an American. I have to admit that if I’m not in my most patient mood and I’m looking for videos about decoration tips, or sewing tutorials, or cooking recipes, etc and there comes all the inches and feet and ounces and liquid ounces (?????), and there’s no equivalent in the metric system, I skip the video immediately.

[@nikkislovesyou]

Can we all just take a moment to thank the KZbin gods for Nick? "People always give you this advise, but thats not very specific so I'm going to spell it out for you". Yes! This is what we need! 🙌 You are very appreciated Nick. 😊

[@bodybalancer]

Yes! Please make it fool-proof otherwise i’ll probably fuck it up! Lol

[@oursimplestory]

Me: running around my house with a tape measure!! My kids: mom has lost her mind!!

[@carolynworthington8996]

Made me smile!

[@manal.daoudi]

@I I lol

[@mmarex1622]

This is honestly the most helpful video I have seen regarding decor placement I have EVER seen. I have watched video after video but have never had someone explain in actual measurements. I just found you about a week ago and I'm obsessed with you and your videos!!!!

[@vanillascooplinda8849]

Running around with a measuring tape while listening to the video. Found out I’m a decor genius! 😂😂😂

[@gerrie0me]

totally here for these measurements in centimeters. Thank you!

[@tarnishedsilver7327]

This is hand’s down the most helpful ID video (indeed, channel) I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@emiiii]

Wow, this is such useful information 😭 🙏 Thank you for the like ❤️ I also enjoyed your 100k video! I enjoy the information and occasional sass 😉

[@evabuczek]

Incredible! How fast and clear you can speak! Really appreciate your English 💜

[@chrisgaines7977]

😹Oh my goodness, I LOVE your wonderful stream-of-consciousness dialog with the incredibly accurate side thoughts! I feel I'm listening to myself! My Dad was a self-taught nuclear engineer, from a long line of mechanical engineers - vacuums, tractors, clocks, watches, jewelers, architects ... real tech guys! As a result, I am blessed with the attitude that I can do anything. What you say about design, color, balance, and scale is so spot on ... I just happened on your KZbin and ended up binging an hour and a half ... You rock! I'll be back! 💯

[@franjones5312]

So practical. I like the "nuts and bolts" stuff in addition to the "beauty" parts of design. This is the type of thing that makes a house look very put together, though most people rarely think about it.

[@andreaandrea6716]

I love seeing all the positive comments here. You are SO deserving of them! Under another video someone said they love how fast you talk and I DO TOO! But it's more amazing that you fill the space with such informative specifics. Wow! I loved THIS video; SPACING is SO important. It made me happy watching it. Thank You!!!!

[@SCMM26]

Nick, I'm literally screaming of how fantastic this video and helpful it is. New sub and so obsessed. I'm designing my new house and was completely lost until I found your videos. Thank you!!

[@chasityboatman4928]

Thank you so much for this information! I rehung the art in our house and it looks SOOOOO much better. I was hanging it too low before because I hung it to my eye level (but I'm only 5'2).

[@edolina2000]

I always find my self binge watching your videos. Love love all of you

[@sabrinadlf1]

Dining room table shapes and sizes always perplexing, additionally tips on how to incorporate what you already have into spaces. I cannot afford purchase new items , working with what you have would e a great topic- thanks so much Nick!

[@brihow24]

Great video - one thing I wish you included was how high to position/hang your tv. I know to hang my tv at roughly eye level when seated on the couch, but it's become an epidemic of people hanging their tv's crazy high!

[@josiek5989]

I need to know this too! Currently a small argument at our house! Lol

[@Nick_Lewis]

Oh yes I missed that one! A lot of people recommend eye level from the couch, but it's tough because it depends on the size of the tv and the distance from the couch. I think and angle of 10% from eye level on the couch is ideal. Once you get over about 30% angle and it's too high. So bust out that protractor!

[@TheMochaMonster]

Eye-level is best, although it's been trendy in the past to hang them over fireplace mantles the neck strain is ridiculous, not to mention ends up throwing a room's focal point off

[@silliaek]

You are my favorite decorating channel because you provide such excellent information.

[@suecrane1999]

Thank you for getting to the point and not wasting time on a lot of useless comments

[@johannaand4624]

The 2/3rds tip at the end of the video really stuck with me. Super helpful!

