Make an Impact With Gorgeous Geometrics in Your Living Room
Whether loud and proud or subtle and elegant, geometric patterns are timelessly stylish. Here's how to liven up your living space
As interior looks go, bold geometry is one of the most flexible, adapting to ornate schemes as well as ultra-contemporary layouts. The reason is simple – geometric shapes are all around us, from classical architecture right through to modern designs. So pick a pattern and let your imagination run wild.
Look to the floor
Gentle use of geometric shapes helps to neutralise classic florals for a sleek, rather than chintzy, look. If you’re wary of their strength, keep the pattern to one area of the room, but think about how you can tie it in to the rest of the scheme – for example, a cluster of black photo frames or Crittall-style glass doors.
Gentle use of geometric shapes helps to neutralise classic florals for a sleek, rather than chintzy, look. If you’re wary of their strength, keep the pattern to one area of the room, but think about how you can tie it in to the rest of the scheme – for example, a cluster of black photo frames or Crittall-style glass doors.
Say it with soft furnishings
If you’re not sure about investing in big ticket geometric pieces, why not dip in with some cushions? These colourful designs add oomph to the chocolate brown sofa, and are complemented by graphic artworks. The bold rug adds to the theme, but, in grey and white, doesn’t fight with the soft furnishings.
If you’re not sure about investing in big ticket geometric pieces, why not dip in with some cushions? These colourful designs add oomph to the chocolate brown sofa, and are complemented by graphic artworks. The bold rug adds to the theme, but, in grey and white, doesn’t fight with the soft furnishings.
Make it mono
Geometric designs can be used generously to create a strong and smart look, but for an elegant mood, stick to a simple palette. Here, monochrome means geometric patterns can be worked in everywhere, from the balustrade to the blinds and cushions, without overload.
Geometric designs can be used generously to create a strong and smart look, but for an elegant mood, stick to a simple palette. Here, monochrome means geometric patterns can be worked in everywhere, from the balustrade to the blinds and cushions, without overload.
Mix scales
If you are mixing disparate, boldly coloured geometrics, it’s better to have a range of scales. Here, a giant chevron design in burnt orange makes a strong base for the smaller-scale patterns on the cushions and curtains.
If you are mixing disparate, boldly coloured geometrics, it’s better to have a range of scales. Here, a giant chevron design in burnt orange makes a strong base for the smaller-scale patterns on the cushions and curtains.
Reflect strong patterns
Prevent a richly detailed plaster ceiling from dominating a large room by introducing an equal balance below. A parquet floor topped off with a geometric rug creates a strong counterpoint to the swirly plasterwork.
Prevent a richly detailed plaster ceiling from dominating a large room by introducing an equal balance below. A parquet floor topped off with a geometric rug creates a strong counterpoint to the swirly plasterwork.
Start with a statement
A large-scale geometric artwork sets the tone in this living room, lifting the plain furnishings. The soft colours and free-form nature of the lines helps to relax the space, while a diamond-patterned ottoman bridges the divide between the art and the sleek mocha sofa.
Be inspired by eclectic wall displays
A large-scale geometric artwork sets the tone in this living room, lifting the plain furnishings. The soft colours and free-form nature of the lines helps to relax the space, while a diamond-patterned ottoman bridges the divide between the art and the sleek mocha sofa.
Be inspired by eclectic wall displays
Set the scene
For a more subtle take on the look, keep geometric patterns simple and in neutral tones – they’ll still add a touch of drama, but can act as a backdrop rather than the star of the show. This repeating diamond rug is a perfect example of low-key glamour that allows built-in shelving to be the focal point.
For a more subtle take on the look, keep geometric patterns simple and in neutral tones – they’ll still add a touch of drama, but can act as a backdrop rather than the star of the show. This repeating diamond rug is a perfect example of low-key glamour that allows built-in shelving to be the focal point.
Be bold
The beauty of geometrics is that they work as prints, textured weaves, embossed fabrics and even fretwork-style decorations, so if you’re feeling brave, bring them in wherever you can. Start with an occasional table and cushions, try a pouffe or curtains, then take them onto the wall for real wow. You can even add a hint of geometric-style animal print.
The beauty of geometrics is that they work as prints, textured weaves, embossed fabrics and even fretwork-style decorations, so if you’re feeling brave, bring them in wherever you can. Start with an occasional table and cushions, try a pouffe or curtains, then take them onto the wall for real wow. You can even add a hint of geometric-style animal print.
Layer textures
It’s not just patterns that are at play in this funky living room – texture, rather than colour, is what brings them to life. Geometric patterns suit textured weaves particularly well, especially in rich velvets and embossed fabrics, where the pattern is more three dimensional. In this design, graphic shapes even extend to a striking round mirror.
Share your tips on incorporating geometrics in the Comments below.
It’s not just patterns that are at play in this funky living room – texture, rather than colour, is what brings them to life. Geometric patterns suit textured weaves particularly well, especially in rich velvets and embossed fabrics, where the pattern is more three dimensional. In this design, graphic shapes even extend to a striking round mirror.
Share your tips on incorporating geometrics in the Comments below.
It’s one of the strongest shapes in architecture, always points to something and brings with it a real air of modernism, so why not bring its design credentials to your living room? An eye-catching patterned rug in a handful of tones is ideal, and you can continue the geometric theme onto soft furnishings, furniture and even artwork.
See 10 things a rug can do for you