How to Use Lines in Interior Design

When I'm designing a space, I always remember that lines are more than just physical boundaries; they’re storytellers that help to shape the narrative of a room. They’re the silent conductors orchestrating the visual symphony of a space, creating balance, visual harmony, and function in your home. 

Understanding the language of lines is paramount to crafting a captivating interior that you’ll love spending time in.

In this article, I dive deeper into the concept of lines and how you can incorporate this to turn any room into a masterpiece.

Why are lines important in interior design?

When I think about interior design, I always start with lines. Lines precede design trends — think of them less as a fad and more as a tool to apply a fundamental principle in design. They're the underlying structure that gives form and definition to any space. 

Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of minimalist interiors or the graceful curves of a more traditional aesthetic, understanding how lines work allows you to create a cohesive and visually appealing space. 

By consciously incorporating lines into your design choices, you can transform your home into a harmonious and expressive environment that truly reflects your style.

What are the uses of lines in interior design

1. Establishing sight lines

Sight lines are unobstructed visual paths that guide your gaze through a space. They influence how you perceive the size, shape, and flow of a room. 

One of the things I find fascinating about sight lines is how they can dramatically influence the perceived movement and spatial dynamics within an interior environment. They possess an innate ability to guide the eye, directing attention and shaping the overall experience of a space.

By strategically incorporating lines, you can manipulate the perceived height, width, and depth of a room.

2. Create visual interest

Mixing different types of lines, from bold and angular to soft and organic, creates visual contrast, capturing attention and stimulating the senses.

I, for one, like to juxtapose sleek, straight lines with sinuous curves to infuse a space with dynamic energy. Introducing textures like wood grain or metal accents can also accentuate the tactile quality of lines, inviting exploration and engagement. 

A living room with a large L-shaped sofa can do with a round coffee table and a few curved armchairs to evoke visual contrast and create a more inviting atmosphere.

The interplay of straight and curved lines adds visual interest and dynamism to the interior design.

Layering your interior through lines of varying shapes, sizes, and textures can transform a static room into a multi-dimensional experience.

3. Maintaining visual balance

In the world of design, balance is the holy grail — the elusive harmony that ties a room together. However, a visually imbalanced room can feel chaotic and unsettling. 

I notice that too many heavy or bulky items on one side of the room can make it feel lopsided and uninviting, while a lack of visual weight can make a space feel cold and unwelcoming. It’s tough finding that sweet spot, for sure!

Lines, with their inherent structure and order, serve as the backbone of balance in interior design. Whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, lines provide a framework upon which to arrange furniture, artwork, and architectural elements cohesively.

By carefully balancing the distribution of lines within a room, you create visual equilibrium, ensuring that no single element overwhelms the composition.

4. Defining and demarcating spaces

Lines can be incredibly useful for defining and demarcating spaces within a room, especially in open-plan layouts where different functions need to coexist harmoniously. By strategically placing furniture or architectural elements, you can create imaginary boundaries using lines.

For example, I like to use large area rugs with distinct patterns or borders that can visually demarcate seating areas in living rooms or dining zones in open kitchens. 

Beams, dropped ceilings, or changes in height can define specific areas, such as a cozy reading nook or a dining space within a larger room.

Even transitioning from one type of flooring material to another, like from hardwood to tile, can establish separate zones while maintaining visual continuity.

5. Visually lengthen or shorten the space

One of the best ways you can use lines in interior design is to visually stretch or shorten a room. As they can influence perception within a space, you can create an illusion to create more spacious or shorter rooms. 

For example, for rooms with short ceilings, I incorporate vertical lines to create the illusion of height, visually elongating the space. Floor-to-ceiling curtains, tall mirrors, or vertical stripes on walls are all great ways to make the ceiling appear higher and more spacious.

On the other hand, when it comes to long and narrow spaces, incorporating horizontal lines can visually shorten the space by emphasizing its width rather than its height. For instance, laying horizontal stripes on walls or using low furniture pieces can create a sense of coziness and intimacy.

6. Establishing visual harmony

Creating a visually balanced space has a lot to do with lines. Applying the principles of symmetry and asymmetry, you can create cohesive compositions.

Symmetrical arrangements, characterized by the balanced placement of identical or similar elements on either side of a central axis, create a sense of order and stability. Use symmetrical lines in furniture placement, artwork, or architectural features for a classic and formal look.

But if you’re anything like me, you can try being creative and add visual intrigue via asymmetry. Asymmetrical arrangements introduce dynamic tension and visual interest by offsetting different elements in a deliberate yet informal manner. Experiment with asymmetrical lines in furniture grouping, eclectic decor, or wall arrangements to evoke a modern and eclectic vibe.

Recommended read: An Interior Stylist's Tips on Finding Asymmetric Balance

7. Direct traffic flow

While I’m not recommending you create literal lines to mark a walkway, lines can serve as guiding paths, subtly directing the flow of movement within a space. This is especially useful in high-traffic areas or rooms with multiple entry points. 

One way you can do this is to position furniture along natural pathways, as this design choice encourages intuitive circulation. Align seating arrangements parallel to walkways to facilitate movement in your interior without obstructing the flow.

Strategic placement of lines, such as a series of pendant lights or a gallery wall, can also draw attention along a desired route, guiding you from one area to another.

8. Create focal points

Lines can lead the eye toward focal points, anchoring the visual composition of a room and adding visual interest by design.