[@chandaharkins4418]

This video is awesome! I think every young person should hear this stuff when they graduate.

[@kasperadamson4654]

Thank you! Please do more of those "rules of design" kind of videos. This one was extremely helpful. [heading to the store to get a longer cord for my dining room pendant]

[@user-jn8tg6nw8j]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this type of content. As someone who is very unsure of my design instincts, I need to know as much of the “science” part of the art/science balance.

[@sevgiligunluk4104]

You are the best designer on KZbin... Thanks for the information..

[@robinbirdj743]

Thank you! Love your 2/3 idea! Also appreciate the dining room table tip. I got a round table because the room was square and a walk through...seems I chose well!

[@HelenaHermanns]

Nick, in such a short space of time you already have close to 200 people giving you thanks and praise, so you must know you’re doing this well. However, I want to jump on the wagon also. Working in real estate in Paris I get to see so many beautiful apartments, often professionally decorated... and now it’s my turn in my home. Although I feel I have a relatively good eye and understand the concept of sticking to a theme, there are fundamental gaps... the key (yet forgotten details) in order for it all to click. I keep thinking I need to go to school or something, because I’m obsessed with trying to replicate the designs concepts I gravitate to, but here you’re providing the necessary tools, I have to wake up and enjoy this space with my family everyday, especially during Covid, so it’s great to have people like you educating people like me so we too can feel proud and comfortable at home... so thank you!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Thanks Helena! Oh and I never get tired of the praise! 😂

[@Just-4-Friend]

Oh, wow! What a nice Tuesday surprise! I was running around the house with a measuring tape all throughout the video. Loved it! 😂 Thanks for the awesome tips and, as always, for making those conversions to cms for us. 😊👍

[@18thVariation]

*Me, surreptitiously eyeing the furniture in my condo as I watch the video* :’) Thanks for the excellent guidelines 👍🏻

[@Nick_Lewis]

Happy to help!

[@christinagrant236]

This is the most useful design video there is!! Thank you.. sometimes you just need to know the basics and this is EVERYTHING!!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Enchanteralle]

Working on a new space and I need all the interior design tips that I can get. I find your videos helpful and direct. Thanks for the education!

[@bernadettehooper4318]

Thanks, Nick. I follow most of this. Glad for the guidelines. That distant sound you are hearing is me, re-spacing my gallery wall paintings.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Haha gallery walls can be tough - especially if you add in things other than frames.

[@curtandbrebuck7409]

Paused the video multiple times to go and measure stuff around my house. 😂

[@thethigpens2471]

This was really helpful. It gives us rules for things that should be intuitive

[@woolenoaks3842]

This is literally the best video on the internet. I have been trying to figure all of this out for my house!

[@bedinabebe4521]

At some point I'm thinking "this sounds like the rules for military barracks inspection". Then I thought "who would have figured we were being trained to decorate an elevated home?"🤷🏽‍♀️ But it's true, people questioned why I kept my sofa back 3 inches from the walls & centered & measured other items. Nick your Tips are Tops for smart planning of spaces, furniture& fixtures.👍🏽

[@mjm7031]

This answered some questions that I’ve had … I think I’ll actually have to pin this one so I can come back to it as a reference. Thanks very much!

[@garlicgirl3149]

One of the bet videos...has meaning and function in real life.

[@sweetluck4956]

Love it! Great tips , thank you 😊

[@1paradox]

Fantastic video, I knew most of these rules, but the 2/3rds rule and the dining table space was new to me. Thanks!

[@elizabethlyons1733]

I love how practical all your videos are!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad you like them!

[@marinashear3818]

I appreciate your explanations as to the why for these measurements. It helps me figure out furniture size and placement. My husband and I moved into a house less than a month ago that is 400sf smaller than the house we moved from (tight housing market; we were blessed to find this one). Also, I am disabled, so measurements are critical for allowing enough space for me to maneuver my walker into/out of. Thank you! Now to find pen & paper and watch again to write them all down!

[@arifjohariali]

I LOVE that 2-3rd rule - never heard of that one. Thanks for sharing Nick :)

[@Nick_Lewis]

You're welcome! Just a nice way to frame things.

