Balance occurs when parts of a composition ( in our case, a room) are arranged with the goal of equality. Equality occurs when you have achieved equal visual weight within a space. This is one building block of interior design. The cool part about balance, it does not have to have equal visual weight on either side of the room. The visual weight of the objects, and their arrangements can give you the balance you need. There are three types of balance within the principles of design. Symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial. Today, as you see in the photo above, we are touching on symmetrical balance. This is definitely a more formal, traditional approach to room design. The furniture pieces here are all placed around a common axis, the coffee table, as a mirror image of each other.

This room has lovely visual weight, do you see the placement of  the photos on the wall with the fireplace? As well as the decoration pieces? I really like that this room is accessorized  with a bit of asymmetrical balance. Do you see how the visual weight of the statue, along with the larger art work and fuller house plant compliment the smaller items to the right? The height of where the art is hung and the visual weight of the shorter stone pieces do well to achieve equality within this room. I also love the mass of the large white piece of art over the fireplace. It’s scale compliments the placement of the furnishings perfectly, don’t you think? Oh, and I am dying over those chairs!

Hope you enjoyed our little discussion on the principle of balance. I would love to hear your thoughts on this space. What elements do you think make this room stand out? Do you prefer symmetrical balance or asymmetrical balance in your personal space?

Have a lovely weekend! xoxo