An eternal symbol of unity and movement, the circle is everywhere in pattern and design – from ancient art to modern interiors. Here’s why we love them – plus tips on how and where to use circles 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.

We start by going around in circles…

Pattern: The Circle of Life

Along with the simple line, the circle is one of the most fundamental shapes in design. From prehistoric carvings to cutting-edge architecture, its appeal is universal. While we’ll explore geometric patterns more broadly in a future post, the circle—rich in symbolism and history—deserves special attention.

Olympic rings, Eiffel Tower, Paris, 2024. Image: creative commons

Embedded in culture, the circle represents wholeness, movement, and connection. Think of the cycle of life, friendship rings, and circles of trust. It appears in nature (the sun and moon), art, architecture, and even in everyday essentials like wheels, clocks, and bagels.

The circle - A brief history

Aztec sunstone (replica). Image: creative commons

Once human beings had found a way to make marks in the form of lines on cave walls, some 73,000 years ago,they naturally recorded the two great celestial circles: the sun and the moon. Many ancient religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism, saw the circle as a symbol of unity and the infinite.

The cosmic circle also represented mystery and imagination, from the solar discs of Ancient Egypt to the 500-year-old Aztec sun stone. More recently, when the Dalai Lama visited London in 2008, he was greeted by a specially created circular sand mandala – echoing a tradition Carl Jung explored in his studies of symbols and the subconscious.

Chenrezig Sand Mandala created for the visit of the Dalai Lama to the House of Commons in 2008. Image: creative commons

Even science supports our affinity for circles: research into infant visual development shows that humans instinctively prefer curved edges. So if you find yourself drawn to circles, you have plenty of company.

Circles in architecture and interior design

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford (1737-49), designed by James Gobbs. Photo: David Iliff via creative commons

From ancient stone circles to modern architecture, the circular form has shaped the built environment. Think Stonehenge, Rome’s Tempietto (1502), Oxford’s Radcliffe Camera (1749), and today’s GCHQ Doughnut.

In interiors, circular elements soften spaces, adding flow and warmth. Rounded archways ease transitions between rooms—a technique used since classical times. Skylights, circular windows, and domed ceilings bring light and grandeur, while curved walls create a sense of movement and harmony.

Easing the transition: rounded doorway, enhanced by a Pooky opaline glass pendant. Photo: @alicegrace_england

Circles in interior design

Circles have played a key role in many design movements. Art Nouveau and Art Deco embraced their elegance, while mid-century modern designers championed their fluidity. Even the minimalist Shaker style featured circular forms that later influenced contemporary design.

 A small round table lit by Pooky’s Hania ceramic pendant creates a snug kitchen nook in this room by @thehoustombuilt 

While round houses may be sought after, often with eye-watering prices to match, introducing circles into your interior design scheme is, perhaps, a more affordable way of doing things. Think about:

Want to introduce circles into your home? Consider:

• Round tables – ideal for sociable spaces, whether family suppers or coffee catch-ups.

• Circular rugs – perfect for defining seating areas or softening square rooms.

• Mirrors & artwork – round mirrors (like Pooky’s Portal) add depth, while circular wall art creates a striking focal point.

• Patterns & motifs – look for wallpapers, fabrics, and tiles with circular designs to add rhythm and movement.

• Wreaths – from classic Christmas to year-round seasonal variations, circular wreaths add personality.

Lighting – pendants, chandeliers, and sconces can bring elegance and warmth (see below for ideas).

@cornish_homebird opted for Pooky’s round Pumpkin pendant to make the most of a wall plate display.

And it may pay to think outside the rectilinear box for your home office. Could a round desk, work table or noticeboard boost your creativity or lateral thinking?

Circles of light

At Pooky, we don’t just love circles—we illuminate them. From drum lampshades to sculptural chandeliers to circular wall lights, we have round lighting covered…

Circle patterns in the 50cm straight empire shade in Berries Egg & Spoon silk ikat

Beautiful simplicity: Drum lampshade in fuschia dupion silk

Rodaximus chandelier with five concentric glass rings

The larger Halo chandelier echoes the circles of the mirror and fireplace in this room by @seansymington

Inspired by the sun: the larger Helios ip44 wall light in brushed gold aluminium

The Art Deco-inspired Utopia rechargeable table lamp in white marble 

If you want to explore the world of circles further, Manuel Lima’s The Book of Circles (2017) offers a fascinating look at their history in art, design, and science. But for now, simply look around—you’re surrounded by circles, whether you realise it or not.

Browse all of Pooky’s lamps, shades and more here – and find more interior design inspiration on our blog.

See also:

The seven elements of interior design: Pattern

The seven elements of interior design – a guide to understanding and combining them

How to develop an eye for interior design

 Image top: Artemis circular chandelier styled by @johnstoneparkinteriors