Striking the right balance between curved and straight lines can transform your interiors—enhancing openness, evoking mood, and guiding the eye effortlessly from one element to the next.   

Straight lines bring a sense of order and stability, while curves introduce softness and fluidity, creating a dynamic interplay that influences both aesthetics and atmosphere. A fundamental element in great design, every interior designer can balance curved and straight lines to create the ideal space. 

In this article, we explore leading Brisbane-based Interior Stylist and Photographer, Louise Roche’s beautiful home office, where King Living furniture plays a central role in harmonising curved and straight elements. The result? A space that feels both structured and inviting. 

Heritage Rectangle Coffee Table in Natural Oak and Fleur Sofa in Byron Russet.

The role of shape in interior design

Shape influences how a space feels, functions, and flows, balancing structure with softness to create a cohesive design.  

King Living is renowned for furniture that adapts to evolving lifestyles, and shape plays a key role in this versatility. Modular designs like the Fleur Sofa, which features adjustable backrests for dual seating positions, allow homeowners to control how curves and straight lines interact in their space. Similarly, pieces like the Heritage Rectangle Coffee Table offer strong, grounding forms that create visual stability, complementing the soft movement of curved elements. 

Pros and cons of straight lines in interior design  

Straight lines form the foundation of most interiors, bringing a sense of order, precision, and stability. Horizontal lines create a feeling of calm and spaciousness, making a room feel grounded, while vertical lines add height and draw the eye upward, ideal for spaces with low ceilings. 

However, an overuse of straight lines can make a space feel rigid, cold, or overly formal. A room dominated by straight edges and sharp angles may lack warmth and fluidity, making it feel less inviting. By incorporating geometric shapes in interior design, such as rectangular furniture paired with circular decor, you can create a visually interesting and cohesive look. 

Aura Swivel Lounge Chair in Whiteley Riverstone.

Pros and cons of curved lines in interior design 

Curved lines bring movement, elegance, and a sense of fluidity to a space. They create a more organic, inviting atmosphere, softening the edges of a room and adding visual interest. Curves can make a space feel more relaxed and luxurious, enhancing comfort and creating a sense of flow. 

However, an overabundance of curved lines in interior design can lead to a lack of structure, making a room feel less anchored or defined. Without straight lines to provide balance, curved shapes can sometimes feel chaotic or overly whimsical. To achieve a well-balanced space, consider integrating geometric shapes in interior design that blend both linear and curved elements. Try incorporating an arched mirror above a rectangular console table, a coffee table book on a round table or a curved vase on a rectangle dining table. 

Why you should incorporate both curved and straight lines into your space 

Balancing curved and straight lines creates a dynamic, harmonious space, blending structure with softness for an inviting feel. Straight lines provide order and stability, while curves introduce warmth and movement, ensuring that the space feels both sophisticated and comfortable. By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create an interior that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This balance creates the perfect space for Louise’s creative life. 

“This is where I work on my styling projects, edit all my photography and meet and greet clients,” says Louise. “It feels open, airy and inviting, with lots of complementary textures that make it a joy to create in.” 

If you favour clean and modern aesthetics, square and straight interior design choices - like structured cabinetry, grid-patterned rugs, or angular lighting can provide a polished and contemporary look while still being softened with curved decor elements. 

Heritage Rectangle Coffee Table in Natural Oak, Fleur Sofa in Byron Russet, Aura Swivel Lounge Chair in Whiteley Riverstone and Daylesford Rug in Natural.

How to balance curved and straight lines in your space 

Anchor the space with a rectangle rug and add curved accents

Start with foundational pieces like a rectangular rug to create structure. Then, introduce curves through accent chairs or decorative elements like vases and mirrors to soften the overall look. 

In Louise’s space, the Aura Swivel Lounge Chair in Whiteley Riverstone introduces curvature while offering ergonomic support, striking a perfect balance between form and function. The Daylesford Rug in Natural adds texture while reinforcing grounding lines in the space. 

Pair curved sofas with geometric artwork

If you choose a curved sofa, square and geometric interior design elements, such as framed prints or block-patterned textiles, can help maintain the room’s structure while enhancing visual contrast. This contrast adds depth and ensures that the space doesn’t feel overly fluid or undefined.  

For Louise, the Fleur Sofa in Byron Russet was the perfect curved sofa choice. Designed with folding backrests, Fleur can shift between high and low positions, offering both structured and relaxed seating options. 

“The sofa really makes the space and the option to have a high or low back was a deciding factor.” 

Fleur Sofa in Byron Russet. Folding backrests offer dual seating positions. 

Contrast your coffee table shape with your sofa

A rectangle coffee table pairs beautifully curved sofa, creating a natural focal point while maintaining balance. Likewise, a curved coffee table can provide contrast in a room with seating that has defined lines. 

Louise chose the Heritage Rectangle Coffee Table in Natural Oak to add an architectural feel with its clean lines, while its solid timber build brings warmth to the space. 

Embrace curves in your lighting

Lighting fixtures are an excellent way to introduce curves into a space without overwhelming it. Consider pendant lights with organic shapes, arched floor lamps, or sculptural chandeliers to add softness and dimension. 

By thoughtfully combining curved and straight lines, you can create an interior that feels effortlessly balanced—where structure meets fluidity, and elegance meets comfort.  

If you’re unsure where to start, an interior designer can help you find the perfect balance between curved and straight lines. King Living also offers interior decorator consultations to help you create a space that reflects you and your lifestyle. 

Whether designing a minimalistic modern space or an inviting retro retreat, the right mix of shapes will enhance the overall look and feel of your home. 

 
For more interior inspiration, explore: 

• Living room layouts: Anchor your room and create cohesive interior design
• How to style with colour
• How to achieve a quiet luxury aesthetic