Balance and symmetry are essential elements of interior design. Everything from the arrangement of furniture to the art on the walls can affect the symmetrical balance of the space and create entirely different aesthetics. Here is a basic guide to the different types of symmetry and balance commonly used in interior design:
Symmetrical balance
Symmetrical balance is the most popular variety used by designers. It's also the easiest to achieve, whether you're working horizontally or vertically. Symmetrical balance is common in square and rectangular-shaped spaces and is a hallmark of traditional design styles.
A simple example would be two chairs separated by an accent table, or two sofas with a coffee table in between. Formal dining rooms are a perfect way to explore symmetrical balance, especially when working with architectural characteristics like windows.
Asymmetrical balance
Asymmetrical balance is more difficult to achieve but can make a dynamic impact. When using asymmetrical balance in interior design, the results are usually more casual. Not only does this make it a popular option for small, narrow or oddly shaped rooms, but it also lends itself to a wider variety of “informal” design styles.
An example of asymmetrical balance might be arranging heavier, larger furniture pieces all together on one side of the room, and the smaller, lighter pieces on the other. To make the room feel balanced, designers incorporate bold colors, patterns or additional decor to the lighter side.
Radial balance
Radial balance is often blended with both symmetrical and asymmetrical balance to add round pieces harmoniously into designs. A basic description would be objects rotated to face the same direction around one central point.
For example, a round dining table with an odd number of chairs would exhibit radial balance rather than symmetrical. Spiral staircases, round kitchen islands and circular windows on walls or front doors are other examples of radial balance in context.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
