|
|
|
WEIGHT AND SHAPE AFFECT OUR SPACE
Some of the furniture we see today is referred to as massive. High
ceilings and large window walls call for oversized sofas and art prints.
We are dealing with the design element of mass, i.e. how much space an
object occupies.
In addition to the physical weight of sofas, pianos and bookcases, we
must be aware of how much weight, or mass, an object appears to have.
The common mistake you should avoid is placing too much mass on one side
of the room, so that one side seems overly heavy. People often place TV
armoires next to their fireplace with the sofa placed against the
opposite wall. This might make the sofa wall appear less significant.
When possible, place the large entertainment centers directly across
from the fireplace wall so that the room is in better balance. The sofa
can then be placed at an angle to the fireplace that it will give a
person a side view of the fire and a good view of the TV.
If there is no other choice but putting a TV unit next to the fireplace
then you must create the balance on the opposite wall. Choose a sofa
with a higher back, rolled arms and skirting for a heavier look. Add a
grouping of art with heavy framing that occupies wall space roughly
equivalent to the opposite wall setting.
A large non-glass coffee table, enclosed end tables with substantial
lamps are the finishing touches that when combined with the sofa and
art, give the appearance of balancing the fireplace wall.
As you ponder the mass in your rooms, pay attention to shape, another
basic design element. This concept is often overlooked, but an
understanding of how to combine a variety of shapes will lead to a very
pleasing effect.
The shapes found in most rooms are usually the rectangular shape of the
room itself, along with rectangular bookcases, TVs, fireplaces, tables
and windows. We intensify this shape by adding rectangular art and
mirrors. Such a room is in dire need of curving lines to add variety.
Soften linear rooms with circles, ovals and other curving lines. An oval
coffee table, along with circular end tables will soften an angular
room. Curving arms and legs on chairs, or a camel back sofa, are
pleasing curves in a room. Rounded lamp bases and rounded accessories,
such as bowls holding ornamental spheres, or decorative plates on easels
and walls will balance rectangles.
Adding a round mirror or two over a rectangular bathroom vanity is a
very stylish and pleasing choice. A round mirror would also add a
graceful touch over a credenza in the foyer.
If you have a bay window area, consider placing a curved sofa in the
area to compliment the line. Chairs with curved backs are a good choice
to accompany a straight sofa. So too, a round area rug in the entry, or
under a round dining room table, are good choices.
|