The Beauty of Octagonal Architecture
Octagonal shaped rooms are not only unique in architecture but also visually appealing. The eight walls give a sense of space, depth and dimensionality to the interior. The most iconic octagonal room is the Rotunda at the Palace of Westminster in London. But, this architectural design is not limited to palaces and government buildings.
Designing an Octagonal Room
An octagonal room can easily become the centerpiece of a home’s interior. The design and decoration of the room depend on the purpose it serves. For example, an octagonal living room can have a central seating area with the walls decorated with bookshelves or art paintings. Similarly, an octagonal dining room can have an attractive chandelier in the center with a large dining table and eight chairs.
The Advantages of an Octagonal Room
Octagonal rooms boast numerous advantages over traditional square or rectangular rooms. One of the most significant advantages is that octagonal rooms have a more expansive view of the outside. Additionally, the octagonal design provides excellent acoustics, making it perfect for home theaters, recording studios or music rooms. The octagonal shape also allows natural light to permeate in the space, making it a bright and warm place to be.
The Challenges of an Octagonal Room
Despite the numerous advantages, octagonal rooms also present some challenges. For example, furniture placement can be challenging because of the unique shape of the room. Additionally, choosing the right wall color and decor elements for an octagonal room can be more challenging than for a traditional room.
Octagonal Rooms in Famous Buildings
Palace of Westminster, London
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament in London, England, features the iconic octagonal shape in its central hall, the Central Lobby. The hall houses statues of former Prime Ministers, and the walls are decorated with paintings and mural
