Choosing the shape of your rug: let’s look at the psychology of shapes
The rectangle:
When we first think about a rug, the traditional shape one thinks of is a rectangle. These are rudimentary geometric shapes and are the most common shapes that surround us in our daily lives, shapes that we’ve grown up with: books, leaflets, A4 paper, buildings, windows, the phone in our hand and monitor screens. Some people spend a vast amount of their lives staring at screens, whether for work, gaming or just scrolling. We are all, of course, familiar with this shape, but we’re not necessarily always tuned into the kind of feelings it can evoke.
The primary sensation is one of structure and order and it’s safe to assume most societies are familiar with building bricks made from the earth, concrete blocks and panels.
However cultural interpretations, and subsequently, secondary sensations, as we know, are certain to vary depending on exposure to technology and wealth, and the more specific demographics of the individual. So, while a young person may see a rectangle and picture thoughts of their iPhone, an adult might think of a television or computer screen, and a more senior in age person with less exposure over time to technology might think about reading books. Considering developmental exposure, children might look at squares and rectangles and think of things like Lego.
The Square:
With all sides being equal, the square implies a feeling of conservative safety and rigidity, both structurally and metaphorically. The perfect right angles and extra symmetry suggest stability and balance, a comfortable safety with solid, static foundations.
Squares and rectangles are likely to be related to uniformity, structure, order, trust and authenticity. Patterns within the shape are constrained by a linear edge therefore rectangles and squares provide balance and give definition to the floorspace by way of giving an area informed conformity.
Circles and other rounded shapes:
With there being so many examples of circles in nature; the Earth, the Sun, the Moon, the centres of many flowers, the cross sections of fruit or of a cut tree trunk or branch, we are surrounded by this shape. Given their structure, circles have also played an important functional role in our development as a species, the invention of the wheel, for instance.
Curved shapes evoke emotive happiness. As humans, our positive response to curves may also spring from our relationship with natural environments; river bends, rolling hills, the edges of clouds and birds’ eggs. As developing infants we're all born attuned to seeing human faces, and to reading expressions from the eyes; both inherently circular.
Circles and curved shapes give feelings of community, collaboration, friendship, equality, partnerships and peace. Placed as rugs, they can make a space look quirkier, more interesting and fun.
Hexagons:
The most common naturally occurring hexagon is a honeycomb, something which evokes the spirit of collectivism and togetherness. The efficiency that bees display when working together in a beehive is a celebrated example of efficient teamwork and a joyous wonder of nature.
Triangles:
Triangular rugs are rare, but triangular shapes within rug patterns remind us of a geometric shape which is ubiquitous in our daily lives. The triangle is steeped with subliminal meaning. From hierarchical concepts of striving to reach the top, to guiding direction and action or providing warnings ahead, triangles provide a great many functional cues, whether practical or psychological. With the very stable structure implied by a right-angled triangle, this suggests logic and organisation and a pointing towards the top, a striving for greatness.
Irregular shapes:
By using combinations of the more traditional shapes above with other more irregular shapes can direct the eye to open up endless possibilities of emotion and expression.
