When building a floral arrangement, it’s important to think about the different shapes that your stems can create. Some flowers are naturally rounder and tighter while others are more elongated. By including an array of shapes, you add interest to your work.
Understanding Floral Form
It’s useful to think of floral shapes as existing on a spectrum between round and linear. On the round side, you have tightly compacted flowers. On the linear side, you have flowers that are more tall. Some flowers have forms that are more soft and flowing, which also add to an arrangement’s dynamics.
- Round flowers add weight and balance.
- Tall flowers add height and can point the eye a certain direction.
Once you’ve identified which flowers are round, which are linear, and which are more flowy, it’s easier to start building the structure of an arrangement. First identify what the primary flowers will be – the flowers that will create your arrangement’s height, width, and focus. Then add the secondary accents.
Combine Different Textures
Beyond just shape, flowers also have varying textures – some have smooth petals, some have tight centers, or fine grassy foliage. Textural changes create visual interest and depth.
- Look for textural interest in foliage, berries, and flowers.
- Think about textural changes from smooth to rough to tight to fine.
It’s a good rule of thumb to try and mix and incorporate a variety of textures. An all-textured arrangement can be over powering, however, and might become cluttered.
Create Visual Contrast
By playing with textural and shapely contrast between different stems, an arrangement gains depth and interest. Some flowers can be quite delicate and soft while others are rigid and architectural. Playing the soft against the hard can create visual tension and interest.
Think About Movement
Think about the direction your stems are pointing. Some flowers, like tall grasses, naturally point upwards. Branches often curve, and some vines or flowers may trail downward. Try varying direction – it’s important to keep balance, but by creating different lines and movements you bring an arrangement to life.
- Tall stems lead the eye upwards.
- Trailing stems lead the eye down.
- Curves bring movement to an otherwise still life arrangement.
- Different flower heads can lead the eye in differing directions.
Avoid Making Everything Equal
In arranging flowers (much like in design) it’s important to create hierarchy – not everything should be equal. By creating a contrast of shapes and textures, some will naturally become bigger or bolder and others will become accents. This visual contrast creates hierarchy, and is useful in creating areas of interest and focus.
Observe the Arrangement From Different Angles
As you build, it’s useful to walk around your arrangement and look at it from different vantage points. You may find areas that are too empty, or too packed. You may realize that something is being blocked or obscured. Always check for balance.
Develop Your Own Visual Language
As you play with different shapes and textures of flowers you’ll develop a sense for what kinds of stems you prefer to work with. Some people prefer arrangements with lots of color and soft blooms. Others prefer the look of a more structural arrangement, with lots of foliage and berries. There is no right answer, but as you work, you’ll develop your own language.
- What types of flowers do you love? Why?
- What kind of arrangements do you enjoy?
- Do you like soft arrangements or more structured?
- Bright colors or more subdued ones?
Let Every Element Have a Purpose
In creating an arrangement of any kind, it’s important to have intentionality. While flowers can seem soft and organic, it’s helpful to build your work on a foundation of structure and intentionality. Each stem, or flower should have purpose.
