Vertical lines interior design

Using line in interior design – what it is and how to use it

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(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)

'Line' is one of the informal rules that interior designers will often follow when creating a room that's well-balanced, proportioned – and visually pleasing.

See: Interior design tips – decorating secrets for the world's top experts

The different types of lines – vertical lines that extend up and down; horizontal lines that extend side to side; and dynamic lines (diagonal, curved or zigzag) can all help to unify as well as contrast, guiding the eye around the room and ensuring it's interesting as well as functional.

Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs , says: 'Lines are part of the concept of form within interior design and are critical to the success of a design scheme. There is an argument that lines are at the heart of form and are characterized as either horizontal, vertical, diagonal and curved lines which all help to define shape and volume.

'As well as this, they are hugely important when it comes to texture – think the defined lines of fluted glass – or apparent texture such as marble where it appears to have texture and doesn’t.'

'Linear elements in interior design draw the eye, and can be used to manipulate the way we interpret a space,' says Tiffany Leigh, of Tiffany Leigh Design .

Furniture can be used to create horizontal lines, like tables and countertops, and give a space a sense of anchored stability. Vertical lines can help a room feel taller, and panelling, cladding and shiplap can all be used to enhance height.

Tiffany says: 'Want to make a space feel taller or emphasize a high ceiling? Use vertical lines to draw the eye up! Vertical tongue and groove panelling is one of our favorite linear elements to add to a space, drawing the eye up while adding architectural interest and texture to a space. '

(Image credit: Tiffany Leigh Design)

Dynamic lines are often used to engage the eye and stimulate the senses, so are particularly good in accent pieces, like chevron on a rug or lampshade, or a parquet floor or tiled feature wall.

Dynamic lines should generally be kept to a minimum and not overpower vertical and horizontal lines, although this a guide only.

Discover some top tips how to use line in each room below.

1. Use line to form zones in the kitchen

(Image credit: British Standard by Plain English)

'When used carefully, lines help balance a kitchen, playing with the proportion of a space and helping to create zones,' says Adrian Bergman, Senior Designer at British Standard by Plain English .

'We often use a tide line paint effect, a painting technique that's now synonymous with British Standard, whereby the color of the cabinets extends above the worktop to eye level, creating one continuous line around the room.

'This technique works particularly well in rooms with high ceilings, as it lowers the focus and grounds the joinery, with the added benefit of adding color and personality to a space. The tide line can be tonal or contrasting colors, both create a very graphic quality adding real interest to the room.’

In the image below from Original BTC , lines are cleverly used to create zones; the slimline, short tongue and groove above the worktop adds a pop of color as well as a coziness that defines the work space. The vertical cladding lines are then widened and lengthened to create height.

Panelling on the cabinets helps to define the storage area, while fluted glass on the island does the same job but injects a different aesthetic as a contrast.

(Image credit: Original BTC)

See: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for all kitchens

Lines can also be used to add texture to a kitchen, through pattern on tiled splashbacks or fluting on cabinetry or glass, for example.

(Image credit: VEVES interior design)

2. Create a spa-style bathroom with lines

(Image credit: BC Designs)

There has been a shift towards using dynamic lines to create a bathroom sanctuary, says Barrie Cutchie, explaining: 'Lines run throughout furniture, architectural elements and accessories that you choose, and we’ve seen a huge evolution in bathroom design from simple horizontal and vertical lines to lots of curves, which helps to soften a look; creating a much more relaxing environment – think spa-like bathroom trends.'

However, vertical and horizontal lines still have their place, and can be used to make a space feel cozier or larger. The curve of the freestanding bath above softens the vertical lines in the wall cladding, too.

Barrie says: 'You can also use lines to make a space feel bigger or small. An example is the use of tiles. If you have a long or narrow space, running tile lengthwise can make it feel bigger because the lines diminish into perspective. If you place the tiles running side to side, the room will look shorter but feel wider.'

As is the same in any room, lines can also be harnessed to inject texture into a bathroom, from fluted lights, cabinets and vanity units, to rustic wooden wall cladding.

