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Does uncluttered have to mean symmetrical?
I recently devoured Muriel Barbery’s book The Elegance of the Hedgehog. The novel, originally penned in French, follows a woman and a child who live in the same building in Paris. Both female characters are incredibly intelligent, and both go out of their way to hide that fact from everyone they encounter.
In the fifth chapter of the book, I was intrigued by a conversation between one of the book’s main characters, Renee, and a cleaning woman named Manuela. In the following dialogue, Renee and Manuela are discussing the apartments of residents in the building — a French family, the Arthens’, and a retired Japanese man, referred to here as Ozu. Renee begins:
“I’ve never thought about it. But it’s true that we tend to decorate our interiors with superfluous things.”
“Super what things?”
“Things we don’t really need, like at the Arthens’. The same lamps and two identical vases on the mantelpiece, the same identical armchairs on either side of the sofa, two matching night tables, rows of identical jars in the kitchen …”
“Now you make me think, it’s not just about the lamps. In fact, there aren’t two of anything in Monsieur Ozu’s apartment. Well, I must say it makes a pleasant impression.”
“Pleasant in what way?”
[Manuela] thinks for a moment, wrinkling her brow.
“Pleasant like after the Christmas holidays, when you’ve had too much to eat. I think about the way it feels when everyone has left … My husband and I, we go to the kitchen, I make up a little bouillon with fresh vegetables, I slice some mushrooms real thin and we have our bouillon with those mushrooms in it. You get the feeling you’ve just come through a storm, and it’s all calm again.”
“No more fear of being short of anything. You’re happy with the present moment.”
“You feel it’s natural — and that’s the way it should be, when you eat.”
“You enjoy what you have, there’s no competition. One sensation after the other.”
“Yes, you have less but you enjoy it more.”
I read this passage and couldn’t stop thinking about my own home. All of my shoe storage boxes are identical, I have three matching vases on the fireplace mantel, and every piece of furniture in the bedroom is made of the same type of wood in the same finish by the same designer. Yet, in other areas of my home, nothing matches. The chairs around my dining room table are all different, the knobs on my kitchen cupboards purposefully don’t match, and my filing cabinet doesn’t come close to resembling my other office furniture.
When organizing and decorating your spaces, do you tend toward symmetry in design or do you seek out the one item that pleases you the most? I don’t think that there is a “right” answer; I am simply curious as to your thoughts on a streamlined space. Does uncluttered have to mean symmetrical or repetition of the same? Is different discordant?
43 comments posted
Posted by Rusty - 08/10/2009
This passage reminds me of another novel in which food is mentioned periodically “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel.
Posted by Tami - 08/10/2009
Added The Elegance of the Hedgehog to my reading list. This should be a lovely departure from my normal reading fare.
I tend toward symmetry in my spaces, unquestionably, but I am also a fan of the quirky and deliberate non-symmetry. You mention your kitchen cupboard knobs – I think that’s a marvelous idea (especially as I cannot help but fall in love with dozens of different knob types at the hardware store) but I would not be likely to paint each cupboard door a different color (for example).
Posted by ottan - 08/10/2009
I am a highly structured and regimented personality, and everything in my house has a place, so people are often surprised at how much I HATE perfect symmetry in my home. I agree that furnishings and decor need to be ‘balanced,’ but when everything exists in pairs, I feel a sort of tension in the repetition. Also, arrangements are rarely perfectly mirrored, so I obsess over the slight differences. For me, it’s better if things don’t match on purpose.
Posted by Alexandra - 08/10/2009
Uncluttered does not have to mean symmetrical, but for me, there needs to be a continuous theme.
I do not yet have a place that I may decorate on my own, but I plan on having a few completely mismatched elements in an otherwise streamlined home. For holidays, I plan on having a various completely non-matching china patterns in assorted colors, bought from antique stores, turned into a complete dining set. This way, if anything happens to an individual plate down the line, I won’t have to go looking for a 40 year old (discontinued) pattern in order to replace the one missing piece and host a dinner at my place.
