Have you ever wondered why some interiors appear naturally balanced and perfectly designed while others seem unbalanced and disproportionate?
Symmetry is typical in interior design, and it portrays a feeling of stability, calmness, and balance. As one of the interior design principles, a balance must be carefully considered when designing our spaces.
Unbalanced interior space can feel uncomfortable when we are off-balance in various aspects of our lives. However, we can achieve balance by distributing the visual weight of objects within a room to achieve a feeling of equilibrium. It can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.
What Is Symmetry?
Symmetry in everyday language refers to a sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion and balance. Symmetry is all around us, from the geometry of natural elements to our bodies. Asymmetrical balance creates a mirror-image effect and gives a feeling of formality and precision.
We can describe symmetrical balance as having equal weight on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum.
Why Our Brain Loves Symmetrical Interiors
Symmetry is familiar to us, so our brains unconsciously use it. Since we often find such a balance in nature, galaxies, and even our bodies, our brain also perceives better symmetrical and balanced interiors. Symmetrical interiors are, therefore, viewed as more restful and peaceful than their asymmetrical counterparts.
How Can You Achieve Symmetry?
We can achieve symmetry through patterns, the arrangement of furniture and fixtures, and the use of colour. When creating balance, you must consider three main factors: your focal point, the visual weight, scale, and proportion.
We will explain these principles later in our post, showing you how to design an aesthetically pleasing bedroom in 5 easy steps using symmetry.
5 Steps to Create Symmetry in Your Bedroom
Bedrooms open up a perfect opportunity for symmetry in your design.
1. Establish Your Focal Point
In the case of a bedroom, your bed acts as a natural focal point of the room. Therefore, this will be the center of attention and your compositional center to build your symmetry.
2. Place Two Matching Nightstands on Either Side of the Bed
Now, you need to balance the weight by placing similarly heavy objects on either side of your focal point. Try adding a pair of matching nightstands on both the right and left-hand sides of the bed. Make sure you position your items across from each other to create symmetry that pleases the eye.
In a perfectly symmetrical room, you can almost draw a line from the focal point and down the middle of the room, and each side would be a mirror image of the other.
3. Pick Two Posters from the Same Collection
Ideally, it would be best to hang the posters above your nightstands at the same height (eye level) or above your bed, considering your wall art spacing.
Mirrors, wall art, or symmetrical lighting fixtures above your nightstands can also replace these.
Or why not be bold and try a punchy combination of all these elements?
4. Choose Items With the Same Visual Weight for Your Nightstands
Think of matching lamps, sculptures, or vases on your bedside tables. But keep in mind. The more objects repeated on each side of the room, the more formal your space will feel. So, also pay attention to the mood you want to create. The items you choose don’t have to be identical. You can also achieve symmetry with things of equal or similar size and scale. Make sure you add some interest and sprinkle some asymmetrical decorating pieces.
5. Try The Pillow Effect
If you look around and it feels like your bed is missing something, you might not have enough pillows. You can also achieve symmetry through the position of your cushions, so try to add pairs of matching pillows for a pleasing sense of order.
Our brains find balanced spaces pleasant, so we prefer symmetry in interior design. Symmetry can also rescue your bedroom styling if something is out of place. So, if you need to make your home more harmonious and inviting, why not go ahead and give it a try?