When it comes to interior design, the magic is often in the details. From accent colors to furniture placement, every little decision can impact the overall look and feel of a space. But one vitally important but seldom discussed design element is height.
While to a certain degree, adding height to a room comes naturally (a beautiful statement plant in an empty corner just feels right), playing with this element can create truly unique, personalized spaces with a design-forward touch.
In this post, we’ll explore why height is so crucial, and some simple ways to use it to your advantage. Whether you’re a professional interior designer or just someone looking to spruce up your home, keep scrolling to learn how adding intentional points of elevation can transform any room into something special.
The Importance of Height in Interior Design
First and foremost, adding tall elements to your space, like a room divider or statement plant, effectively balances out all of the important low-slung items, like sofas, tables, and TV stands. This visual contrast helps move the eye around the room, making for an interesting, dynamic space.
Secondly, tall and oversized decor elements help create those statement, “wow” design moments in a room, whether it’s an oversized vase with stunning florals on a dining room table, beautifully-styled floating shelves flanking a fireplace mantle, or jaw-dropping oversized artwork on a large, blank wall.
Height is a basic design 101 principle that every amateur and professional decorator should keep in mind. Next time you’re admiring a well-decorated room, take a closer look at the heights of the various elements and see how they work together.
How to Add Height to Your Space
Adding height to a room may seem like a daunting task, but it can actually be quite simple with the right guidelines. As a general rule of thumb, place tall items opposite small pieces of decor to catch attention. For example, when styling a credenza, opt for tall candle holders and tapers on one side, and a low-slung stack of books topped with a favorite tray or small bud vase on the other. This simple visual contrast reads visually dynamic and interesting.
As far as shopping goes, consider items that are proportionate to the size of your room and other furniture and decor elements. And whether it’s a towering lamp, an oversized vase, or a decorative bookshelf, always be sure to read dimensions carefully and measure your space beforehand to get a true sense of how it will feel in your home.
Keep scrolling to shop a few of our favorite tall home decor selects:
1. Pedestal tables
Give a favorite vase and florals and added height boost with chic pedestal tables.
2. Wine rack
Already have a few statement plants and floor lamps peppered around your home? Consider a wall-mounted wine rack for an interesting pop of height.
3. Floor vases
Oversized floor vases are absolutely clutch when trying to style the empty space next to a TV stand or the in front of a fire place.
4. Oversized lanterns
Similarly, oversized lanterns add a unique pop of height to an entryway, front porch, or outdoor seating arrangement.
5. Statement plants
When in doubt, add an oversized statement plant to an empty corner. A faux option, like the above Shady Lady from Pottery Barn, is as simple and low-maintenance as it gets.
6. Large mirrors
From leaning floor mirrors to a wall-mounted trio, mirrors make a great, oversized statement in any room.
7. Oversized taper candles
There’s taper candles, and then there’s oversized taper candles. If you’re styling an especially grand fireplace mantel or foyer, go extra-tall with this set from Anthropologie.
8. XL table lamps
Yes, you can find extra-large table lamps with a bit of digging. Add height to a nightstand, entryway console, or credenza with this gold number from Lamps Plus.
9. Blanket ladders
Slim and narrow blanket ladders are the perfect choice when looking to add height to a small space, like a half bathroom or guest room!
10. Floor lamps
Add height and moody ambiance to any living space or bedroom with a floor lamp. An arched design makes an even bigger statement.
11. Plant stands
Have a cute planter that’s not quite big enough to stand on its own? Give it a boost with a plant stand, and style it in an empty corner.
12. Pillar candle holders
Similar to the oversized tapers, large candle holders designed for pillar candles can make an even bigger impact when styling a fireplace mantel, TV stand, or dining buffet.
13. Large artwork
Styling a large, blank wall is so much less daunting when you consider extra-large artwork. Go with a single oversized landscape piece or a portrait set for maximum impact.
14. Statement florals
Fill an oversized floor vase with statement stems for a high-impact design moment. Consider faux florals like the above olive branches for zero maintenance!
15. Wall-mounted shelves
When in doubt, add a shelf. In addition to adding height and taking up wall space, vertical shelves add clutch storage to small spaces, like half baths.
16. Room dividers
For a truly unique height moment that you don’t spot in every home, look no further than room dividers. Design your own upholstered beauty over at The Inside!
Want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.