Besides, my favorite family heirlooms are patchwork quilts, so why shouldn’t I try to achieve that look when the whole family is gathered for a dinner?
As for furnishings, I will try to keep the color scheme and the style of the pieces in mind, but I have no intention of matching everything.
Posted by Beth - 08/10/2009
This is a great discussion topic, and from such an intriguing-sounding book.
Here’s my take: It’s very subjective call.
The items you want to pay attention to should be chosen, or custom, or unique, as when each person in a household has their own comfy chair. Your collection of knobs that suggests at once a creative and embracing-diversity approach to food and heart-matters (possibly).
Utilitarian things that match unify according to a purpose. One might see them as soothing, exerting order in a place that tends toward disorder (bedroom, shoe closet!) without calling attention to themselves.
Matching vases on the mantel I’m ambivalent about, though. I’d have a strong urge to use them to display different fresh, found flowers, and then they’d fall into the practical category. But an item repeated without some injection of life (essentially different/unique) or contrast wouldn’t be my preference.
This topic is helpful, since for years I’ve wanted to impose symmetry on a key room in my home that is not symmetrical. Seeing this post, and thinking of invoking a relaxing sense of charm and endurability using “pieces” rather than “sets” gives a pleasing new way to think about the problem.
I don’t find different discordant. But eventually I end up with odd collections of items, and struggle to create interesting vignettes with them. (I so admire people who can do that.) Matchy would be easier, wouldn’t it?
Posted by rosie_kate - 08/10/2009
I do not care for symmetry in anything. I really enjoy when things are a little unexpected. My collection of furnishings is all very eclectic, and while that is not by choice –it’s all whatever we could get for cheap or free!– I like it that way. I enjoy the challenge of making things go together when they don’t seem to. Everything can still have it’s place and be orderly, it’s just not all matchy-matchy.
Posted by knitwych - 08/10/2009
While I do like a certain degree of symmetry in my surroundings, I find that too much of it gives a sterile, uncomfortable feeling. The bookshelves mounted to the wall in my office are symmetrical, but the way the books are arranged is not. Some are shelved on their ends, some are shelved stacked on their back covers. I also like to throw in a bit of whimsy, using unconventional items for storage. I love Halloween, so I’ve got office supplies in various tacky Halloween containers shaped like bats, cauldrons, etc.
No doubt fans of minimalist decor would find my office cluttered and busy to the point of distraction (and I admit that there is some clutter – but Unclutterer is helping me tame that, so thanks!), but I’m not a fan of the sterile minimalist look. When I’m in a minimalist environment, I miss the touches that, to me, give a glimpse into the owner’s personality. It just seems very boring and hotel-like to me when I’m in a room where there is maybe one personal photo and a plant. I understand that some people are comforted by that, but I find it uncomfortable, sort of like my grandmother’s “good room” (the formal living room where *nobody* was allowed to go except on special occasions).
Posted by Bob - 08/10/2009
My wife prefers symetry while I prefer balance. Neither of us is adamant so we have some of each.
We “decorate” with what we have and/or what we like. No dominant style but not big clashes of styles in a room either. The lean is toward craftsman and shaker rather than chrome and glass, though.
Neither of us would dream of furnishing a room from scratch out of IKEA, even though we really like IKEA’s Poang chair! Nor do we understand why anyone would have a theme Christmas – white tree with white ornaments. In our family each ornament has sentimental value, not decorating value.
Posted by belugagirl - 08/10/2009
I’ve long wanted to have a number of one-off wine glasses to use if I ever host a dinner. I could acquire them inexpensively at antique/resale/thrift shops, and then my someday dinner guests could take their wine glasses with them around the house and easily identify their own.
Posted by Catherine Cantieri, Sorted - 08/10/2009
I think of balance, rather than symmetry. Things don’t have to be identical, but unless you’re doing something bold with a big empty space in a room, there should be something there *that serves a purpose.* (Which I think is the idea behind the New-Years-feast feeling.) Symmetry for symmetry’s sake, though, just seems silly.
