The World of Westloft Interiors

Negative Space

The unoccupied areas around and between the main elements of a composition.

The definition

What is Negative Space?

Negative space is an active part of visual composition, including the empty wall around pictures and the intervals between objects. It helps separate forms and control visual density. Its usefulness depends on the surrounding arrangement, rather than a rule that every room must look sparse.

The Westloft perspective

In the World of Westloft

Leave enough space around a print for its edges and colour to register. Even a richly layered room benefits from pauses between its busiest areas.

Further exploration

Related collections

Minimalistisch
Minimalistisch

The lexicon

Related glossary terms

Minimalism Gallery Wall Scale and Proportion