[@jeanvignes]

Thank you! Very helpful. Now can you do something about making our homes accessible to our elders & disabled friends/family? Examples: width of "corridors" between furniture pieces; having some seating with straight backs, sturdy arms and no rocking to enable elders to be able to get up & down w/o help; enough lighting to enable old eyes to see their food when eating/drinking; hand-rails on stairs & sturdy hand-holds in bathrooms (these can be attractive and in your style); TV tray-tables for people who can't perch, circulate, or balance a plate on their knees during football game parties or movie nights etc.

[@dstrau7987]

This is so useful.We need an infographic for easy accessibility while shopping.

[@katc7332]

These are great! I do bend some rules, yet I appreciate the reasons behind these rules. The 2/3 rule in visual is helpful. Now I know what direction to head to fixing my tv area. Thank you for taking the time making this informative & fun!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Excellent! Yes every space is unique so it's hard to give definite dimensions, but I tried!

[@jacobgraham4538]

Very useful information. Love your channel!

[@irsprst]

this video is pure gold

[@caitlynx915]

Im currently a uk interior design graduate and i have found your videos so helpful!!

[@lizhoward9754]

These tips are invaluable to me as we are moving into a new home in a couple of months

[@Zimoria]

WOW 😱 I've been doing this all wrong. No wonder my house looks weird. Thank you for this video!!!

[@taramiesieski1705]

Amazon shop is Very reasonably priced😊!! Love it❤tu!!!

[@SabrinaLatoya]

When your decor follows 90% of the dimensions given in this video 💁🏾‍♀️ **Pats on the back to me** 😂 The 2/3 rule though was a bit off for me lol just buy a couple inches or so! Proud of my decorating skills though 🥰! Thanks for the video

[@Nick_Lewis]

Woohoo! You have an eye for it then Sabrina!

[@cecygarciadeleon4990]

the fact that you also included the conversion to cms.

[@isa.belle8679]

Thank you for that video and putting everything also in cm. It is really helpful to do the planning 😃👍. Could you please make more of such content? I wondered also how to plan a living room with a sofa, TV and a dining table or how to plan an entry way, a bedroom, a children‘s room etc.

[@mellymaker1282]

Would love to see a video about lighting functional, decorative, zoning!! I find it so easy to pick soft furnishings but don't know where to start with lighting!! Helpp!!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Great suggestion! Ok on the list!

[@y.t1670]

Wow, this video is so useful! Thank you, Nick!

[@ecdubytecdubyt]

Very useful info. Thanks for including photo credits as well.

[@nativesedibles2454]

Really helpful! Proportions make a big difference you can feel when it's wrong but then you've already invested in something that's not working the numbers you gave will make it easier to get it right the first time or at least be able to figure out where you went wrong Thank you!

[@freakfehler]

Hanging art just a bit above the top of the sofa might look nice from a design standpoint, but i knowingly decided not to, as I want to be able to lean my head against the wall and not have to be carefully evading the art

[@gingerredshoes]

Same, I put my arm on the back of the couch often, and the cats would crash into it all the time. I prefer to center it between the couch and the ceiling. My current house has a window there so irrelevant.

[@airybrook]

@@gingerredshoes I came to mention cats - you did it for me. Art above a sofa is apparently the best thing ever to rub you face on. I guess rounded corners would help...a bit. If you hang it, they will come.

[@koalaeucalyptus]

You and I both... I constantly rest my arm on the back of the couch, or my head, and really prefer to not have oily hair or whatever from guests doing the same on my art...

[@Nick_Lewis]

Yeah these rules are to provide something more specific for people. Having said that, you have to bend these rules to fit your individual needs. Once you know the rules, feel free to bend them a little! 😀

[@susanma4899]

My solution: I don't have anything hanging over my sofa at all.

[@michellejones6509]

This was great! I have referenced it many times since posted because I am doing.a refresh after painting and this has been a great reference. Thanks!

[@judis4900]

More great info to add to my "Nick's Notes" journal. thanks!

[@imlistening1949]

You are so right - I need a "Nick's Notes" journal.

[@gxamor]

Incredibly useful and practical info. Thanks! Love your channel.

