The Ten Basic Arrangement Forms

"Arrange flowers like a pro by learning these basics"

There are 10 basic arrangement forms in floral designing. And for each arrangement form, the use of focal flowers, line flowers and filler flowers is a must.

The difference between the ten is of course, the shape of the design. Line flowers are used to determine the shape of the arrangement when starting to make one. Followed by focal flowers and lastly, filling up spaces with filler flowers.

Click here to know more about line, focal and filler flowers.

Now, let's get up close and personal with each basic arrangement form.

Pyramid

A pyramid is an arrangement which we seldom see but it actually exists. The base is triangle and is very tall.

It can be used as a table centerpiece.

Click here to see my pyramid arrangement.

Dome

As the name suggests, a dome arrangement is round. The container used for this type of arrangement is best medium in height.

The dome arrangement is an all-round arrangement with the same distribution of flowers all around.

Learn how to make a dome arrangement here.

Unlike the classic dome arrangement, the dome interpretive arrangement looks more stylish. It is not exactly round and there are less flowers but more lines and space. This arrangement has more design element and is one of my favourites.

Here is an example of a dome interpretive arrangement.

Crescent

A curve arrangement is quite difficult to make because it is assymmetrical. The proportion must be balanced from whichever angle you look at.

The weight must be balanced too so that the arrangement is stable.

Here's how to make a lovely crescent arrangement using artificial flowers to decorate your home.

Horizontal

A horizontal arrangement is a low arrangement but the length is usually 2 times the height. A classic horizontal arrangement is symmetrical, which means the length on both sides is the same. Moreover, the placement of flowers is mirrored to the other side.

An assymmetrical horizontal arrangement is what we call a horizontal interpretive arrangement. It has more design and character, because the flowers have their own individuality.

And because it is assymmetrical, the length on both sides may not be same. Let me give you an example of a horizontal interpretive.

Inverted T

Inverted-T arrangement is in the shape of the letter T, but upside down. It looks like a triangular arrangement but slightly different.

A classic inverted T arrangement would be something which has the same type of flowers on all 3 sides. Whereas an inverted T interpretive is an assymmetrical arrangement. The length on one side may be different with the other. Here's what I mean.

L shape

As you can guess from the name, an L shaped arrangement has the letter L shape. Although it is not symmetrical, you must know how to position your flowers so that it looks well balanced.

Click here for an example of a typical L shape arrangement.

To create an L shape interpretive arrangement, take a look at my example of an L shape interpretive arrangement.

Fan

The fan arrangement is shaped into a fan. In order to build the fan, you must use flowers with long and strong stems like the gladiolus, ester and others.

The fan interpretive is where you get creative at the focal area. You can create any design there, like a Hogarth's Curve, but still maintain the fan shape.

Triangular

To make a triangular shaped arrangement, position the line flowers to form a triangle. The height of the arrangement should be more than the width.

Oval

An oval arrangement is what I usually do on a funeral stand. But please do not restrict yourself to only making oval arrangements on a funeral stand, you can also decorate your living room with it.

It is not a 360 degrees arrangement.

Vertical

The vertical arrangement is a tall arrangement with small width. It can be a classic vertical arrangement or an interpretive vertical arrangement.

Quick links to each basic arrangement form..

	Horizontal Arrangement A horizontal arrangement of purple asters, white roses and yellow peacocks.
	L Shape Arrangement An L shape arrangement of red gerberras, purple eustomas and white asters.
	Dome Interpretive Arrangement A dome interpretive arrangement of pink roses, cream eustomas, red berries and fatsia leaves.
	Crescent Arrangement A crescent arrangement using silk flowers like orange roses, ranunculus, peony, eucalyptus, snowballs and green berries.
	Crescent Inverted Arrangement A crescent inverted arrangement of pink gerberras, white callas, lipstick roses, pink carnations and purple peonies.
	Horizontal Interpretive Arrangement A horizontal interpretive arrangement of green dendrobium orchids, white anthuriums, dracena leaves, birds nest leaves and china berries.
	Inverted T Arrangement An inverted T arrangement of pink gingers, catalea leaves, pink carnations, ruscus leaves, pink tulips and pink stargazers.
	L Shape Interpretive An L shpe interpretive arrangement of purple, orange, white and yellow dendrobiums.
	Dome Arrangement A dome arrangement of yellow peacock, pink carnations and polycia leaves.
	Pyramid Arrangement
	Fan Interpretive Arrangement A fan interpretive arrangement of orange gladiolus, pink gerberras, white pompoms and white peacocks.

Other Flower Arrangement Designs

These designs are influenced by culture and nature.

Here, I'm introducing you to several design styles that florists have used and are using in their work.

Formal Linear
An arrangement which is a mixture of Eastern linearity and European mass. Linearity is the lines in the arrangement and they create movement. Mass gives weight and depth.

Parallel
A parallel arrangement is an arrangement which emphasizes on parallel lines. These lines are created form the materials itself. To emphasize on the parallelity, curved lines need to be introduced into the arrangement.

Linear Rectangular
A linear rectangular arrangement is about controlling the display of lines within a defined space. In this example, I created beautiful cross lines using flowers in a rectangular shaped space.

Vegetative Arrangement
A vegetative arrangement is a replication of nature. Flowers and foliage are arranged as they were naturally grown. Here's how I brought a piece of my garden into my home.

Vertical Linear Arrangement
A vertical linear arrangement emphasizes on lines. Less flowers are used to show the lines. Here's my example of a vertical linear arrangement.

Enter your search termsSubmit search form

Web www.flower-arrangement-advisor.com