Posted by Tami - 08/10/2009
Reading the comments, I find it interesting how “symmetry” was interpreted differently (even by myself). For me, it means “balanced”, but to many others, it seems to mean “perfectly matched”. Like the “The same lamps and two identical vases on the mantelpiece, the same identical armchairs on either side of the sofa, two matching night tables, rows of identical jars in the kitchen” from the book quote.
To clarify my answer, I prefer balance over perfectly matched in all things – a large photo on one wall may be balanced by many small photos on the other wall, but it would drive me bonkers to have a blank second wall. =]
Posted by Wilhelm Scream - 08/10/2009
I tend to prefer different shapes but in matching colours. For example, I have a chunky bedframe next to a delicate bedside table but they go together because I painted them both the same shade of cream. I don’t like colours to clash at all, but I prefer to have a variety of odd shapes. Also, I’d never match decorative items like vases.
Posted by Carol - 08/10/2009
I’ve always believed that each space has it’s own identity in a way. I like a lot of different styles but certain styles just don’t seem work in certain rooms.
While I was living with my ex, he wanted houses that had large open spaces, white walls, beige carpet, and natural wood tones. However none of our furniture or decorations matched or even worked together and I hated it. Something about all that white and beige just begged for symmetry and matching furniture.
Now I’m renting a duplex probably built in the 1940′s in a very eclectic neighborhood. I’m going for cheap, used furniture so my furniture still doesn’t match but oddly I’m ok with it. The asymmetrical, mismatched look works in my place. Nothing looks the way I had pictured it in my head but everything I’m buying for my new place fits the look of the duplex. Even though it’s still a work in progress the few people who’ve seen it usually comment that it’s looks like I’m having fun decorating it. I’m very happy with it.
Posted by Loren - 08/10/2009
One of the other commenters mentioned that ‘symmetrical’ just means ‘balanced’ to her. Which I thought was neat, because I have an art background. So when I think ‘symmetrical’ and ‘asymmetrical’ I think of their text book definitions. And both can be balanced or unbalanced.
I learned from that same art background that humans naturally find repetition soothing and attractive. Which I think it why so many people like symmetry on their mantelpiece.
But repetition doesn’t need to be duplicates, it can be found in the same colors flatware, the similar wood grains in your bedroom set, the repetition of a quilting pattern.
I’m a big fan of balanced asymmetric rooms myself. I try to create repetition and balance with color. But there isn’t room for two of ANYTHING in my tiny apartment.
Posted by infmom - 08/10/2009
Since nearly all of our furniture came from assorted second-hand stores and thrift shops, none of it matches in any way. I have done my best to tie the disparate colors together with a multicolored rug on the living room floor, plus a faded serape draped over the white loveseat cushions, which I think works really well. People have complimented us on how welcoming our house feels, repeatedly, and I think the eclectic nature of its furnishings and decorations goes a long way toward drawing people happily in.
When you get right down to it, I don’t like “sets” of furniture. One of my best friends saved up for years to get the bedroom set of her dreams. Everything matched. To my eye, everything was ghastly boring (although I made sure to admire it for her sake).
Now, I do have some symmetry in our living room. I have matched brass candlesticks holding long tapers on each end of the mantel. When we went to Arizona a couple years ago, we bought ceramic lamp shades that are similar enough to appear to match, and those cover the light bulbs on either side of the mantelpiece. The rest of the stuff on the mantel, though, was chosen simply because it pleases the eye.
Posted by David - 08/10/2009
Isn’t it more to do with design and people’s personal preferences? It’s what appeals to you and the people that you share your home with.
As long as what you have in your rooms has a purpose then so what? Some small pieces that are purely there for decoration and don’t actually have a purpose shouldn’t be there. But then again your home would look boring without anything! That’s why vases and bowls are always good things to have – in moderation!
