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 How to Use the Golden Ratio to Create Beautiful Interiors

House to Home Blog

How to Use the Golden Ratio to Create Beautiful Interiors

paul halferty

While there will never be a one-size-fits-all approach to great design, there is a mathematical approach that can help us get a step closer: the Golden Ratio

expressed as 1 to 1.61803398

A mathematical ratio you can find almost everywhere. 

golden-ratio-drawing.jpg

What is the Golden Ratio?

Putting it as simply as we can, the Golden Ratio exists when a rectangle is divided into two parts. the longer part (a) divided by the smaller part (b) is equal to the sum of (a) + (b) divided by (a), which both equal 1.618.

 
Golden-Rectangle.png
 

Without getting too deep into the mathematics, the ratio can be reduced down to a 60-30-10 ratio. Look familiar?  Last week we looked at the 60-30-10 Rule when it comes to choosing a color palette. What you may not know, however, is that those calculations aren’t arbitrary. They’re based on the ratio of 1:1.618.  

 

If you keep applying the Golden Ratio formula to the new rectangle you will eventually get a diagram with progressively smaller squares.  By adding the arch in each square, you’ll end up with the diagram of the Golden Spiral:

 
FAVPNG_golden-spiral-golden-ratio-fibonacci-number-golden-rectangle_cFQa2Vfg.png
 

In design, the Golden Ratio boils down to aesthetics, harmony, and proportion.  This harmony and proportion has been recognized for centuries.

parthenon.jpg

Ancient Greek architecture used the Golden Ratio to determine pleasing dimensional relationships between the width of a building and its height, the size of the portico and even the position of the columns supporting the structure.

mona lisa.jpg


Leonardo da Vinci, like many other artists throughout the ages, made extensive use of the Golden Ratio to create pleasing compositions.


How can I use the Golden Ratio?

By applying a similar working methodology, you can bring the same design sensibilities to your own work. Let's take a look at a couple of examples to inspire you:


When creating a vignette, avoid placing it directly in the center of a table or shelf.  Placing accessories off-center is ultimately more pleasing to the eye.

hexagon tiles.jpeg

Not sure how far up the wall to tile?  The golden ratio is sure to give you the most pleasing proportions.

 
handmade tile tub surround
 

How tall should I make an accent listello?

Lilywork-104.jpg

Once you know what to look for, you'll start noticing the Golden Ratio everywhere.  Still need convincing?  Look at your hands.  Even your hands follow the Golden Ratio.

hand-fibonacci.jpg


Why Does the Golden Ratio Matter?


It’s one more tool to help you create a more visually appealing interior. This theory exists whether you apply it intentionally or not. So what matters is that you understand it in an effort to create our best interiors.


Want to learn more?


There is a ton of information about the Golden Ratio out there. Here are a few videos we found useful: