An Interior Stylist’s Tips to Find Asymmetric Balance
Picture this: you've browsed countless images of delightfully mismatched furniture combinations, and now you're hoping to bring that effortlessly chic asymmetric balance into your own space.
Indeed, asymmetry and balance bring visual interest and personality into a room. It’s a design approach I adore because it breaks free from rigid rules and embraces a more dynamic and engaging aesthetic.
In this guide, I share my tips on how you can bring this vision to life and master the art of asymmetrical balance in your home.
What is asymmetrical balance in interior design?
Asymmetrical balance in interior design involves creating visual equilibrium using different elements with varying visual weights.
Visual weight refers to how much an object draws the eye — factors like size, color, texture, and complexity all come into play. For example, a large, dark-colored sofa has more visual weight than a small, light-colored accent chair.
The key is arranging these objects so their visual weights complement each other, even if they’re not identical.
Popular interior design styles that incorporate asymmetry
This Japanese philosophy celebrates imperfection and finds beauty in the natural and asymmetrical. I’ve styled wabi-sabi interiors with uneven textures, natural materials, and arrangements that evoke tranquility and authenticity.
Similarly, American mid-century modern interior designs, which are characterized by their minimalist and sleek lines, stem from the post-World War II move away from ornate and intricate designs.
It often features organic shapes and open floor plans, frequently incorporating asymmetry in layouts and furniture arrangements. This style creates movement and energy in a space.
Considerations around asymmetrical interior designs
Benefits of asymmetrical balance
Balanced asymmetry injects a sense of dynamism and visual interest into an interior. It breaks free from the predictability of symmetry, creating a more engaging and personalized environment.
Whether I’m advising my clients to go for a minimalist or eclectic room, I often throw in a little suggestion on how they can incorporate asymmetry into their space — allowing them to express individuality and artistry in a way symmetry often can’t.
Potential drawbacks of asymmetrical balance
That said, achieving asymmetrical balance isn’t always easy — it requires a thoughtful eye. In my time as an interior stylist, I’ve seen many instances where this approach made a space feel cluttered or disjointed.
This approach might also not be the best fit for design styles that lean towards highly-formal or traditional aesthetics.
But, with careful planning and a good understanding of the principles, asymmetrical balance can still be successfully incorporated into a wide range of interiors.
Tips to achieve asymmetrical balance in a room
1. Play with furniture placement
Use furniture of different sizes and shapes to create visual interest while maintaining balance in visual weight. For example, a large sectional sofa on one side of the room could be balanced by a mismatched modern armchair set on the opposite side.
While the furnishings might be asymmetrical, the matching visual weights harmonize to create continuity in the room.
With that said, I always remind my clients to keep proportion in mind to avoid making the space feel cluttered or overly lopsided.
Instead of an armchair, @kristensellentin places a matching ottoman to provide ample seating space. Pictured: The Dawson L-shape Sectional Sofa Set and Inez Wool Area Rug.
Despite having different pieces of furniture with different materials, @monicawangphoto makes it work. Pictured: The Jonathan Leather Sofa, Wayne Armchair, and Kit Bouclé Stool.
2. Establish focal points
Focal points are your anchors.
One of my favorite tricks is using a bold piece of artwork as a centerpiece, then arranging mismatched decor around it to draw the eye naturally across the room.
3. Embrace odd numbers
The "rule of three" is a popular trick in the interior design book (and one I live by), which refers to the idea that grouping objects in odd numbers (typically threes) creates a more visually appealing and balanced arrangement.
This idea stems from the notion that odd numbers introduce asymmetry and prevent the eye from settling on a static, symmetrical pattern. In contrast, even-numbered groupings tend to create a sense of formality and predictability, which can be a bit stiff and uninspired.
For example, if you’re setting up a gallery wall, try arranging artwork in groups of three or five for a more engaging display.
4. Vary heights and scales
Combining objects of different heights and scales adds visual interest and dimension to a space, especially with more balanced layouts.
