One thing I notice about pre-1970 interiors is the rather rigid symmetry on and around fireplace mantels. I suppose that one reason for this is because rooms used to be more formal than those of today, and formality many times begets symmetry. The other explanation may have been the popularity of garnitures- porcelain or other decorative objects that were sold as a group and meant to be displayed together. Many of the garnitures I've seen are comprised of two identical objects plus one central object. I suppose garnitures have gone the way of period rooms- out of style. Still, they did make an impact.
Today, I still like a symmetrical grouping of objects on mantels and flanking fireplaces. There is something very calming and orderly about this fireplace-centric symmetry. That said, things do have to be loosened up a bit. Call me uptight, but I have to have bookend symmetry, meaning that the outermost objects on a mantel have to be identical and symmetrical. I then loosen things up by displaying unique items in between, placing them to the right or left of an imaginary central axis. Basically, the central objects are artfully off-kilter while the outermost objects serve as sentries. Heaven forbid if this formula is reversed and the symmetry is in the middle rather than the ends- that would truly send me into orbit!
So after that little explanation of what my symmetry sensitive mind can and cannot handle, I'm curious if you decorate your mantels using strict symmetry, relaxed symmetry, or absolutely none at all!
(All images are from Decoration (Vol II)
The composition at Petit Trianon, Versailles was as tight as a drum. According to the book, "The objects surrounding the centre piece are strictly aligned like soldiers on parade."
The drawing room at Château de la Lorie, where the symmetry was described as being "precise".
Château de la Verrière. Woah! There is a lot going on here. The author wrote, "A profusion of ornaments creates a fantastic display on Romantic mantelpieces. The little symmetry that remains is hardly perceptible: small objects are huddled together, merging with the background so that they become almost indistinguishable." Do you agree?
While I think there is too much stuff on the mantel, there is some symmetry here which I do find appealing- like those two candlesticks at both ends of the mantel. The off-center fireplace and the varied composition of paintings keeps things from being too rigid. (Room by J.P. Hagnauer)
Image at top: The drawing room of Charles de Beistegui. Major symmetry here...and yet, it looks fabulous.
(All images from Decoration (Vol II)
Thoughtful symmetry provides order and soulful repose, a sense that all is right with the world, harmony. Relentless symmetry (and far too much of it) gives the effect of being in a mirrored funhouse. That being said, it is amusing to remember that Daisy Fellowes wore her jewels in pairs (ie a bracelet on each wrist, et cetera) to avoid feeling unbalanced.
ReplyDeleteI am with you on this! I don't have a fireplace in my home, but when I visit my boho parents, I am always re-staging their mantle!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you wholeheartedly - bookend symmetry - a "casual" break is desired, but the overall effect "must" be symmetrical, for me. Call me old fashioned; well no, call me formal! Informality comes from how you live in the space. Really very different.
ReplyDeleteDidn't Eleanor Brown have a funny saying about always using pairs because she made more money that way?
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Maybe I have that wrong. The last example is really interesting. Such an excellent example of balancing an asymmetrical grouping with the harmonious pairs of candlesticks and chairs. You always find great illustrations.
A truly formal room DOES require a certain degree of symmetry. For about 15 years now I am living with an electric fireplace [frightfully unsmart, I know, but where I am is the top anyway ;-) ] that has moved with me to the fourth place in the meantime and it always served as a pleasant focal point. My last place was blessed with a living room of generous proportions (5 x 8 m I'd say) and one door in just the right place. Dark brown walls, heavy dark sofas and dark velvet curtains looked great, as did the oils in their gilded frames. It was the first of my living rooms that was almost a drawing room. Symmetry was ruling, but the challenge was, as always, to relieve it now or then not to give the place an un-lived-in or boring feeling. Now I have a living room of maybe half of that space, with two doors at awkward positions and, although it is the first one with a working chimney, this very chimney is in an incredibly awkward place and thus totally unsuitable to host a fireplace. I will get a tiled stove once I am over my cash-flow problem and try to acquire some symmetry and formality in a totally different way. Dark brown walls, heavy dark sofas and dark velvet curtains are a no no here. I had the walls painted in a bright yellow and, already living in the shell, am contemplating an alternative solution with different fabrics different furniture and different pictures. It is a big challenge and I wish I always had no bigger problems, but the loss of symmetry truly hurts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that excellent food for thought.
