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Understanding the
Principles of Floral
Design
Next Generation Science / Common Core Standards Addressed!
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CCSS.ELA Literacy. RH.11‐12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of
information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively,
as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
CCSS.ELA Literacy. RS T.11‐12.3 Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure
when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical
tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
Bell Work / Student Objectives
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1. Define floral design.
2. List the principles of floral design.
3. Explain the concept of proportion.
4. Explain how the concept of
balance is applied to floral design.
5. Describe how rhythm is applied in
floral work.
6. Explain how the principles of
dominance and focal point are used
in floral design.
Vocabulary
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Asymmetrical balance
Balance
Centering
Contrast
Counterbalancing
Dominance
Floral design
Focal point
Free, variable rhythm
Physical balance
Principles of design
Proportion
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Radiation
Regular, repeated rhythm
Repetition
Rhythm
Symmetrical balance
Transition
Variation
Variety
Visual balance
Visual weight
Interest Approach
Take a look at the design
to the right. Why does
this arrangement look so
good? Would you do
anything to improve it?
Now look at the next two
designs. What’s wrong
with them? How could
you make them better?
What Is Floral Design?
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Floral design is the art of organizing the
design elements inherent in plant materials
and accessories according to the principles
of design art.
It is commonly called floral arranging.
 People who arrange flowers are called floral
designers.
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• These people have spent many hours mastering
the art and design principles.
What Are the Principles of Design and How
Are They Used?
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Principles of design are the rules and
guidelines used by floral designers to create
floral arrangements.
There are four major design principles :
proportion, balance, rhythm and dominance
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Radiation, repetition, transition, variation,
contrast and focal point are minor principles.
Major Design Principles
Proportion
Balance
Rhythm
Dominance
Pleasing relationship between size &
shape among objects and parts of
objects
Refers to the arrangement’s
equilibrium and equality in weight,
both physical & visual
Orderly organization of the design
elements to create a visual pathway
One design element is more
prevalent or noticeable capturing the
viewer’s attention
Minor Design Principles
Radiation
Repetition
Transition
Variation
Contrast
Focal Point
Makes the arrangement look as if all the
stems are coming out of one point.
Repeating the use of floral design
elements to create unity in the work.
Smooth gradual change from one
material or element to another.
Diverse assortment of materials,
stimulating interest.
Describes objects arranged with a
striking difference, stimulating interest.
Center of interest of the design, visually
tying it together.
How Is Proportion Achieved in
Floral Design?
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The design must be in proportion
to where it is going to be
displayed
 It must be suitable for and in
harmony with its location
• For example, a small bud
vase of flowers would be
inappropriate on a church
altar
• Also, a huge basket of
flowers would not be in
proportion on a small coffee
table
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The height of an
arrangement should be
1 1/2 to 2 times the
height or width of the
container
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The height may be
increased depending
on room dimensions
and material types
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Containers are a
primary factor in
determining height
Consider:
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A darker vase can visually hold a
larger arrangement than a clear glass
vase.
Physical dimensions
Color
Material & texture
Shape
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Flowers and
foliage of equal
or nearly equal
size will help in
achieving proper
proportion
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For example,
orchids should
not be mixed
with baby’s
breath
What Is Balance and How Is It
Achieved?
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There are two types of balance:
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Physical = actual stability of the arrangement
• The arrangement can stand freely and won’t fall
over
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Visual = refers to the perception of the
arrangement being balanced; Should be
evident from top to bottom, side to side and
front to back
• Designs not balanced will look out of sorts like a
crooked painting on a wall
• There are two types of visual balance
• Symmetrical balance - having equal numbers
of plant materials on both sides of a central
axis
• Round, fan, triangle and the inverted T are
examples of symmetrical design forms
• Asymmetrical balance - having unequal
placement of plant materials and weight of
materials on each side of the central axis
• Hogarth curve, crescent, diagonal and right
triangles are example of asymmetrical
design forms
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Balance can be achieved through the
following methods:
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1. Visual weight - a flower’s perceived
lightness or heaviness based on its color,
shape and pattern
• Varying visual weight helps achieve the
compensation or counterbalancing in
asymmetrical designs
• Lighter colors should be used towards the top and
sides; Darker ones towards the bottom and center
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2. Designers use three main techniques to
help achieve balance:
• A) visual weight= a flower’s perceived lightness
or heaviness based on its shape, color and
pattern
• Varying visual weight helps achieve the
counterbalancing in asymmetrical arrangements
• Light colors towards top and sides; Darker towards
bottom and center
• B) centering= the technique of placing dominant
plant material along a design’s central vertical
axis
• C) counterbalancing= means balancing plant
materials on one side of a design with visually
equal materials on the opposite side
• It is essential in asymmetrical work
• Can be used to avoid strict mirror imaging in
symmetrical work
How Is Rhythm Created in a Floral
Design?
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Creating a pathway for the eye to follow is
the purpose of rhythm
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An arrangement with good rhythm will cause
the viewer to look at the entire piece
Two types:
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A) regular, repeated rhythm – present when
materials are repeated at regular intervals
from top to bottom in the arrangement
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B) free, variable rhythm- is an unstructured
style with subtle flowing movements created
with unstructured materials
There are five ways to achieve both free and
regular rhythm
Ways of Creating Rhythm
Radiation
Stems radiate out naturally from the container;
looks like spokes on a wheel.
Repetition
Repeating design elements throughout an
arrangement including, but not limited to color,
shape, space & lines.
Transition
Change from one material to another; should be
smooth & gradual, such as in color changes.
Variety
Diverse assortment of differing components in a
design; focuses attention & stimulates interest.
Contrast
Describes objects that have striking differences
beyond mere variety or diversity, taking variety to
a higher degree.
What Is Dominance and How Is
Focal Point Used to Create It?
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The use of dominance suggests to the
viewer what is important in a design
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Interest and attention are captured when one
feature dominates and others are secondary
Can be achieved by:
1) using dominant plant material
 2) using an emphasized design element
 3) using a distinct style of design
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4) using a theme
 5) using a focal point
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Focal point is the center of
interest
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Not all arrangements have
a focal point
• For example, round
arrangements
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There are several ways to
create a focal point
Ways of Creating a Focal Point
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Use of large flowers
there
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Ex. Orchid
Employing dark shades
Vary concentration of
plant material
Use of framing
methods
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Ex. Football mum
Use of special form
flowers
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Ex. Curved lines as in
crescent shape
Use of strong color
contrasts
Radiation of plant
material to a particular
area
Use of accessories
Summary
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What is floral design?
Name the four major design principles.
What is focal point?
Explain the proportional rule of “1 ½ to 2 times.”
Where should heavy colors go? Light colors?
How is physical balance different from visual
balance?
What is the difference between symmetrical and
asymmetrical balance?
Summary Continued
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Describe how radiation can create rhythm.
What is usually repeated in a design to create
rhythm?
What is dominance? And how can it be achieved?
Name two ways of creating a focal point.
The End!