Symmetry is defined as “being the same or corresponding on both sides of a central dividing line; harmony or beauty of form that results from balanced proportions.” To me, symmetry in home design can be boiled down to “when you love it, buy two.”
Furniture and accessories placed with symmetry in mind are striking and very pleasing visually. It is all about balance and repeating the same placement of items opposite of each other. There are simple, standard symmetry techniques that can give a casual room a furniture leg up to look polished and professional.
Lamps are one of the easiest items to place to show a dash of symmetry. Two of the exact same lamp bases with matching shades are perfect pieces to place on end tables that flank the couch or on nightstands that flank the bed. To take it a step further, set two matching lamps on a sofa table behind the couch toward the two ends of the tabletop to provide soft light for your main seating area.
Ottomans are another décor item that can be used symmetrically. Two small ottomans placed side by side in place of a coffee table or placed alongside your seating area for additional seating or as an appealing break between two seating areas in a larger living room work well. Forgo a chest at the foot of the bed and use two ottomans instead for bedroom seating and a nice hotel feel.
Side chairs are an additional top pick for creating symmetry in your furniture layout. Flank a fireplace with two occasional chairs facing each other. Situate two side chairs beside each other with a small table in between in place of a loveseat in the living room. Create a small seating area using the same principle in an oversized bedroom or an area of the living room, a reading nook, or a landing.
Follow Noah’s example of two-by-two and double up on small furniture and accessories to lay out a symmetrical feast for the eyes that causes your guests to give you the ultimate home décor compliment: a double take.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star March 27th.
