Simply said, balance is the equal distribution of weight. In interior design, it is the arrangement of objects, both large and small, high and low, and heavy and light by varying the placement of the objects according to weight. In any composition, balance must be achieved [to] insure order and to please the eye. Imagine a fireplace with a mantel. A mirror or portrait is mounted dead center

over the fireplace with candlesticks or porcelain collectibles on either side. This is an example of formal balance. When objects, equal in shape, size, variety and weight are placed on either side at equal distances from the center point, symmetrical balance is achieved. This is often the most easily attainable example of balance and one which most people are comfortable with.

Now picture a gilt framed oil painting of an ancestor hung over an antique chest of drawers. Sitting atop it, from left to right, a pair of Depression glass candlesticks, three small books stacked flat, a porcelain water bowl and a clear glass vase filled with wild flowers. This is also a balanced arrangement of the informal type. Although the objects are not the same or even symmetrical in shape or size, each side gives the feeling of balance.

Another aspect of balancing is horizontal balance. This may be achieved with large objects, sets of smaller objects, paint or architectural elements. Horizontal balance is taking into consideration the horizontal line which exists in every composition. There should be interest above the line and below the line. If two club chairs were used with a side table between them, horizontal balance would be achieved using three framed prints over the area. Window treatments and built-in bookcases are also great ways to achieve horizontal balance.

Occult balance is usually seen in abstract art, gardens and Asian floral designs. The background is dominant and plays an important roll in overall composition with varying shapes and sizes which are used to create movement and a meandering effect. This type of balance may not seem apparent on first sight, but usually an axis is found from which everything else stems. Oppositional balance is when two independent objects are balanced by their unity. Think of yin yang, male/female, white/black Oppositional balance is often used in choosing colors. The color wheel is the best tool for determining colors of opposite hue to create harmony. Red/Green, Orange/Blue, Yellow/Lavender, are all used to create balance in objects, furnishings and wall and floor selections.

When balancing objects and furnishings in a room, pay more attention to the actual weight than size. Heavy bronze lamps aren’t suitable for delicate antique tables, just as miniature collectibles disappear on heavy rustic tables. Be aware of scale which is the size something is and how it relates to everything else in the room. If you wanted to balance a room which has a large sofa on one side, two arm chairs with a table between would balance it. Also use balance in choosing objects for display. On a table, place tall items in the back with varying heights down to the lowest in front. Items on a bookcase should be light on top and heavy on the bottom. Things placed on stands, whatever they are made of, give a sense of importance to your item. Don’t forget color in choosing objects and furnishings for balance. Dark colors give the sense of weight and significance. See through objects and glass top tables fall on the light side.

A final word. Buy things you really love and don’t worry about current trends and fads. Educate yourself and collect things that are within your budget and that are uniquely you. Buy the best you can with what you have and remember…best doesn’t always mean the most expensive.