Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Design Trends

Balance is one of the most important elements of a beautiful space. Even after all the colors, furniture and accessories are chosen, the way the room is arranged can make or break a space. The moment you walk into a poorly designed space, you can feel it. Something just feels “off,” which is why achieving balance is so important. The two styles you need to understand when planning a space are symmetry and asymmetry. Asymmetry is when design doesn’t balance in the traditional sense, such as one basket of blooms on one side of a front door. Symmetry is when both sides match perfectly, such as a topiary on either side of a door. If you understand these styles of balance, then you have learned one of the most perfect aspects of achieving great design.

Here are more tips and examples on symmetrical and asymmetrical design.

SYMMETRICAL DESIGN

This room is actually a mixture of both symmetrical and asymmetrical design. The bookcases and mantel decor are matched in height and visual weight, while the furniture arrangement gets creative with some asymmetry in the chair and pouf opposite the couch.

A great example of symmetrical design with the wall art grounding the center of the space. The pops of pink offer some visual interest and keep your eye moving.

Round mirrors are a perfect central piece in a symmetrical room to keep the lines from being too harsh.

Everything in this living room is perfectly symmetrical except for the floor lamp. Finding a focal point in a room, such as a fireplace, is key to symmetrical design.

For a relaxing approach to a space, symmetrical design is always in your favor as it has a naturally balanced and calming effect.

ASYMMETRICAL DESIGN

Asymmetrical design is demonstrated in a few ways in this living space from the furniture arrangement to the accessories. The vase at the base of the fireplace is a perfect example of great asymmetrical design; it is both simple and interesting to the eye and balances the asymmetry of the decor on the mantel.

At first this room may appear symmetrical but if you look closer, you’ll notice that though it is visually balanced there is some asymmetrical creativity at work with the lounge chair being of equal length but unique in every other way to the chairs.

Again, the best asymmetrical design is that which is balances the room’s visual weight in a creative way. The chair and end table on the left create asymmetry with the other furniture, as does the tree in the back to draw your eye up.

This vignette is a great example of the intriguing visual style of asymmetry. The mounted candlestick cleverly balances the height differences of either side.

The asymmetrical design of the couch leaves space to take in that beautiful view. The decor on the coffee table, while well-balanced in a square set-up, creates asymmetry with extra height in the corner.