Octagons: Design-Friendly Shapes for Your Home
This classic figure shows up in furniture, flooring, accessories and more. See how and why to use it
Octagons have been an important shape in architecture and design since the time of the Greeks and Romans. Because forming materials into eight straight sides was easier than constructing a circle, the octagon was often the preferred shape for towers and domes. Today, modern architecture has made building the perfect circle much easier, but the octagon can still provide a distinct shape that’s pleasing to the eye and a great alternative to the common circle.
If an octagon-shaped dining table isn’t your speed, consider dining chairs as another way to add some eight-sided style to your dining space. This Tampa, Florida, dining room features six chairs with octagonal backs covered in a black-and-white geometric-patterned upholstery that adds a modern juxtaposition to the damask-upholstered captain’s chairs.
Tantalizing Tile
Hexagon-shaped tiles are a popular design trend in kitchens and baths. If you like the look of those six-sided tiles, why not try eight sides instead and stand out from the pack. The floor in this Singapore bathroom features a mix of black octagonal tiles mixed with white diamond-shaped tiles.
Browse octagon tiles
Hexagon-shaped tiles are a popular design trend in kitchens and baths. If you like the look of those six-sided tiles, why not try eight sides instead and stand out from the pack. The floor in this Singapore bathroom features a mix of black octagonal tiles mixed with white diamond-shaped tiles.
Browse octagon tiles
Wow-Worthy Windows
Round windows are a unique way to bring in more natural light that’s both decorative and functional. However, round windows can also come across as nautical since they resemble portholes on a ship. Therefore, an octagonal window can be a good alternative.
Round windows are a unique way to bring in more natural light that’s both decorative and functional. However, round windows can also come across as nautical since they resemble portholes on a ship. Therefore, an octagonal window can be a good alternative.
Here’s another octagonal window found in a master bedroom in England. This custom window features specialized hardware that allows it to open and close.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
An easy and relatively inexpensive way to introduce an octagon-shaped design into your home is by adding an eight-sided mirror. A pair of brass octagonal mirrors in this Dallas bathroom adds an unexpected touch in a place where one usually finds a rectangle or round mirror.
An easy and relatively inexpensive way to introduce an octagon-shaped design into your home is by adding an eight-sided mirror. A pair of brass octagonal mirrors in this Dallas bathroom adds an unexpected touch in a place where one usually finds a rectangle or round mirror.
A pair of octagonal mirrors flanking the bed in this Washington, D.C., master bedroom adds an interesting shape that breaks up all the straight lines in the space.
Browse octagon mirrors
Browse octagon mirrors
Round-Rug Alternative
Rugs are another easy and inexpensive element you can use to add some eight-sided designs to your home. If you’re not a fan of round rugs, an octagonal rug might be a good alternative.
This custom sisal octagon-shaped rug in a Charlotte, North Carolina, dining room adds more visual interest and nuance than a typical rectangle sisal rug.
Rugs are another easy and inexpensive element you can use to add some eight-sided designs to your home. If you’re not a fan of round rugs, an octagonal rug might be a good alternative.
This custom sisal octagon-shaped rug in a Charlotte, North Carolina, dining room adds more visual interest and nuance than a typical rectangle sisal rug.
Creative Ceilings
If you’re still not sure where to add some octagon-shaped designs to your home, try looking up. A ceiling can often go overlooked when it comes to decorating, but not in this Miami home. The custom coffered ceiling features an octagon-shaped pattern that demands attention.
If you’re still not sure where to add some octagon-shaped designs to your home, try looking up. A ceiling can often go overlooked when it comes to decorating, but not in this Miami home. The custom coffered ceiling features an octagon-shaped pattern that demands attention.
Eight-Sided Exteriors
This restored Victorian home in Melbourne, Australia, features a classic octagonal sunroom at the front of the house. Windows on most sides of the room allow for an abundance of natural light.
This restored Victorian home in Melbourne, Australia, features a classic octagonal sunroom at the front of the house. Windows on most sides of the room allow for an abundance of natural light.
For the true lovers of the octagon, there might not be a better way to show your appreciation than embracing an eight-sided home. This contemporary take on Cape Cod style in Boston features an open concept, plenty of windows and classic shingle siding.
If buying a Victorian house with an octagonal sunroom or designing a modern octagon-shaped house is not in the cards, perhaps an eight-sided shed in your backyard is. This backyard hangout in England features custom bench seating that wraps around the interior.
More
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Celebrate Geometry for a Sharp-Looking Design
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10 Fresh Ways to Use Hex Tiles
Celebrate Geometry for a Sharp-Looking Design
Some people prefer a round dining table to a square- or rectangle-shaped one because it allows dinner guests to see one another around the table. An octagon-shaped dining table provides the same conversation-promoting benefit as a round table, while also providing designated zones for up to eight dinner guests.
Dining chairs: George Nakashima