Posted by Sky - 08/10/2009
Symmetry is important to me but everything doesn’t have to match. I prefer a grouping of like items that are different such as crystal candle holders or blue and white china. Different but the same….does that make sense?
Interestingly, I collect (my only collection!) crystal hedghogs so I will defiantly be reading ‘The Elegance of the Hedgehog’.
Posted by jcard21 - 08/10/2009
symmetry! symmetry!
Posted by Martin S. - 08/10/2009
Symmetry is indeed important to me – it should look good where I am, specially in my home and in my work space. Just put up three storage boxes for tableware and washing-up stuff and guess what – it’s symmetrical over here!
Posted by Jeanne B. - 08/10/2009
The interesting thing is that humans tend toward symmetry, balance, and smooth even surfaces and edges in the material goods (including how some trim their hedges); yet animals in the wild fear such symmetry. Horses will shy away at a fresh-cut log that has been felled, but not at one that fell naturally and has jagged edges.
Posted by mary - 08/10/2009
I love asymmetrical balance. It’s intuitive with me. In fact, I didn’t realize it myself until several years ago when my sister-in-law pointed it out. Then it was like a light going on in my head!
Posted by Jobinana - 08/10/2009
There is beauty in symmetry, and something in it that innately calms the human mind. The key feature in symmetry that is useful for decorating the home is consistency and regularity, which can be achieved by using the same materials, colors, patterns, themes throughout the house but not necessarily doubling the amount of things. Attaining symmetry by replicating the furniture can clash with a minimalist viewpoint and produce a cluttered environment.
Posted by Christy - 08/10/2009
Uncluttered is a life with all the excess removed and filled only with what is valuable and cherished. It’s symmetry, or lack thereof, is irrelevant.
Posted by Marie - 08/10/2009
As usual, my answer is “it depends”.
I have a matching bedroom set, which I chose to highlight the wild paint on the walls. In the beige office, I use differing pieces. It’s about finding the mean by spicing up the bland or muting the intense.
I find the golden ratio most visually pleasing for placement of things. Also, I prefer sets of three or five rather than sets of even numbers. Our landscaping also reflects those ideas.
Posted by christine - 08/10/2009
Uncluttered to me is Monk.
NOTHING that is not necessary. A comfortable abode but only with necessary items.
If you have never seen Monk then I invite you to visit his apartment. I love it.
I don’t believe in excess decorating.
Posted by Yodder - 08/10/2009
I don’t, personally, aim for symmetry or a-; in my wreck of a home the only constant is clutter. Do I call that my “theme”?
My mother died far too young; now I have no one to help me see trees in my forest.
My only deliberate choice is wood over metal — I have pieces my father the cabinetmaker made. They’re just hidden by piles of detritus.
Posted by Cindy La Ferle - 08/10/2009
So interesting … I’ve seen this book at the local bookseller, but wasn’t moved to pick it up until reading your post. It sounds very good — and I thank you for the tip. I am whipping through my stack of review copies and summer pleasure reading, and need something new!
Posted by MtnLaurel - 08/10/2009
Interesting topic. I’ve read and agree with the feeling that symmetry = formal = public. The rooms in my house that tend toward symmetry are the ones company will see. The living and dining rooms as well as the guest bathroom, these are also the rooms with the least amount of clutter.
It is all a matter of taste, and even with symmetry the feeling of formality can be heightened or lessened with the use of texture and color i.e. glass coffee table vs. wood. My living room has two windows framed by two bookcases, one sofa with matching lamps on either side.
I’d like my guests to feel welcome and comfortable, but not want to move in…
Posted by Lynne - 08/10/2009
I agree with Catherine that balance is more important than symmetry. Sitting gazing around my room, my mantlepiece has a set of 3 vases, matching but different sizes, at one end, and a completely different sculpture at the other end. The styles, colours, materials, shapes etc of the vases and the sculpture don’t “match” at all, and so are not symmetrical, but they balance the mantlepiece beautifully.Someone else said it is subjective and I totally agree. At the end of the day it is what is harmonious and pleasing to the eye of the beholder.
