What Is Greek Style in Design? Its Features and Characteristics

Greek style in design is a source of inspiration for many designers and lovers of decor. It is known for its classical elegance and refined simplicity, combining geometric beauty with visual balance. Greek design is marked by ornate Greek columns and simple geometric patterns, and aims to create spaces that are elegant and comfortable. Timber furniture and calm colours reinforce an elegant, feminine atmosphere. Whether you want to furnish your whole home in Greek style or simply add touches of it, it reflects the classical elegance and artistic sophistication of the civilisation of ancient Greece.

What is Greek style in design?

Greek style in design is an artistic and architectural approach that developed in ancient Greece. It is marked by the pursuit of ideal beauty, either by recreating the world on Plato's model or by imitating nature in Aristotle's way. The culture the ancient Greeks developed laid the foundations of Western culture. The roots of Greek style go back to the Bronze Age, when simple geometric forms developed into more complex ornament. In the Ancient period it reached its classical form, with balanced proportions and fine detail.

The history of Greek style

Greek style in design dates back to the Bronze Age, when simple geometric forms developed into more complex ornament. In the Ancient period it took its classical form, marked by balanced proportions, fine detail and consistent lines.

The Bronze Age (2700-1100 BC)

The origins of Greek style lie in the Bronze Age, when simple geometric forms began to appear in Greek art and architecture. These were circles, squares and rectangles, used for ornament and design.

The Ancient period (800-323 BC)

In the Ancient period, Greek style developed into its classical form. It influenced many other cultures, including Rome and the Roman Empire, and it continues to inspire artists and architects today. Classical Greek architecture had several features, including:

• Columns: columns were the main element of classical Greek architecture. They were made of stone or marble and came in three orders: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian.
• Geometric forms: geometric forms were common in classical Greek ornament. They were used on columns, friezes and wall decoration.
• The pursuit of ideal beauty: classical Greek artists sought ideal beauty in their work, and portrayed people as physically and mentally ideal.

The Greek Revival (eighteenth and nineteenth centuries)

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Greek style was revived in art and architecture. The revival grew out of increasing interest in the history and civilisation of ancient Greece, and was visible in many designs, including buildings, museums and sculpture. It aimed to revive the beauty and spirituality of ancient Greek civilisation.

Read also: Pharaonic style in design

Forms of Greek style

Greek style in design is an artistic approach that developed in ancient Greece and flourished from the seventh century BC to the second century BC. It is known for fine detail, elegance, and a focus on depicting human beauty, natural movement and geometric balance. Some well-known forms of Greek style follow.

Greek statues

Greek statues portray human beauty in an idealised way, rendering the body with fine detail and geometric balance. The Discobolus (Discus Thrower) by the Greek sculptor Myron is one well-known example.

Greek temples

The Greek temple is known for its precise geometric design and finely crafted artistic detail. It consists of a rectangular structure with rows of columns at the front and along the sides. The Parthenon in Athens is one of the best-known Greek temples.

Greek mosaics

Mosaic is one of the most important decorative arts in Greek culture. Mosaics use bright colours and intricate drawing to decorate floors and walls. The mosaic known as The Wrestlers, from the Greek school of mosaic in Pompeii, is one well-known example.

Read also: Victorian style in design

Furniture in Greek decor

Furniture in Greek decor is elegant and simple in design, with a focus on practical function and comfort. Here are its key elements.

Chairs

Chairs are among the most important elements of Greek decor, with a slender, elegant back. They are usually made of wood, with curved, ornamented legs, and may have cushioned seats for extra comfort.

Beds and cabinets

Beds in Greek decor are simple and elegant, with a slender timber design, and are usually fitted with posts above the bed (a "poster bed"). Cabinets are used to store vessels, glassware and other items. They have a slim design, with timber doors and internal shelves.

Tables and side tables

Tables in Greek decor are usually made of wood and have a simple design. They may be decorated with simple geometric carving on the legs or the top. Side tables are used for flowers, glassware or other decorative objects; they are usually small, with curved, ornamented legs.

Upholstered furniture

Upholstered furniture such as sofas and comfortable chairs is used in Greek decor to add a touch of comfort and luxury. It is covered in fabric or leather and is often decorated with simple geometric patterns.

Read also: Bohemian style

Furniture layout in Greek style

Furniture layout in Greek-style design focuses on balance and geometric harmony. The aim is an open, comfortable space that emphasises the function of the furniture and achieves visual balance. Here are the basic principles.

1. Arrangement: arrange the furniture in a harmonious way within the space, spacing pieces evenly and avoiding clutter or crowding.
2. Axiality: rely on axes. The main axes can be horizontal or vertical lines running across the space, which helps guide the eye in a consistent way.
3. Open space: leave gaps between pieces of furniture to give a sense of flow and room. There can be empty space in the centre or on either side of the furniture to bring out its beauty.
4. Contrast and detail: add contrast and detail through ornamented pieces, such as ornate Greek columns or geometric carving.
5. Outdoor space: extend the decor into the courtyard or patio with outdoor furniture, giving an additional area to relax and enjoy the beauty.

Read also: Lighting in interior design

Features of Greek style

Greek style has many features, including:

• Balanced proportions: for example, columns are always the same height and width, and the geometric forms used in ornament are balanced and harmonious.
• Fine detail: Greek style is known for fine detail in its designs. Columns and friezes are carved precisely, and geometric ornament is used in intricate ways.
• The pursuit of ideal beauty: Greek style seeks ideal beauty, and people in Greek art are portrayed as physically and mentally ideal.

Here are some examples of Greek style:

1. The Parthenon: an ancient Greek temple in Athens, Greece, regarded as one of the greatest examples of classical Greek architecture.
2. Geometric ornament: a type of ornament that uses simple geometric forms such as circles, squares and rectangles. It was common in ancient Greek art.

Read also: Classical style in design