[@fadzisokadenhe3838]

This is great video. Very informative. Could you also give a guide on how to design office spaces. What works? What is too personal? How to make it all look cohesive. That would be greatly appreciated

[@jonesie8377]

Yes! I may be going back to work after WFH for over a year now and I just can’t go back to that sad space without changing it up.

[@gemhay8896]

You are so informative, thank you very much for sharing. Truly appreciate your channel and content. Keep up the amazing job, always looking forward to seeing your next video!

[@user-cj1ib3sb7h]

Thanks nick! Your videos are so good! I wait to see your home.

[@KristynaU]

Thanks for your usefull videos, timestemps in the description and units in cm! 👍😊

[@paytondalak]

I’m completely furnishing a new apartment, and have been slowly accumulating stuff over the last year and this was SO helpful. Thank you for sharing!!

[@Nick_Lewis]

You got this!

[@Lori-er4zv]

Excellent! Thanks. will refer to these proportions again and again.

[@marydeco6708]

I am glad you mentioned the distance between the couch and the art above the couch. Recently I hanged a painting 15cm above my sofa and although it is big enough, it is a little below the eye level, so I was not sure if it was hanged too low. Thanks for mentioning this!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Yeah for that one you do need to take into account both tips and come to your own conclusion a bit.

[@katherineh.9379]

Thank you so much! This is going to be very helpful for our move this coming fall. I'm not sure if I can thank you enough for all this detailed information!

[@kpwxx]

Really helpful video! Also, love the little animations!!

[@ElasticGiraffe]

Getting into practical specifics was super helpful. Thank you! (Already subscribed, but I made sure to smash that bell icon.)

[@andreammg]

Thank you! I’m a commercial interior designer and now that we have our own home and are on lock down, I am going crazy about all the things that need to be done to our house “in my mind” :) and about how much technical information I don’t yet know about residential design. Your videos have helped me tremendously.

[@leannemclean5549]

Brilliant video Nick. Really informative.

[@caitlinfoster9508]

I LOVE this video! So helpful! Saving it to reference later!

[@ZezasThings]

Hey! I'm a new subscriber and I've been binge watching your videos. Thank you so much for all the tips, these are so helpful.

[@annettepasternakSSPC]

This is fantastically helpful. Thank you.

[@niteeshbihade1789]

Thank you, Nick! Very helpful content!

[@sophiaholmes2048]

I've definitely broken the art-sofa-height rule in a major way...I have a massive print that actually goes a little below the top of the sofa. it fits the 60" rule though! it's probably too big for the space but I love it so much and it makes a big statement.

[@NinjaHelpdesk]

Wow, this video is gold. Love that you choose to give specific measurements! Also love that you cross-referenced your later rules on picture height with your earlier ones, so it all felt like a very complete and cohesive package of advice. Excellent job, and very much appreciated!

[@mindyfox9888]

I appreciate all the specifics. Thank you!!

[@puccipower]

I LOVE your videos. I'm 30 and live with my 2 Lassie dogs alone and my apartment kind of looks like a 19 year old lives here but I love interior design that isn't all "live laugh love." Appreciate your tips.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Oh good! I'm glad it helps you and your pups!

[@helenk5579]

Another great video, keep them coming!!!

[@sheila5026]

I am loving your videos! Wish I had found your channel before we started our remodel. I have recommended your channel to a few friends already;).

[@picklepirate]

A lot of these are what make a home look effortless. Thanks for interior design science!

[@Janna88885]

Genius video! Thank you Nick!

[@vanakamtsiou3089]

Super helpful! Thank you for also using cm.

[@jeanniekern1246]

Wonderful info, thank you!!

[@maryviator9273]

Super helpful Nick! Thank you!!

[@tatilemming]

Extremely informative. Thank you sooooooooooo much for this.

[@emilyegansmith]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you.

[@sable747]

Thanks for all the tips on your channel. Wow! I would love to know how to hide all.the.chords? The chords for lamps, tvs, etc. I realize in magazines they don't have to deal with practical things like outlets, so this would really help most homeowners.

[@sophievanderbilt1325]

This was SO HELPFUL omg thank you

[@oursimplestory]

Hi Nick since you live in Vancouver too, can you please come over and help me with all the measurements in person? LOL! Thank you so much for your videos as always this one is such a great video with so many useful tips!

[@amandaallan6181]

This is EXCELLENT. So helpful thank you!