(Image credit: Ham Interiors)

See: Bathroom ideas – stylish decor ideas for all bathrooms

The beautiful wood cladding in the bathroom below, belonging to Bee Osborn, of Osborn Interiors , shows how the ceiling cladding gives the room length and, as there's already height but not much width, horizontal wall cladding makes it feel bigger, as well as adding warmth with the grainy texture.

Tiffany Leigh says: 'The direction we run hardwood in a room is carefully planned when thinking about line and what it will do to a space. Running hardwood parallel to long walls makes a space feel longer but narrower, perpendicular means wider but shorter. '

(Image credit: BC Designs/Bee Osborn)

Tiffany also has a little line design style trick for the bathroom. She reveals: 'Want to make a space feel more intimate? Designers actually use a trick called 'breaking the line' to do this, where you break up a long, solid countertop with a hand towel draped over the end.'

(Image credit: Tiffany Leigh Design)

3. Add color to the bedroom with painted lines

(Image credit: Neptune)

Annie Sloan explains that using paint to create lines in the bedroom can help to make a space feel larger, while also adding color and atmosphere.

She explains: 'The fundamental principles of using stripes to make a space look larger are simple: vertical stripes of any width will make walls appear taller, narrower stripes especially can give a high-ceilinged feel to a space. Horizontal stripes make the walls and the room appear wider. Especially at one or two third intervals up a wall, they create the feeling of a larger space whilst also being directional, and, crucially, easier to paint than vertical lines!'

Annie adds: 'It’s a great way to incorporate more color into your home when you can’t decide on a wall color or if you’d like to experiment with a statement shade without committing to a whole wall of color. Using contrasting colors will make a grand statement; use the brighter color at the top third of the wall to draw the eye upwards and create the illusion of height as well as width! Use tonal colors for a more subtle, contemporary nod to the trend.'

Painted panelling is also a stylish way to use line to create a timeless and elevated feel in the bedroom.

See: Bedroom ideas – designs and inspiration for beautiful bedrooms

(Image credit: Neptune)

The bedroom above by Neptune perfectly shows how using different lines can guide your eye around the room; the rug stripes run parallel with the wooden flooring, leading the eye to the back of the room, where vertical panelling draws the eye upwards to appreciate the artwork. The dynamic lines in the curves of the headboard add extra interest for a varied and visually pleasing aesthetic.

4. Makes accent pieces pop with dynamic lines in the living room

(Image credit: Damian Russell)

Dynamic lines, including curves, zigzags and chevrons, are a clever and easy way to bring a living room to life. A curved sofa is always a timeless and elegant choice and, in the image above, the round table, glass-blown lamp, half-circle rug and cheeky vase all soften the vertical lines of the full-height curtains and wall panelling for a vibrant room.

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)

5. Adopt a mix of lines to add verve to a dining room

(Image credit: Ligne Roset)

The above design by Ligne Roset offers an excellent example of how to mix vertical, horizontal and dynamic lines to give character to a dining room. The lines in the rug add depth, color and dynamism to the room, while the round table softens the statement. A fluted cabinet on the back wall also adds texture to the space.

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.

Line - Learning the Basics

• Horizontal Lines: Weighty, secure, restful, stabilizing.

Horizontal lines suggest a solid, harmonious relationship with the Earth; this gives a stabilizing, peaceful harmonious effect to window treatments for example. When found in a connecting architectural detail such as mouldings, horizontal lines provide a smooth transition between rooms or areas. If they lead to a focal point, they help to emphasize it.

Too many horizontal lines in an interior may become boring and lack visual interest. Horizontal lines make a room appear wider or longer.

• Vertical Lines: Lofty, solid, formal, imposing, restrained.

Vertical lines lift the eye upward and make windows, and sometimes, entire interiors, appear taller or higher. They have the ability to lift the mind and the spirit as well. As such, vertical lines are purposeful tools for architects and designers of churches and public buildings because they inspire awe and tend to diminish the significance of human scale. Vertical lines convey a feeling of strength and dignity and are quite appropriate in formal dining rooms, entryways and formal living areas, as well as offices and public meeting and performing spaces. However, this formality can bring stiffness or a commanding feeling to the interior. Too many vertical lines can cause a feeling of uneasiness and too much confinement.