Vertical or horizontal lines on a feature wall can draw attention to a specific area, such as a fireplace or artwork. 

If you want to highlight architectural features or even accent furniture within your interior, I suggest using accent lines or contrasting colors to make them stand out as focal points within the space.

9. Add depth and dimension

Lines can manipulate perceptions of space, adding depth and dimension to interiors. 

Employ linear perspective techniques in your design choices, such as converging lines or vanishing points, to create an illusion of depth in interiors. This can be achieved through architectural features like recessed alcoves, tapered walls, or perspective artwork.

Incorporate layers of lines through textural contrasts, such as combining smooth surfaces with rough textures or incorporating linear patterns in upholstery, rugs, and window treatments. This interplay of lines adds visual richness and depth to the space.

10. Introduce patterns 

All patterns are made up of lines that can evoke various moods, set the tone for a room, and reflect the style of the space. 

Choose patterned flooring such as tiles, hardwoods, or carpets to add visual interest to the floor. Patterned textiles such as rugs, throw pillows, curtains, and upholstery can also liven up an otherwise bland space. 

By incorporating these patterns into textiles, flooring, or wallpaper, you can infuse a room with visual interest and rhythm. 

What are the 7 types of lines in interior design?

1. Horizontal

Horizontal lines ground a space, anchoring it and promoting a feeling of relaxation and balance. In interior design, horizontal lines can visually widen narrow rooms and create a sense of equilibrium, making them well-suited for creating cozy and intimate settings. 

Horizontal elements such as low-slung furniture or linear shelving units can be used to enhance the horizontal plane of a room and foster a sense of comfort and serenity.

2. Vertical

When I'm working with a space that feels a bit cramped or needs a lift, I love to incorporate vertical lines. They have this amazing way of drawing the eye upward, making ceilings appear taller and spaces more expansive. They evoke feelings of strength, stability, and dignity, making them ideal for creating formal and imposing interiors. 

Vertical elements such as tall columns, floor-to-ceiling windows, or vertically-striped wallpaper designs can be used to enhance the verticality of a space and instill a sense of elegance and sophistication.

3. Curved

Curved lines offer a softer and more organic alternative to straight lines, infusing spaces with warmth and sensuality. In a room, I use curved lines to create a sense of fluidity and movement, inviting occupants to relax and unwind. 

Curved lines can be found in interior design elements such as rounded furniture or arching doorways, which can be used to soften the harsh edges of a room and promote a nurturing environment conducive to socializing and rejuvenation. 

Curved lines are particularly effective in creating inviting and intimate spaces that foster emotional connections and well-being.

Recommended read: 5 Curved Furniture You Need in Your Home

4. Diagonal

Diagonal lines inject energy and excitement into a space, breaking away from the static confines of vertical and horizontal lines. They create tension and drama, stimulating curiosity and engagement. 

I often use diagonal design elements, such as slanted rooflines, diagonal flooring patterns, and angular furniture arrangements, to add visual interest and unpredictability to a room. They're perfect if you want a space to feel alive and unexpected. 

Diagonal lines are particularly effective in creating modern and avant-garde interiors that exude vitality and innovation.

5. Circular

Circular lines introduce a sense of fluidity and harmony into a space, echoing the natural curves found in the environment. They create a soft and inviting atmosphere, encouraging relaxation and movement. 

Circular elements, such as round modern console tables, curved sofas, and circular mirrors, can be used to soften the angularity of a room and promote a sense of unity and inclusivity. 

Circular lines are particularly effective in creating intimate and welcoming settings that foster social interaction and connection.

6. Zigzag

Zigzag lines convey energy and movement, adding a dynamic and playful element to a space. They create visual interest and excitement, stimulating the senses and capturing attention. 

Zigzag design elements, such as chevron patterns, zigzagging staircases, or angular artwork can be used to inject personality and vibrancy into a room. I find them to be particularly effective in creating modern and eclectic interiors that exude creativity and spontaneity.

Incorporate lines into your next room makeover

Lines are all around us, but how you use them in your interior design can make all the difference. I always say they’re the threads that weave together form, function, and aesthetics. By understanding the language of lines and harnessing their power, you can create spaces that not only look visually stunning, but also feel harmonious and inviting.

Frequently asked questions about lines in interior design

1. How can lines be used in interior design?

Lines are capable of influencing the mood and feel of an interior space. You can use vertical lines to create height and grandeur, while horizontal lines evoke feelings of calm and spaciousness. Curved lines add softness and a touch of playfulness, while diagonal lines introduce dynamism and energy. 

2. What are the 7 elements of design?

The 7 elements of design are line, shape, form, value, color, texture, space.

Lines, in particular, play a crucial role in defining shapes, creating forms, and influencing the perception of space in interior design. For example, the lines of a sofa define its shape, while the interplay of lines in a room can create a sense of depth and dimension. Lines also contribute to the overall visual design and texture of an interior space, whether through the grain of wooden furniture or the pattern of a rug.

3. What is the psychology of lines in design?

Horizontal lines are associated with feelings of stability and calmness, while vertical lines convey strength and formality. Curved lines are often perceived as gentle and welcoming, while diagonal lines suggest movement and energy. 

By understanding the psychological impact of lines, you can use them strategically to design interior spaces that evoke the desired mood and atmosphere. For instance, a bedroom with predominantly horizontal lines might feel more relaxing, while a living room with vertical lines could feel more formal and elegant.