Soften your home with circular shapes

There are lots of design elements we consider when designing our homes – materials, textures, styles, eras, colours. But one think we can forget about is the shapes we use.

And actually, shapes can have a big impact on a space.

There are studies that have suggested we see round shapes and circles more positively than other, straighter shapes, and so this could be the way to softening your home and creating a happier, more positive environment.

Health specialists, Delamere, state: “Circular shapes are considered to be a much friendlier shape than others (squares, hexagons, pentagons, etc), as they feel softer and milder, providing a feeling of unity and protection. The rounded shape tends to invite individuals into their completeness.”

They continued: “Humans are more drawn to curvilinear shapes as opposed to angular shapes, something that Psychologist John N. Bassili discovered. The research found that the circular shape was the abstract symbol for happiness, while the triangular shape represented anger.”

Below, I’ve taken a look at how you can encorporate more spherical shapes into your home interiors without feeling like you live in a hobbit hole.

 

1. Round dining table

 

For many people, round dining tables are ‘old fashioned’ but actually they can add so much more to a space than a square table.

In the image above, the roundness really contrasts well with the square rug, the square prints on the wall and the sharp lines of the chandelier. I love that the chairs have a slight curve to them as well, really softening the entire room and making it feel cosy but modern.

 

2. Round wall art

Round wall art or feature mirrors can offer an entirely different look than square or rectangular frames, and may actually work much better in some spaces. They do more than just fill empty spaces on your wall, too. They become a focal point, so whether you prefer a minimalist design with just a few choice pieces or an eclectic gallery that tells a story through multiple images, round photos provide a perfect platform to express yourself through your decor.

Round pictures are the ideal thing for tricky wall spaces or blank areas that you’re unsure what to do with, including above sofas, dining tables and beds. It’s easy to go straight for a rectangular or square frame in this instance, but as you can tell from the inspiration below, blending circular interiors can work wonderfully.

 

I love this enormous statement mirror in the entryway that works so much better than a square, sharp-edged mirror would. Plus the juxtaposition of the circular mirror with the square windows is *chef’s kiss*.

 

I love how the above bedroom doesn’t actually use round picture frames, but square ones with circular designs. It definitely still gives the same illusion and softens the entire room. This is important when you consider how many other squares and rectangles there are within the space (mirror, bed, bench, bedside tables).

Circles can be used no matter what your interior design style is, be it sleek minimalism or eclectic maximalism. Plus, you can customise something like a gallery wall any way you want. Want to display a single large image spread across multiple circles? Or perhaps you’d prefer a collection of different photos that are arranged in varying sizes of frames. Round prints offer the flexibility to create something that perfectly matches your personal style and taste.

 

3. Circular patterns

Sometimes, applying circles to your home isn’t just about using furniture or decor that’s a physical circle shape. You can use circular patterns to create the same feel.

This rug is square but the circular ringed pattern adds so much more depth and texture to the room. In fact, I haven’t seen a calmer, cosier living room. The rounded coffee tables really help to finish off the overall look.

 

4. Circular rugs

I adore a circular rug (though I don’t actually have any in my home!). They really help to zone a space but add a whole different feel to a square or rectangle rug.

 

A square dining table with this rug would really make the space feel quite uneven, so the rounded dining table is an excellent choice, as is the rounded pendant light that overhangs the whole area.

 

5. Architectural circles

Why stop with your soft furnishings and decor? You can add circular shapes and curves into your home via the actual architecture.

 

Creating circular archways definitely isn’t an easy or clean job, and will take some minor building work to make it happen, but it would be so worth it! This style works particularly well in older buildings with very high ceilings, as you can see in the image above. It helps to frame the room before you’ve even entered it.

So there you have my guide to circle interiors. Have I convinced you to use circles in your home yet? Find more inspiration with Noogar too!