Lines are an important element of interior design that can be used to guide the eye, create movement, and convey different moods. The characteristics of lines including their width, length, direction, and feeling can impact the design. Vertical lines create a sense of strength and stability while horizontal lines indicate calmness and repose. Diagonal lines suggest action and movement. Curved lines appear graceful and flexible. The direction, thickness, and texture of lines all influence the overall design and how the space feels.

1. Elements of Design
ACADEMICS SUPPORT
INIFD CORPORATE
Line

2. • One of most important element of design, line
defines a subjects form or shape on a flat, two-
dimensional surface.
• Lines can be thick or thin, smooth or jagged, rigid
and mechanical or organic and hand drawn.
• When discussing line as it applies to interior
design, we mean the lines created by the
furnishings and architecture of a room.

3. • Line sets form and shape.
• Line is responsible for harmony, contrast and unity in interior
design.
• Line can be used to show movement and guides the eye
throughout a room.
• Line can be used to show mood.
• Lines can be used to convey a sense of strength, serenity,
gracefulness, or action.
• Combining lines and placing them in a design in certain ways
can create specific effects and feelings.
• The use of line can also have an effect on how space is
perceived.
• Different types of lines have different effects on design.

4. Line Characteristics

5. • A mark, or stroke that is longer then it is wide. It is the path of a point moving in space.
Objects and things are perceived by the line that describes them. Characteristics of line
include:
• Width-thick, thin, tapering, uneven
• Length-long, short, continuous, broken
• Direction-horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curving, perpendicular, oblique, parallel, radial,
zigzag
• Focus-sharp, blurry, fuzzy, choppy
• Feeling-sharp, jagged, graceful, smooth ... can you think of others?

6. • Direction of the line - The Direction of the
line is the strongest of the aspects because
it leads the eye and creates focus.

7. Vertical Lines
• Awake
• Alert
• Defy Gravity
• Rigid
• Firm
• Stable
• Strong.

8. Vertical lines lead the eye up,
• Adding height
• Formality
• Growth
• Spirituality
• Grandeur
• Strength to a design.
Can be seen in:
• Tall furniture
• Columns
• Pillars
• Striped wallpaper
• Long narrow draperies

9. Horizontal lines
• Restful
• Yield to gravity
• Create quiet
• Repose
• Passivity
• Calmness
• Serenity.

10. Horizontal lines lead the eye to the left or right, suggesting
informality
• Calm
• Peace
• Gentleness
• Gravity
• Restfulness.
• Horizontal lines can make buildings, rooms, and furniture
seem wider and shorter.
Can be seen in:
• Long, low roofs
• Long, low furniture pieces such as sofas and chests

11. • A horizontal line combined with a
vertical line creates stillness,
staticness, equilibrium. For example,
the frame work of a building,
telephone poles, ranches of a tree.

12. Diagonal Lines
• Undecided
• Unstable
• Busy
• Active,
• Dynamic
• Restless
• Dramatic
• Sporty
• Lengthening
• Reduce horizontal or vertical shapes.

13. Diagonal lines suggest
• Action,
• Activity,
• Movement
• Excitement
• Creates a sense of speed
• Diagonal lines can be
overpowering and tiring, so they
should be used sparingly in
design
Can be seen in:
• Staircases
• Cathedral ceilings
• Gable Roofs

14. • Often a diagonal line needs opposing
diagonal to appear balanced.
• If joining diagonal lines are pointing down
they tend to lift up, or make object appear
lighter and more youthful.
• If they are pointing up the lines will have
the opposite effect causing the object to
appear heavier, somber or droopy.

15. • Curved Lines -A kind of line which is not
required to be straight. Curved lines are often
called irregular lines. A curved line refers to a
line that is always bending and changing
directions gradually. A curved line seems
gracious and flexible, as when a person takes
position in relaxation and play. They are found in
tied- back curtains and in the legs and corners of
furniture's.

16. Too many curved lines create
• A busy look
• Represent freedom
• Natural
• Flow
• Appearance of softness
• A soothing feeling.
• Curved lines create natural flow and
freedom.
Can be seen in:
• Doorway arches
• Ruffled curtains
• Curved furniture
• Rounded accessories
• Staircases

17. Directional/jagged lines
• Can be perceived as
• Forceful
• Chaotic
• Sharp
• Threatening

18. Thin lines
• Can be experienced by
 Unstable
 weak

19. • Thick lines
• Can be experienced by
 Rigid
 Dependent
 dominating

20. Line + texture
• Moods can be modified by aspects as
well:
• An assertive straight path can be
modified with shaped and become
delicate or ephemeral.

21. Porous Lacy