Sorry, I forgot:
ReplyDelete"Château de la Verrière. Woah! There is a lot going on here. The author wrote, "A profusion of ornaments creates a fantastic display on Romantic mantelpieces. The little symmetry that remains is hardly perceptible: small objects are huddled together, merging with the background so that they become almost indistinguishable." Do you agree?
While I think there is too much stuff on the mantel, there is some symmetry here which I do find appealing- like those two candlesticks at both ends of the mantel. The off-center fireplace and the varied composition of paintings keeps things from being too rigid.I do not entirely agree with you, namely with the stuff on the mantel. I love that cluttered mantel, but that is a matter of personal taste. I don't know whether I entirely agree with the statement by the author. I perceive a lot of symmetry and I think they have dealt excellently with the architectural situation, namely the off-center fireplace and the door in what seems to be another awkward place. It is, at least to my taste, a stunningly beautiful room in which symmetry has been achieved in a very apt way.
Aesthete- Very valid point. And I do understand Fellowes' need to feel balanced!
ReplyDeleteSadie- You sound just like me!
ReplyDeleteColumnist- Great description of the middle being the "casual break". Couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteCourtney- That sounds like something she might have said. I sure many designers would agree with that statement!
ReplyDeleteEditrix- Certainly the difficulty at acheiving symmetry in your new living room is a challenge, but you might have one of those "A ha!" moments where the path to symmetry becomes crystal clear. Still a challenge, though. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm inclined to agree with Aesthete.
ReplyDeleteSymmetry is essential to architecture (though one rarely encounters examples of it today) but when the symmetry of objects and furnishings becomes too insistent there is a deadening effect. Still, I never grow tired of a good 5 piece or even 7 piece garniture on a chimneypiece if the stuff is really interesting. Anyhow , all that rigidity can, as you say, be relieved by tucking in bits of ephemera.
Such truth! The pair thing is a way to have order in a chaotic world.
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Rules are made to be broken and each person sense of style is different. Composition (like in photography, one of my passion)is the key and so is balance.
ReplyDeleteTo me balance is more important than symmetry.
I think I sway both ways. Sometimes I am all about symmetry, sometimes just about balance, but not symmetry. I'll send you a picture of my firplace mantel. I would love to hear what you think. I have to worn you, it is not symmetrical.
ReplyDeleteIt just occurs to me, the human body is symmetric. I am sure there is a certain craving for symmetry deeply ingrained in the human mind.
ReplyDeleteLove this post--but at the moment (except for architectural symetry), I crave asymetrical, or simply a hint of synmetry, so that the door is left open for continued creativity.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing more to add to the already thoroughly and intelligently well coved topic but one little thing. I prefer when using traditional pairs of upholstered arm chairs that they face each other. I truly think a pair facing out at angles just looks yucky!
ReplyDeleteAnon- I'm completely with you about chairs facing each other. Putting them at an angle really throws me off!
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ReplyDeleteLOL!!! So glad you agree and that it actually throws you off! In fact I'll raise you one and say that I find it down right DORKY and utterly unacceptable. UNLESS of course they are modern or not a pair then it's a bit more "open season" and things could get pretty wild!
I learned a new word - garnitures. I love symmetry, and not just on fireplace mantels. Architectural symmetry is a favorite of mine - like any good set of rules, it frees you up to do more with the decorating. If order is already in the design, half the work is done!
ReplyDeleteSymmetry for me all the way - if it is possible, xv.
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