Balance

How it is used

A basic design principle. Symmetrical balance (two matching lamps either side of a bed) feels formal and calm; asymmetrical balance uses different objects of similar visual weight and feels more relaxed. Designers say a room lacks balance or feels unbalanced.

Example sentences

1. The tall bookcase on the left upsets the balance of the room.

2. We achieved balance with a large plant opposite the heavy sofa.

Common collocations

• create balance
• visual balance
• symmetrical balance
• asymmetrical balance

Related terms

• visual weightHow heavy or light an object looks, whatever its real weight; dark colours, solid bases, large size and bold patterns all add visual weight.
• proportionThe relationship in size between the different parts of an object or a room, for example between the height of a lamp and its shade, or a window and its wall.
• focal pointThe feature in a room that draws the eye first, such as a fireplace, a large window, a piece of art or a striking light fitting.
• contrastA strong difference between colours, tones, materials or shapes placed together, such as black against white or rough stone against polished brass.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• balance · Game Development
• balance · Physiotherapy
• balance · Finance & Banking
• balance · Graphic Design

More terms: Design Principles

• scale
• texture
• statement piece
• layering
• negative space