ANGULAR LINES

• Diagonal Lines: Action, movement, interest, angular stability.

Diagonal lines are flexible because their exact direction may vary from shallow to steep angles. Diagonal lines generally suggest movement, action or dynamism, perhaps because diagonal lines are associated with going places—up or down a staircase or escalator, the taking off or landing of an airplane, for example. Interest is usually sustained longer with diagonal lines than with horizontal or vertical lines, possibly because the angles seem to defy gravity and the eye and mind are stimulated. Yet diagonal lines also can be secure, such as the reinforcing diagonals of a roof truss system.
Too many diagonal lines can be over stimulating and compete with horizontal or vertical lines.

• Zigzag Lines: Exciting, lively, rhythmic movement.

Zigzag lines are short diagonal lines that reverse upon themselves and form a regular or irregular pattern. A zigzag line can be one single line or several in a set. A set of regular zigzag lines is called a chevron or herringbone pattern, and irregular zigzag lines are typically called a flamestitch pattern. Angular zigzag lines can add energy and life to an interior. If too many zigzag lines are incorporated, however, the effect can be frenzied and agitating.

CURVED LINES

• Curved or Circular Lines: Soft, humanizing, repetitive tempo, gracefulness.

Curved or circular lines provide relief and softness to straight and angular lines and balance the harshness of too many straight lines. Curved lines give a human quality to interiors; they can be easy on the eyes and pleasing to view. A series of curved lines, such as an arcade (a procession of arches), gives a rhythmic cadence to an interior, suggesting graceful movement. In architectural components, round or elliptical segments (sections of circles or ovals), such as archways and arched transoms or fanlights, provide graceful dignity to interiors. Generously curved lines are viewed as feminine. An excess of curved lines may become too decorative and consequently, a little overpowering.

• Flowing Lines: Gentle movement, growth, linear development.

Flowing lines are irregularly curved lines that move gently in a random or spiralling manner. Flowing lines may be seen in large interior trees or climbing vines, in spiral or curved staircases, or in the lines of fine Oriental rugs, for example. Inspiration may be taken from the graceful and curved forms of growing and changing live plant forms. As we are never certain where the line will end, flowing lines can provide a great deal of interest.

• Tightly Curved or Busy Lines: Playful activity, zest, lively visual stimulation.

Tightly curved or busy lines are most often seen in textiles and in wall and floor coverings as complicated patterns that are lively, busy or active. Tightly curved lines can add frivolity and fun to interiors. Complicated tightly curved compositions, such as those in vivid floral fabric, in area rugs or wall coverings, add life and may be visually stimulating and aesthetically satisfying. As such, busy lines may save interiors from becoming dull or boring, yet control over the quality of the design is imperative. Colours and contrasts that are bold or feature too much obvious pattern might prove displeasing and detract from the harmony of the interior.

COMBINING AND BALANCING LINES

Every interior uses lines in combination, yet often one line will be planned to dominate in order to accomplish a desired effect. Vertical and horizontal lines form the structural or architectural foundation for a building.

Angular and curved lines are used for interest, movement, relief and to humanize an interior space.

Interior stripes: decorating tips

Rule #1

Vertical stripes make a room appear taller, horizontal stripes make a room appear larger, but lower. If the height of the wall is greater than its length, the vertical strip must never be used. Otherwise, the room may turn into a "well".

Apartment in Lyon.

Photo: Gwenn Dubourthoumieu

Project by Marina Gisich.

Photo: Richard Powers

The entire interior can be striped, from floor to ceiling. However, in this case, one more important rule should be remembered No. 2

Rule No. 2

The strip on all surfaces must be the same in width (at least approximately), color or rhythm . A match on one parameter is enough. If stripes of different colors are used, these colors must in any case be combined with each other. Also, we must not forget that a thin strip of contrasting color visually ripples and causes a feeling of discomfort. Therefore, choosing a thin strip, it is better to rely on calm tones. If you prefer contrast, then it is better to give preference to wider options. nine0005

villa on the island of Li Galli.

