Flower Arrangement

Lesson 10 : Basic Shapes of Flower Arrangements

The Equilateral Triangle

An equilateral triangle requires that all three sides of the design be equal in length. The triangular shape and radiat­ing line movement for the equilateral triangle can be seen.

The Isosceles triangle:
The isosceles triangle is a variation of the equilateral tri­angle. In this design, two sides are equal in length while the third side is shorter. The height of this arrangement is greater than the equilateral triangle, while the width is smaller.

Centerpiece Designs
The centerpiece design is a low, horizontal design that makes an excellent table centerpiece. This arrangement can be viewed from any direction without blocking the view of a seated dinner guest. The long and narrow shape of the de· sign can be altered to match the width of the dining table.
The centerpiece design is constructed in the same manner as a triangular arrangement but is finished on both sides.

The Asymmetrical Triangle
The asymmetrical triangle arrangements are more relaxed and visually pleasing designs. Asymmetrical compositions are visually balanced but differ on each side of a vertical axis. In the asymmetrical triangle, the vertical axis is not centered but usually offset to the left of center. Figure …… gives the design form and radiating line movement for the asym­metrical triangle.

The Scalene triangle
A variation of the asymmetrical triangle is the scalene tri­angle. The scalene triangle is also composed of three unequal sides. The difference is that the number one flower is slanted to the left rather than vertical. Figure gives the design form and radiating line movement for the scalene triangle. The number one flower establishes the height of the design. This flower is placed to the left of center on a diagonal and slants slightly backward. The number two flower is on the left and may be placed at an angle or horizontal with the table. This flower is often placed at a forward angle also. The number three flowers may be angled or placed on the horizontal, depending upon the height of the container used.

The right triangle
The right triangle arrangement is a one-sided mass design that resembles half of an equilateral or isosceles triangle. Figure below shows the basic design form and radiating line movement for the right triangle. Note that the vertical and horizontal lines of the arrangement meet at a 90° angle.
The right triangle may face either the right or left. Fre­quently, this design occurs in pairs on a mantel or buffet. A single arrangement may be used if it is offset and visually balanced by some other object, such as a painting.