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Interior Design vocabulary · Design Principles

Negative space

Meaning in interior design, with examples

/ˌneɡətɪv ˈspeɪs/nounCommon term

In interior design, negative space means: The empty space around and between objects in a room, left on purpose so that the eye can rest and the important pieces stand out.

In Turkish: boş alan, negatif alan, nefes alanı

How it is used

Key in minimalist and Japandi interiors and in styling shelves. Designers say a wall or a shelf needs more negative space or breathing room. Clients sometimes see empty space as unfinished, so it helps to explain why it is there.

Example sentences

  1. Leave some negative space on the shelves; not every spot needs an object.

  2. The negative space around the sculpture is what makes it so striking.

Common collocations

  • use negative space
  • leave negative space
  • breathing room
  • minimalistDescribes a style that uses very few objects, simple forms, plain surfaces and hidden storage, so that space and light become the main features.
  • JapandiA style that blends Japanese and Scandinavian design: calm, minimal rooms with natural materials, low furniture, muted earthy colours and fine craftsmanship.
  • 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.
  • balanceThe even spread of visual weight in a room, so that no side feels heavier or emptier than another; it can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

This word in other fields

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

More terms: Design Principles

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