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