The Meaning of Patterns: Geometrics

From ancient mosaics to bold Art Deco, geometric patterns bring rhythm, balance and timeless style to interiors. Here’s why we love them – plus tips on how and where to use geometry in your home…

At Pooky, we love pattern – it’s one of the seven essential elements of interior design. In our new series, we’re taking a deep dive into different patterns, exploring their history, role in design movements, and how to use them – lighting included – in your home.

See also: The Meaning of Pattern: Circles

Much like Shakespeare’s players, pattern types have their entrances and exits – but geometric patterns have never really left the stage. With their enduring symmetry, spiritual associations and brain-pleasing regularity, they’ve transcended trends for thousands of years. In this post, we’re celebrating the timeless appeal of geometric design—how it’s evolved through history and how to use it beautifully in your own home, lighting included.

Why we love geometric patterns

There are plenty of theories and a good deal of scientific evidence as to why we humans are drawn to geometric patterns: they can have a calming effect on the busy mind; they have strong associations with spirituality and mysticism, and you don’t need to be an expert on Euclid to be drawn to their pleasing symmetry.

In fact, the most fundamental areas of our brain’s visual system are wired to recognise and enjoy symmetry and shape. Who didn’t love a kaleidoscope as a child? (Even psychedelic visions are often described as intensely geometric – we couldn’t possibly comment…)

Geometric patterns: from the dawn of time

You might have expected us to start our geometric journey with some of the earliest civilisations, such as Ancient Babylon, Egypt, India, or Greece – but nature got there first, with ice crystals and snowflakes and the never-ending patterns of nature’s fractals: think ferns, broccoli and sunflowers.

Those ancient civilisations were drawing on what they observed in the natural world to develop the earliest theories about geometry – indeed, the very word “geometry” comes from the Greek geometron—earth measurement.

Nowhere in the history of design has geometry been more prevalent than in Islamic art and architecture, from its earliest days onwards. It was regarded as the visual means by which the human mind could comprehend the order and harmony inherent in the world’s creation, drawing on the mathematical patterns found in nature, the cosmos and in human beings themselves.

In the West, Andrea Palladio (1508–1580), whose villas, churches and public buildings can be seen across northern Italy, was profoundly influenced by the symmetry, geometry and mathematical proportions of classical Greek and Roman architecture. His work remains a constant influence on architects around the world to this day.

Design movements and moments

Geometric patterns took centre stage in the Art Deco era of the 1920s and '30s, which favoured bold, angular shapes and streamlined glamour in interior design, architecture and fashion.

The post-war Mid-Century Modern movement favoured clean, functional shapes—think Scandinavian calm and G Plan furniture. Here in the UK, the unfussy furniture designed by companies like G Plan, with its simple shapes and lines that celebrated wood’s natural grain, struck a national chord.

And today? Geometric patterns continue to thrive—whether in monochrome minimalism or pastel-hued Scandi style. Unlike some trends, geometry never really goes out of fashion.

Geometric patterns in your home

From the simplest lines and stripes to complex honeycombs, geometric patterns are endlessly versatile. Here are a few ways to play with them in your interior design:

• Lines and stripes – verticals add height, horizontals add width; chevrons and herringbones create energy and flow.
• Triangles and diamonds – bring boldness and direction.
• Hexagons and honeycombs – add texture and visual interest.
• Circles and curves – soften hard edges and promote balance.
• Grids and checkerboards – introduce order and symmetry.
• Abstract geometrics – free-spirited, modern, and fun.

And don’t worry if you can’t name the properties of an isosceles triangle. Just remember that your brain is hard-wired to go with the geometric flow; you can have so much fun with geometric patterns in so many ways. Whether on walls, floors, textiles, furniture – or lighting – it’s all about rhythm, proportion, and play.

Geometric lighting at Pooky

Lampshades and lights are a fantastic (and very easy) way to bring pattern into your interiors. Here’s a little geometric workout for the visual cortex – a collection of lovely lights and shades…

Rectangular half lampshade in dupion silk

It may be a cliché but sometimes less really is more and that is certainly the case with our pleasingly rectangular Half Lampshade in ivory dupion silk with gold interior, ideal for, say, a narrow shelf. It’s cool to be square.

Straight empire shade in jet stripes hand painted card

Stripes are especially striking in black and white. Bring some instant zebra style into a room with a 35cm straight empire shade in jet stripes hand painted card.

Doorstop rechargeable table lamp in white marble

Satisfyingly square, that’s Pooky’s Doorstop rechargeable table lamp. It’s a portable combination of marble and brass, a Genesis light cell and remote control – ancient materials, 21st century technology, and you can put it anywhere for some instant geometry.

Fitzgerald wall light in bronze and frosted glass

And, finally, here’s our Fitzgerald wall light, where Ancient Egypt meets Art Deco in a fabulous fusion of bronze and frosted glass.

Geometric patterns connect us to nature, history and the inner workings of our brains. Whether clean-lined or riotously playful, they bring structure, energy and interest to interiors – and we think your home will love them as much as we do.

Browse all our lights and shades – and find your own favourite patterns – here.