For instance, you can balance a lower console table and a collection of smaller decor items with a tall bookshelf in a living room. This interplay of asymmetric heights prevents visual monotony and creates a more dynamic and engaging space.
5. Work with walls and windows
Walls and windows are integral to the visual balance of a room, acting as anchors and influencing the perceived weight and flow of your space.
When striving for asymmetrical balance, consider the placement of furniture in relation to windows and wall decor. I love offsetting a large window with a statement artwork or bold furniture piece.
This arrangement helps distribute visual weight evenly and creates a harmonious, dynamic, and inviting space.
@brownstoneboys cleverly use the floor-to-ceiling windows to create a dynamic space in the living room. Pictured: The Sacha Performance Bouclé Armchairs.
@addisonswonderland uses sheer curtains to block out sunlight from the windows, beautifully framing the Rochelle Performance Bouclé Bed.
6. Infuse contrast with colors and textures
Mixing and matching textures adds depth, warmth, and personality to a space while balancing out asymmetrical elements.
For instance, a woven rug’s rough texture can add a touch of organic warmth to the smooth and elegant velvet of a loveseat. This interplay of textures creates a layered and visually rich environment with tactile appeal.
Similarly, contrasting colors help to balance visual weights. For example, a vibrant accent chair in a bold primary tone could complement a sofa in a soft, neutral shade.
7. Leverage negative space
In the pursuit of asymmetrical balance, it's easy to get caught up in the arrangement of furniture and decor. However, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is often overlooked: negative space.
Negative space refers to the empty areas in a room — the spaces between furniture, the open areas on walls, and the gaps between decor items. It's the visual breathing room that allows the eye to rest and appreciate the individual elements in a space.
I always tell my clients: don’t overcrowd the room. In particular, if you’re styling a small living room where space is at a premium, negative space can help to create the illusion of spaciousness and prevent an overcrowded feel.
One way to leverage negative space is to opt for furniture with open bases to allow light to pass through. These designs prevent the furniture from visually dominating the interior, creating breathing room.
@pith.interior uses negative space around the Owen Chaise Sectional Sofa to make the sofa and surrounding decor stand out more.
@bobmubarak adds pops of color in the white space with curtains and a large potted plant. Pictured: The Jonathan Side Chaise Sofa, Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair, and Guin Round Coffee Table.
8. Trust your intuition
While interior design principles and guidelines offer valuable frameworks, achieving truly harmonious asymmetrical balance often involves a touch of intuition and personal expression.
As you decorate your space, take a step back every now and then to assess the overall balance and feel of the room.
Observe how your eye moves through the space. Does it flow smoothly from one element to the next, or does it get stuck on a particular object or area? Make adjustments to the space as needed.
Remember that there's no single "right" way to achieve asymmetrical balance. What works in one space might not work in another. The key is to trust your instincts and consider what you find pleasing and practical.
Embrace the art of asymmetrical harmony
Asymmetrical balance in interior design is a powerful tool for creating spaces visually dynamic and personally expressive spaces. It allows you to break free from rigid rules and embrace a more organic and engaging aesthetic.
By understanding the principles of visual weight, scale, and proportion and experimenting with different elements like furniture placement, decor arrangements, and color palettes, you can create a space that is uniquely yours.
Frequently asked questions about asymmetrically balanced interior designs
What is asymmetrical balance in interior design?
Asymmetrical balance in interior design involves creating visual harmony by using different elements on either side of a central point or axis. Instead of mirroring identical objects, asymmetrical balance relies on objects of different visual weights to achieve equilibrium.
What is the effect of asymmetrical balance in interior design?
Asymmetrical balance creates a sense of visual interest, dynamism, and movement in a room. It can make a room feel more casual, energetic, and personalized compared to a symmetrical balance.
What is an example of asymmetrical balance in interior design?
An example of asymmetrical balance could be a living room with a large sofa on one side balanced by a pair of armchairs and a side table on the other. The visual weight of the different elements creates a sense of equilibrium despite their dissimilar appearances.
