How to Achieve Balance: Using Symmetry in Design
How to start an ideabook about symmetry? Technically, dictionary.com says that symmetry is "the correspondence in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point; regularity of form or arrangement in terms of like, reciprocal, or corresponding parts." While the concept is kind of a no-brainer, the more I tried to find a better quote or definition to get myself jump-started, the more I was sucked into nightmares of high school geometry class by those who wiki. I should have stopped after this nice definition they offered early on:
"An imprecise sense of harmonious or aesthetically pleasing proportionality and balance." For our purposes here, I'm going to stick with that. Basically, symmetry is acheived when one side of the room looks a whole lot like the other.
What does symmetry do for us in design? To many, it creates a visual balance. This can lead to a feeling of peace and help us relax. Your eyes aren't bouncing from one side of the room to the other because the two sides are not in competition with each other. While things don't have to be perfectly matched to provide symmetry, aiming for it in terms of color, scale, light and proportion can help achieve a calming and pleasing atmosphere. Obviously, you don't need to go for a perfect reflection, but flanking focal points like a fireplace or a bed symmetrically and then letting it unravel from there is a good way to get the right amount of affinity.
"An imprecise sense of harmonious or aesthetically pleasing proportionality and balance." For our purposes here, I'm going to stick with that. Basically, symmetry is acheived when one side of the room looks a whole lot like the other.
What does symmetry do for us in design? To many, it creates a visual balance. This can lead to a feeling of peace and help us relax. Your eyes aren't bouncing from one side of the room to the other because the two sides are not in competition with each other. While things don't have to be perfectly matched to provide symmetry, aiming for it in terms of color, scale, light and proportion can help achieve a calming and pleasing atmosphere. Obviously, you don't need to go for a perfect reflection, but flanking focal points like a fireplace or a bed symmetrically and then letting it unravel from there is a good way to get the right amount of affinity.
Here the furniture echoes the symmetry of the architecture.
This joint is balanced right down to the washcloths. Now that's meticulous symmetry!
These perfectly composed sinks create peace in this spa bathroom.
Here the architecture and larger pieces, as well as the lighting are symmetrical, while smaller objects can throw things a bit off kilter and keep things lively.
This bed, bedside table, light and bench combination, are an example of near-perfect symmetry. I think it would cure my insomnia.
A few more perfectly balanced boudoirs...
Here the focal point of the room is the bed and fabulous headboard, and the farther out you move away from it, the symmetry dissipates. I especially love the way the Wiggle Chair balances the painting.
Matching lamps are a great way to provide balanced light.
Unmitigated symmetry can add to the formality of a living room.