Lately, I have found myself drawn more and more towards circles and circular shapes in design — and I don't appear to be alone; I'm seeing so many interiors projects where circles are the hero of the space, and I'm here for it.
Not that decorating with circles is anything new — after all, one of the iconic characteristics of the Art Nouveau design movement was curved shapes — it's more that there is a greater focus in contemporary spaces, now more than ever, on the emotional impact of a space, as much as how it looks.
"Circles can bring emotion into design, shaping not just how a space looks but how it feels," explains Ailsa Connery, design principal and regional director at 1508 London. Plus, incorporating circles is one of the many ways to achieve contrast in interior design, adding depth and visual interest as well as softness. So, how are designers using the shape today? They tell me everything to know about decorating with circles.
How Does Decorating With Circles Influence a Space?
"Shapes are one of the key elements that influence how we experience a space," says Karen Haller, a behavioral color and design psychology expert.
In the majority of residential and commercial spaces, by the very nature of their construction, we are confronted with numerous straight lines, hard edges, and angles. And whilst there is nothing wrong with squares and rectangles, the beauty of decorating with circles and circular shapes lies in their ability to create balance in interior design, offsetting their sharpness.
"Circular forms bring a softness and flow to interiors that balance the more rigid architectural lines," explains Ailsa Connery. "They create a sense of harmony and inclusivity, naturally drawing people into a space. I find that circles introduce an organic rhythm that feels both elegant and approachable."
Genevieve Bennett, head of design at Liberty Interiors, agrees with the rhythm in design that circles bring: "They have a natural rhythm that can be both calming and dynamic, depending on how they’re used. I love to play with that rhythm through pattern — pairing a circular motif with a bold floral or structured geometric to create depth and movement.
"Circles are incredibly versatile: depending on scale, color, and material, circles can feel playful, sophisticated, or even dramatically modern."
"A design inspired by a hand-painted artwork from 1973, it layers stripes and circles in a way that feels almost like a modernist collage, resulting in a striking interplay of form and a vibrant sense of visual rhythm,” says Genevieve.
A chartered architect and a member of both RIBA and RIAI, Ailsa is the design principal and regional director of Europe at 1508 London, a globally recognized interior design firm celebrated for its work on some of the world’s most prestigious private residences, residential developments, and hospitality projects. Having been with the interior design firm since 2011, Ailsa oversees a team of 60 talented designers and architects. Under her leadership, the studio delivers elite projects ranging from luxury hotels in London, France, and Greece to private residences and exclusive members’ clubs.
Genevieve Bennett is the head of design for interiors at Liberty, where she has led the relaunch of the category since joining in 2020, drawing on her extensive expertise in pattern, materials, and manufacturing. An award-winning designer, Genevieve has previously collaborated with leading interior brands such as Wedgwood, Mulberry, Knoll, and Heal's. In 2008, she founded her own studio, creating bespoke pieces for private collectors and interior designers around the world.
Massimo Buster Minale, a London-based architect, industrial designer, and founder of Buster + Punch, also believes in the transformative abilities of decorating with circles.
"Circular shapes help to soften a space, while also creating a sense of flow — making it instantly feel more inviting and comfortable without losing its edge," Massimo explains.
"Larger-scale curves have the ability to shift the mood of a room entirely — giving kitchens or living rooms striking feature zones that feel both functional and expressive. When used correctly, circles can transform a space from sterile or lackluster to calming and intentional."
The word of note here is 'intentional' — when the inclusion of circles in a design is considered, dynamic spaces with depth and character are created that elevate both the visual interest and the emotional impact of the space.
Massimo Buster Minale is a renowned London-based architect and industrial designer. Following a career at Foster & Partners and Richard Rogers, Massimo founded the Buster + Punch label in 2013, evolving from custom motorbikes to hardware, industrial-style lighting, and home accessories. "In a nutshell, my mission is to reinvent forgotten home fittings into the unforgettable."
How Are Designers Decorating With Circles?
For Julien Sebban, founder of Uchronia — a multidisciplinary architecture and design collective based in Paris — decorating with circles and curves is a recurring theme in their work.
"Circles, curved shapes, floral and wave patterns are the agency's signature style," says Julien. "These shapes also influence how we use a space or furniture and encourage interaction. For example, we make many kitchen door fronts with a wave pattern that acts as a handle, making them more ergonomic to grip. The “Wave” table from our furniture collection influences dinner conversations and brings guests closer together."
"The use of what we refer to as “Wave” at the agency is not insignificant; it challenges the way we look at a space and its use," Julien explains. "Straight lines force the eye to move in only two directions, from bottom to top or from right to left. The curve, on the other hand, guides the eye and makes it wander over the details of the furniture or the space."
Something as simple as a strategically placed wavy room divider would add instant visual interest and texture to a space, urging eyes to dance across the curves.
