Floral Design Shapes

Round

Flower arrangement is basically round in shape

Oval

Flowers make an oval shaped arrangement

Fan

Flowers make a fan or semicircle shaped arrangement

Triangle

Shape may be an equilateral triangle with all three sides the same length or asymmetrical triangle with sides of different lengths.

Right Angle

Flowers make an L shape

Inverted-T

The flowers make an upside down T

Vertical

Straight up, in a bud vase, tall vertically, narrow horizontally

Horizontal

Long horizontal and short vertically

Diagonal

Halfway between vertical and horizontal

Crescent

Shaped like a quarter moon

Hogarth curve

Shaped like an S curve

Design Principles

Balance

When the flower size and container flow together and complement each other

Focal Point

Creates the accent and interest to catch the eye

Proportion

Keeps relative size, color and texture of the flowers to create a pleasing arrangement.

Floral designs should be at least 1 ½ to 2 times the height or width of the container.

Scale

The principle that the design must be in proportion to the surrounding area where it is placed.

Accent

Used to catch attention and draw attention to the design

Repetition

Accentuates the flowers and colors by repeating their use throughout the design

Rhythm

Creates a sense of continuity or flowing together

Harmony

When all parts flow together to give a completed look to the arrangment

Unity

When the flowers complement each other through color, size, and shape

Design Techniques