Posted by Kalani - 08/10/2009
The book looks fascinating. I love stories about unusually intelligent people for some reason.
I don’t see a need to buy wasteful things for a symmetrical effect, and I like to fill my house with things I like, but sometimes there’s a way to do it in such a way that is pleasing, cohesive, and uncluttered. For example, I have a favorite vase that I made in pottery class long ago; it is sort of a weird teal. Years later, I bought yards of drapery chenille on sale, and only years after that did I discover that the two matched . Now they are in the same room with a selection of blue, teal, and cream books from my existing collection to set them off. It all flows. Same-same can be boring, but there is a way to have an eye for color and balance that brings out the best in every piece that doesn’t go in the “I like this and that so obviously they go together” kind of way.
Posted by Steve - 08/11/2009
There can be symmetry in discord.
If you choose to have everything different (for example 6 different chairs around a table) it creates a pattern despite the fact that everything is different.
Regardless of how things are organised … they are still organised.
Posted by Peter - 08/11/2009
I guess if you only need one lamp to light the room the other is just clutter. Anything that is not there for a purpose but rather aesthetic reasons is probably a waste of money and space.
Posted by Morfydd - 08/11/2009
I would kill for a room that is symmetrical. Not the furnishings, the physical space itself. Every place I have lived has a pair of windows that is for some reason not quite centered, or a fireplace pushed awkwardly into a corner, or something that makes the space feel uncomfortable.
If the space is symmetrical, I can choose to furnish to emphasize or de-emphasize it. If it’s not, I end up trying to force some balance into the room with the furnishings, and that can lead to clutter.
Posted by gypsy packer - 08/11/2009
I love “found objects” and they seldom, if ever, match. My antique kitchen table had four mismatched pressed-back chairs, which I occasionally skirted with four vintage aprons tied around the backs. This created a sense of symmetry where none existed. The symmetry of draperies, if they are quality fabric and stylish design, often is sufficient for the entire room. Excess symmetry always looks obsessive-compulsive or unimaginative to me.
Ironically, I grew up around furniture stores. Selling furniture will drive you to drink, and I chose other work. I love high-quality matching suites but please, no balsa, no laminates, no pressed-board, and no Home Interior accessories. The appeal of the antique is its singularity and authenticity.
Posted by Suzi - 08/11/2009
I’ll reply with a resounding “It depends”. My husband is naturally uncluttered. He likes symmetry. I am striving to become uncluttered (and have been working on this for years). I prefer asymmetrical. Go figure.
Posted by Rue - 08/11/2009
For me, it doesn’t necessarily have to be symmetrical. However, it does all have to go together and be of similar or complementary styles, colors, etc. So I probably wouldn’t be with you on the mismatched cabinet hardware.
I don’t like walking into someone’s home and seeing a huge mismash of furniture (different colors, different woods) or styles (modern with old world). It doesn’t feel like a cohesive space to me.
So, long story short – I don’t have to have two of the same vase on each end of my mantle, but if I did, they’d have to go together!
Posted by Kathryn - 08/11/2009
I tend towards an eclectic style so most of what’s in my home doesn’t match. However, I do implement some symmetry here and there which I think helps to pull it all together. For example, I have pictures and patterns decorating my French doors which are synmmetrical. I also have candles next to my flower vases which create symmetry in niches in my home. In short, for me, symmetry lends some order to the chaos.
Posted by Jessiejack - 08/11/2009
Very interesting to think about– I prefer things to be balanced that compliment each other but not identical and symmetrical. My one exception is storage containers such as the shoe boxes Erin mentions, spice jars, hangers or even tupperware. For those I prefer identical items to help them blend into the background and disappear which makes the environment more restful. It bothers me if 2 boxes match and 3 don’t. I have been know to buy extras so I don’t run out of a style of container (I know,I know…) I don’t think to buy matching lights or furniture but I do like them to compliment to keep it relaxing.I agree with ottan-it’s better for me to not have identical pieces such as lights or vases so I don’t make myself nuts trying to get them to “match”. I have learned to work within my obsessive tendencies.