Julien Sebban is the visionary behind Uchronia, a multidisciplinary architecture and design collective based in Paris. Founded in 2019, Uchronia blurs the boundaries between architecture, interior design, scenography, and collectible furniture — creating immersive, emotionally charged environments inspired by the idea of “fictitious time.”
"Psychologically, circles and dots resonate most with those who have a playful personality, or with anyone who wants to bring that quality into their home. They carry an uplifting sense of lightness and joy," says Karen Haller, like this curved staircase of dreams.
How to Incorporate Circles in Modern Homes
Maddux Creative's Circa Sofa completely transforms this space, making a large living area have a warm and cozy feel by softening out the hard edges and bringing the seating around the center of the space.
"Whether a sculptured chandelier, dome-shaped table lamp, or a trio of pendants, lighting is a great place to start," says Massimo. "Circles are timeless and can be scaled up or down, from small hardware details to pieces of furniture; the possibilities are endless.
"We’re seeing a demand from homeowners and designers wanting to incorporate organic-inspired circles in the kitchen, with monolithic islands and undulating breakfast bars that double up as striking feature zones."
Furniture pieces, such as dining tables and curved sofas, will completely alter the dynamic of a space, promoting togetherness and conversation. Circles are, after all, the universal symbol of unity.
Interior designer Britt Ross echoes the importance of a circular seating arrangement in spaces where interaction is encouraged: "Circular shapes are important in creating a space that feels fluid and interesting rather than monotonous. In spaces dominated by straight lines and boxy shapes, introducing a circle can really break this up."
Bring a circle into your space with this Modern Round Marble Sconce — it's elegant, with minimalist interior design vibes, and offers the softness of the circular shape coupled with a warm, LED glow.
Soho Home's Noelle Modular Curved Sofa is the ultimate statement furniture piece — upholstered here in Velvet Antique Rose, it is also available in ten other velvet fabrics and four bouclé fabrics. I'm in love with the rich color of this piece
"Where squares and rectangles have hard, structured lines, circles feel boundless and free. This quality changes behavior, too. A round dining table encourages inclusivity and easy conversation, because there are no corners or hierarchy, while dotted patterns add spontaneity and movement. By contrast, angular forms often communicate order and formality," says Karen Haller.
Architecturally, Ailsa adds that circular layouts are a great way to create a dramatic central focus — "especially in transitional areas like lobbies, entryways, or hallways, and can guide movement beautifully. At the same time, circular elements in furniture, accessories, and lighting add a playful touch and soften the overall feel of a room."
Interior designer Sally Wilkins opts for circular dining tables and circular or oval coffee tables in her projects, as well as circular rugs, explaining that "they beautifully soften the angularity of rectilinear spaces, and a circular rug at an entrance immediately conveys a welcoming and calm atmosphere."
There are many things a round rug can do for a space, including anchoring curved furniture, helping to zone a space, and, of course, adding a layer of softness.
Sally also incorporates half-circles in the form of doorway arches as another way to add softness to a space, as well as lots of rounded light fixtures, explaining that, "during the day they look sculptural and add softness, and at night they glow like little planets," she says.
But whether you plan to incorporate circles in your home in a big or a small way will be down to the space, your budget, and personal preference — but even the smallest of details can create a big impact.
"Arches are another lovely way to add softness, and encourage a sense of calm — at the entry of our Werai Farmhouse, the front door, which is a very large pivoting door, was softened with an arch incorporated into the glazing bars to soften the overall feel," says interior designer Sally Wilkins.
Shop Circular Decor
When decorating with circles, it's all in the details — and even just one circular piece can transform a space. I've picked a few of my favorite circular decor pieces on the market right now, but I also can't leave out this VARMBLIXTLED Table/Wall Lamp from IKEA as a small but mighty piece of decor that's sure to make a statement.
This design-forward round coffee table from Next looks far more expensive than its price tag — crafted from marble wood and marble, this statement piece demands attention, and for all the right reasons.
Add a pop of the unexpected red theory to your space with the Pip Dining Chair, designed by Huw Evans — available in a few variable colorways, this would work just as well as a standalone as part of a set for your dining room.
A circular piece with hidden storage? I'm sold. Available in three other colorways, this practical yet decorative ottoman brings the softness of curves into your space while offering a handy spot for hiding away the day's mess (or blankets, of course)...
The Aftas Round Jute Rug from La Redoute is braided by hand, offering artisanal charm, while the natural material lends itself to being included in this year's latest rug trends.
I bought this Totley Side Table in the spring and I still love it as much now as I did when I first bought it — it's bold, it's beautiful, and its cylindrical legs and circular top bring that wonderful contrast to the straight edges it sits next to.
Also available in Pink (though I much prefer the green), this Bobbin Round Mirror from the Matthew Williamson collaboration with John Lewis is circles on circles in all the best ways — and I'm all for a bobbin detail any day.
Decorating with circles is all about bringing balance and harmony into a space, adding not only to its visual interest but to its emotional impact as well.
If you want to know more about how your design and decorating choices affect how you feel, understanding color psychology in interior design is a good place to start.
