Balance

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN…

The designer works with the 4 tools or elements of design: line, form, color, and texture. But now they must follow the “RULES” about using those tools. The rules are called the principles of design.

There are 5 principles of design:

BALANCE proportion/scale

rhythm harmony

emphasis

BalanceBalance The resolution of The resolution of

interacting forces, interacting forces, attractions or weights. attractions or weights. Also known as Also known as equilibrium.equilibrium.

Balance is a psychological or visual sense of equilibrium. As a design principle, balance places the parts of a visual in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

BalanceBalance Large objects and spaces appear Large objects and spaces appear heavier than small heavier than small

ones, but a grouping of small objects can balance a large ones, but a grouping of small objects can balance a large object.object.

BalanceBalance Opaque materials appear Opaque materials appear

heavier than heavier than transparenttransparent materials.materials.

Bright, warm, dark-patterned Bright, warm, dark-patterned colors appear colors appear heavierheavier than than grayed, cool, light colors.grayed, cool, light colors.

BalanceBalance

Unusual and unique shapes Unusual and unique shapes and objects have and objects have importance beyond their importance beyond their sizesize..

Textures and patterns hold Textures and patterns hold one’s one’s attentionattention longer than longer than smooth, plain surfaces.smooth, plain surfaces.

BalanceBalance

Objects above Objects above eyeeye level appear level appear to be heavier than objects placed to be heavier than objects placed below eye level.below eye level.

ContrastingContrasting textures, patterns, textures, patterns, and colors (such as and colors (such as complementary colors) have complementary colors) have greater impact than closer greater impact than closer harmonies (such as analogous).harmonies (such as analogous).

BalanceBalance Brightly-lighted areas Brightly-lighted areas

attract more attract more attentionattention than than dimly lit areas.dimly lit areas.

Strong contrasts add Strong contrasts add weightweight..

Types of Balance…Types of Balance… SymmetricalSymmetrical

Formal BalanceFormal BalanceOne side of the room is the One side of the room is the mirrormirror image of the image of the

otherotherOccurs when the visual weight of a composition

is evenly distributed around a central vertical or horizontal axis

Gives a quiet and restful feelingGives a quiet and restful feelingSuits classical and traditional interiorsSuits classical and traditional interiors

Easiest balance to create, but not as Easiest balance to create, but not as interestinginteresting

Symmetrical BalanceSymmetrical Balance

Symmetrical BalanceSymmetrical Balance

AsymmetricalAsymmetricalInformal BalanceInformal Balance

Visual weights are equal, but Visual weights are equal, but elements are different in size, form, elements are different in size, form,

color, pattern, and spacingcolor, pattern, and spacingOccurs when the weight of a

composition is not evenly distributed around a central axis

Has an effect of Has an effect of spaciousnessspaciousnessMore lasting appeal; More lasting appeal; interesting interesting

Types of Types of Balance…Balance…

Asymmetrical BalanceAsymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical BalanceAsymmetrical Balance

RadialRadial

Furnishings or patterns are arranged Furnishings or patterns are arranged in a circular mannerin a circular manner

Creates a dramatic sense of Creates a dramatic sense of motionmotion in a roomin a room

The right and left sides as well as The right and left sides as well as the top and bottom halves of the the top and bottom halves of the

composition are identical. composition are identical.

Types of Balance…Types of Balance…

Radial BalanceRadial Balance

What kind of balance do you see?What kind of balance do you see?The balance in a room is ever-changing:

When a person enters the room, the balance changes. The clothing they wear and the places they move will change the balance.

The constant changing of natural light and shadows changes the balance.

Day to day living will change the balance in a room… the placement of a magazine on the table, toys left out, even fading of carpet and furniture.

Assignment on Balance

Symmetrical Balance by Your Name

Asymmetrical Balance by Your Name

The symmetrical balance in this room leaves it

feeling formal and peaceful.

The asymmetrical balance in this room

gives it an informal or casual appeal.

1. Using catalogs or magazines, find and identify one picture of a whole room arrangement (or an area of a room) that illustrates symmetrical and one picture that illustrates asymmetrical balance.

2. Use a computer or templates to title each page and label each picture. You may mat the pictures as desired. 3. If the picture you

select does not fill the entire page, you may want to add a picture of balancing scales or a picture of an individual object that illustrates one of the types of balance.

Asymmetric lamp

Symmetrical Balance Name: _____________

Draw and color an arrangement above to illustrate symmetrical design. The small console must have 5 drawers.

Include 1 lamp of any kind, 2 framed pictures of any kind, and one floor rug.

Asymmetrical Balance Name: _____________

Draw and color an arrangement above to illustrate asymmetrical design. The small console must have 5 drawers. Include 1 lamp of any kind, 2 framed pictures of any kind, and

one floor rug.