@jcard21: very funny,very funny,
Posted by Peter - 08/11/2009
I think symmetry allows one to get away with more in a given space. Uncluttering is about freeing the mind. When you see a whole lot of things the mind gets busy trying to identify it all. With every item in a room unique and standing out, the mind has to engage all of it. With symmetry, the mind can very quickly say “OK, everything’s fine here” and move on. Nothing wrong with having an item stand out, but be aware that item is going to comand mental space every time you enter the room.
I say keep asymmetry for one or two beautiful items in a room. Keep symmetry for utilitarian items.
Posted by Johanna - 08/11/2009
When everything matches in sets it can get kind of boring.
I had a bedroom like that… headboard, night tables, dresser, chiffonier, mirror, desk… everything matched. Even the curtains and the bedspread and lampshades matched! Overwhelming!
Now, every room in my home has it’s own ‘flavor’ and feeling. The living room has a 4 seat sofa facing a 3 seat sofa, and a loveseat… Each is covered in a different patterened fabric in a slightly different shade of white. Another loveseat facing the white one is covered in pale celery green. There are many different throw pillows that add color and at least 2 of each match… they pick up colors from the area rug’s earth tones and reds, the artwork, and the yellow walls.
The side tables are different shapes and colors, each with a different vignette on it.
One wall is painted in 3 very wide horizontal bands of different shades of yellow, separated by a narrow stripe of white. The other wall is painted in a very large scale plaid design in ‘barely there’ shades of greens, tangerines and yellows, all glazed over with white.
Since the walls speak for themselves I choose to place only one large print on one wall, a large wood framed mirror on the other, and a colorful painting over the fireplace.
Nothing on the tables or mantle match or form a set, but everything is balanced and complimentary. Since there is a lot of pink in the painting, I have one pink stone egg on the mantle, one small pink blown glass vase with a green plant in it, and one pink and green sequined pillow cover from India on a sofa.
The different wooden frames and coffee table compliment the mantle. A large black wrought iron and green blown glass vase balance out a small black and orange one that sits on another table.
NOTHING matches… but everything is complementary and balanced. It’s not cluttered and people comment on how cozy and inviting the space feels.
Sorry for the long description… I should have kept it ‘balanced’
Posted by Lori - 08/11/2009
This post reminds me of the time my daughter had some friends over and they were all sitting in my living room. I overheard one of the girls comment, “None of the furniture matches in here”. I’m not sure if she liked the look or was just confused by it. At the time I felt a little defensive, but then I looked around and realized that even though almost every piece was different, they all work together very nicely. Almost all of my living room furniture has been purchased from relatives’ estate sales, or was given to me, and they all are very high quality, beautiful pieces. Somehow it all looks good together. Of course, it might just look good because there isn’t any clutter to be found! That always helps.
Posted by WilliamB - 08/14/2009
Organizing and decorating are very different creatures. Ideally, organizational items are identical, for efficiency and for visual non-clutter. If not identical, than same item in different color or size, to aid in organization.
For decorating I prefer balance over identicalness. If I have a collection of something, they should have similarities but not be the same. My antique abacuses are the same size, but the beads are different woods and they’ve aged differently. There are a couple of things I like identical, but the only example I can think of right now is table lamps. And even then, if the number of lamps is 3 or more, the “similar but not same” rule comes into play.
Professional decorators strongly suggest that decorative items should be in odd-number groupings, preferable 3 or 5 (more than that, the eye cannot count). If you must have two of something, don’t display them symmetrically; break them up somehow, like clustering them to one side of the mantel.
Posted by Beverley - 10/15/2009
great post and loving the comment by belugagirl on all the different wine glasses!
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