Decorating Guides
Designing With Nature's Perfect Shape
See Why Hexagons Are a Great Fit for Walls, Floors, Furniture and More
Whether we realize it or not, the shapes and styles in nature have a great deal of bearing on the habitat we create for ourselves. Geometric shapes are a great example of this. Hexagons, for example, are a shape that we see a lot of in interior design and architecture, and are extremely common in nature. Sometimes called "nature's perfect shape," hexagons can also be seen in beehives, flowers, snowflakes, and turtle shells. This variety of patterns is echoed in design. Everything from wallpaper, to side tables, to molding, to light fixtures, has taken inspiration from this six-sided polygon.
A regular hexagon has sides that are all the same length, and all vertices have the same angle. This means that any sized hexagon can fit together without gaps — what's known as a tessellation. This also means that hexagons can be arranged together in infinite patterns and styles — like these great wall decals from Wallter.
David Hicks' Hexagon wallpaper is probably one of the more iconic uses of this geometric shape in interior design. This comb-like design is a great example of Hicks' love of basic shapes in bold colors. It makes a statement in this wall-papered powder room …
… but also works as a more subtle splash of design on one wall in this baby blue nursery.
While the eye is initially drawn to the geometric patterned rug, it's the brown lacquered tray on the ottoman that brings a hexagon to this outdoor setting.
A tessellation of hexagons makes it an ideal shape for tiling. These are especially popular for bathroom flooring, in tiny, mosaic-sized tiles …
This honeycomb light fixture is one of my favorites. It's so simple, but adds such a powerful punch to a room. The way the designer echoes the shape on the stair runner is great too.
You'll have to look closely to see the tiny hexagons in this eclectic home. Designer Charles DeLisle used raw brass hexagonal tubing to create this custom light fixture, while the artist Catherine Wagner used the shapes in the original piece — which is actually a photograph — on the wall.
The hexagon is very prevalent in the Frank Lloyd Wright Hanna House in Palo Alto, Calif. The home is based on a hexagonal grid system, which allows for less error when building — unlike the errors that often come with building with standard right angles on a square or rectangular grid. The home itself is not a hexagon, but has a free flowing plan that curves around the hillside it rests on.
In feng shui, a six-sided shape represents longevity, expansiveness, and celestial power. Sounds pretty good, right? Bring some celestial power into your life with a cute little hexagonal side table.
Sometimes called a "building circle," it's no surprise that a hexagon is often the basis for the ceilings of circular rooms and glass domes.
The easy-to-work-with angles make the hexagon a common shape in quilts — both big and small.
This tile turtle is a reminder of where the six-sided figure first came from — nature itself. The fact that it's so aesthetically pleasing is due to its familiarity. The shape is all around us — you just need to look for it!
Next, see some products that can bring some hexagonals to your home.
Next, see some products that can bring some hexagonals to your home.
Free Standing Gazebo
A standard gazebo gets a geometrically structural twist with a hexagon-shaped roof. This free-standing outdoor area has a sturdy structure due to its six-sided base and roof.
Lacquer Hexagon Tray by Jonathan Adler
Want something a little bit bolder? Try Jonathan Adler's Lacquer Hexagon Tray. This is a great coffee table topper, or, like the third photo in this ideabook, a good way to pull together an outdoor look.
Hexagon Side Table in Gold Leaf
This beautiful hexagon side table is one of those classic looking pieces that can go with just about any style. Modern, contemporary, or traditional, its mirrored top and gold frame add a touch of glamour to any room.
Hexagonal Glass Knob
The functional and practical shape of a hexagon make it a great choice for a drawer pull. It's easier to grip than a round knob, and add just that extra something to what might be an otherwise bland piece.
More: Design Details: Hexagonal Tile
Browse: Hexagonal Tile Styles
More: Design Details: Hexagonal Tile
Browse: Hexagonal Tile Styles