Photo: Massimo Listri

The safest option for is to use the multi-color strip in fragments. For example, to highlight the area at the head of the bed Or highlight the wall where there is a chest of drawers or a sofa. Or just to make the interior of the room dynamic, and the mood of the people in it cheerful and cheerful.

House of Wendelin and Brigitte von Boch

Photo: Simon Upton

Photo: dezeen.com

Apartment in Madrid. Project by Leticia Martinez.

Photo: Pablo Sarabia

Rule #3

Striped walls should be supported with striped furniture or accessories. These can be carpets, upholstery, decor, cushions or linens. Striped items in the interior can be used completely independently.

Project by Matali Krasse. nine0005

Photo: Philip Piron

House of Umar Dzhabrailov. On the wall is a painting by Peter Halley.

Photo: Reto Guntli

Project by Tatyana Alenina.

Photo: Alexey Konovalov

Project by decorator Natalia Volnykh.

Photo: Sergey Ananiev

Rule No. 4

The stripe in the interior is perfectly combined with plain surfaces, the color of which matches the color of one of the stripes. nine0008 A good example is the apartment of fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg (Diane von Fürstenberg).

Apartment of designer Diane von Furstenberg.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES

Every rule, as you know, has exceptions. Let's talk about them separately. The main one is not to be afraid of experiments. You can combine a stripe not only with a stripe, or plain surfaces in the same color scheme, but also with any other prints, for example, with a cage. nine0005

Apartment of designer Diane von Furstenberg. At the suggestion of François Catrou, the walls in the guest room are upholstered in chenille from Baker. The carpet was matched to their tone. But Diana insisted on pillows with a cheetah print.

Photo: Reto Guntli/zapaimages.com

Project by decorator Natalia Volnykh.

Photo: Sergey Ananiev

The strip goes well with floral ornaments . In this case, it is better to choose wallpaper and textiles from the same collection. They tend to act as companions and complement each other perfectly. nine0005

Missoni Home textiles.

And finally: do not treat the strip conservatively. In the end, these are not only straight lines drawn under the ruler. These are zigzags, and corners, and overlapping, as if overlapping ornaments.

Photo of: @kellywearstler

Project by Kelly Westler.

Photo: @kellywearstler

Krivolapova Daria

Interior stripes: horizontal or vertical stripes in interior design

We also got a strip a long time ago. But only now it was called “motley” and it turned out due to the fact that it was often difficult for peasants to find the same fabric, so clothes were sewn from strips of different patches. Colors were chosen so that it looked harmonious and beautiful. They were mainly red, blue, white, purple and gold shades.

But in medieval Europe, the attitude towards this pattern was somewhat different: jesters, executioners, servants, convicts and other outcasts had to wear it. In order not to be confused with decent citizens. This was the case until the Renaissance. Then the strip was finally appreciated. Since then, it has remained one of the most popular patterns. But let's look at some examples. nine0005

Horizontal or vertical

Vertical lines can visually lift the ceiling and make the space appear taller.

And the horizontal ones are wider. True, the ceiling will seem a little lower. Therefore, you need to choose a strip taking into account the characteristics of the room. If the ceilings are low, vertical lines are ideal.

Diagonal also visually enlarges the space. At the same time, unlike horizontal lines, it does not “lower” ceilings. You can “stripe” the entire wall or just make a few bright lines. The interior will become brighter and more expressive. nine0005

Small or wide

Wide stripes make the space more intimate. At the same time, they set the tone for the interior and build the space. And the thin ones will merge into a pattern, creating an excellent background for bright decor items.

Colored or plain

Plain stripes bring clarity, geometricity and balance to the interior. While bright, multi-colored stripes, on the contrary, make it more vibrant, playful and add a little chaos. What do you like more? nine0005

“Striped objects are also good because they can perfectly exist in solitude. They do not have to be supported by stripes in other corners. And the strip does not have to be straight! The skin of a zebra is also striped” Maria Solovieva-Sosnovik, studio Bureau17-117. Interior designer, decorator, journalist, member of the Association of Interior Decorators

Same or different

Stripes of different widths will add rhythm and dynamics to the pattern. Combinations of thick and thin lines can be a very simple alternation of two or three types of stripes or a complex pattern.