When designing a living room, it's important to achieve a natural harmony within the space. One of the best ways to do this, according to many designers, is to follow the "ten-centimeter rule.".
This rule refers to the height difference between furniture such as sofas and coffee tables, which should not exceed ten centimeters . This ensures that everything looks cohesive and comfortable. The goal is to create a space where conversations flow easily and where reaching for a cup of coffee or a magazine is effortless, whether you're entertaining guests or simply relaxing at home.
While it's helpful to know different design rules, it's worth exploring what they are and how to apply them before introducing them into your home. This is especially relevant with a furniture rule like the ten-centimeter rule, since, unlike decorative items, large pieces of furniture can't be easily rearranged .
While this rule can be applied to other rooms, it's primarily used in the living room , as it's the central relaxation area of the home. Whether it's for having coffee with friends or relaxing on the sofa with family, it's the place everyone tends to gravitate towards.
“In interior design, the ten-centimeter rule refers to the guideline that the height difference between sofas and chairs in the same room should not exceed ten centimeters,” explains Monika Puccio, interior design expert at Sofa Club. “This helps maintain visual balance and ensures comfortable conversations, as people remain at similar eye levels when seated .”
In addition to this, it can also be applied to the space between the coffee table and the sofa cushions . "It's said that a coffee table shouldn't be more than ten centimeters higher or lower than the seat cushions ," adds Sue Jones , creative director and co-founder of OKA. She's also referring to the space between the coffee table and the sofa; a small offset of ten centimeters can throw off the balance of the entire seating area.
In small spaces, every inch counts, and every piece of furniture must justify its presence. That's why balance is essential. Without careful attention to proportion and placement, even the most stylish living room can start to feel cluttered or chaotic .
How to follow the ten-centimeter rule
To achieve a refined look using the ten-centimeter rule, getting the measurements right is crucial. That's why it's important to carefully measure the furniture you already own or are considering adding. " If you're following the ten-centimeter rule for your coffee table, make sure you choose one that's approximately two-thirds the length of your sofa to maintain balance in the space ," says Sue.
As for following the height difference between the different seats, choosing seats that have similar silhouettes will make it easier to follow the rule visually , even without taking measurements.
For example, large armchairs with plush cushions and cozy sofas or Scandinavian-style stools and benches, but always maintain a single design theme and focus on a specific area. "The rule works well when creating a cozy seating area or ensuring that dining chairs fit together perfectly, but comfort should always come first ," adds Alex Stubbs , interior stylist at Flitch.
When should you not follow the ten-centimeter rule?
Although the height difference between sofas, chairs, and coffee tables plays a key role in creating a comfortable and cohesive living room, it is not always a deciding factor, especially in smaller rooms where flexibility is essential .
“ If you’re creating different zones within the same room , such as a reading nook and a conversation area, it’s perfectly fine to mix up the heights of the sofas and chairs . Since these zones serve different purposes, uniformity isn’t always necessary,” says Monika. Defining zones in your living room is a clever way to make it appear larger than it actually is.
Maximalist style is also very fashionable right now , so vintage -style chair or a mid-century sculptural piece, these can justify a difference in height . “When you use these types of seats, the chair tends to become the focal point, so it’s expected to stand out, not blend in,” explains Monika.
Similarly, if you're looking to add visual depth—a smart design strategy for small spaces—intentionally breaking the ten-centimeter rule can work in your favor . "In this case, playing with layered heights can work perfectly," adds Monika. This is especially true in boho-style spaces, where you can have a variety of cushions on the floor, chairs, and sofas to make people feel comfortable.
Following the ten-centimeter rule depends on whether you want to create a living space that feels chic and cohesive or one that's full of character and comfort. Whatever your choice, be sure to plan your space well before placing any furniture.
Source: https://www.elledecor.com/es/
