There are two types of balance: The actual physical balance so the design doesn't fall over, and the visual balance, where the viewer sees the design as being pleasing to the eye, and visually the plant material is equal on both sides of imaginary line down the middle of a design.

Balance can be achieved with colour, the use of space, the visual weight of the plant materials, with symmetry with similar forms on both sides of the imaginary line, or asymmetrically, where dissimilar forms are on either side

If a design is not balanced it is less restful. Most people prefer a design that doesn't create tension within them and an anticipation that it is going to fall over or that something is missing.
An unbalanced design causes tension which could be the designer's intention and so do not think that every flower arrangement you make must be balanced to be successful.

Colour, space and weight balance:The colour is balanced between the two placements, and the space between the two driftwood pieces is balanced	Visual and actual: The bigger piece of driftwood visually balances the top arrangement counteracting its bulk. The hanging arrangement is actually balanced so it floated in the right position.	Diagonal balance:Place the same plant material on both sides. Colour balance is also achieved with the green leaves being carried down to the green moss on the base. This arrangement was stable so it had actual balance.
Balance lesson A diagonal line can still be balanced and is good practice to achieve actual balance.Try out the free step by step lesson here	Symmetrical balance : The triangle design style favoured in traditional floral arrangements uses strong symmetrical balance. Each side is a mirror of the other.	Abstract balance: In an abstract design balance does not have to radiate from an imaginery middle line. Achieve colour balance with the orange slab and ball and visual balance.
Modern balance: A design doesn't have to exactly match on both sides to be balanced as long as the visual weight of the plant material is the same.	Weight balance: By placing the drape a long way out from the heavy container on both sides, the composition is more visually balanced.	Out of balance: When a design is out of balance there is tension. A loop of vine on the left would have enclosed space and given a visual balance.
A different approach: Place two arrangements which are both out of balance and put them side by side and one balances the other.	You learn by doing, not reading: Work through 6 lessons to discover 6 design principles and you will be at the top of your game. More...	Get ahead of the class: floral design magazine principles special, will give you a huge designing edge. Download it here

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