Viewing Textures

Textures on surfaces are often seen, so they influence how people think and behave, even if no one ever reaches out to touch them:

• We prefer glossy surfaces to ones that are matte so they brighten our mood as long as they don’t generate glare.
• If the walls in a room have rougher texture, that space is judged as more spacious than an area of exactly the same size that has smooth walls.
• Shiny surfaces, particularly underfoot, are often felt to be slippery, whether they actually are or are not.
• Textures often form patterns.We’ve written about patterns multiple times, for example here.  Some things to know about patterns you may find in textures:
  • Curvier ones are linked to viewers feeling relaxed and more comfortable, ones with more straight lines and sharper angles are linked to encouraging efficient action and functionality.Curved patterns are also generally preferred to more angular ones.  Curvier patterns are seen as more feminine and angular options as more masculine.
  • Humans also enjoy seeing symmetrical things, whether that symmetry is mirror, radial, or some other type.They are also perceived to be more beautiful and seeing them is apt to put us in a better mood.  We tie asymmetry to being active and excitement, so it can be great in an exercise space, for example.  Symmetry also has ties to sincerity, harmony, calmness, sophistication, stability, and competence.
  • We generally prefer patterns with diagonal lines to those that are vertical or horizontal ones only.
• Surfaces can be shiny or not, with shiny being one potential texture and matte another
  • When we can see ourselves, as in a mirror or very shiny surface we are apt to act in ways that are perceived to be correct by our society, for example, eating healthier foods or sorting our recycling correctly.
  • Mirrors on walls make a space seem larger.
  • Mirrors can be used to “move” daylight through a room, which, as long as that light is glare free is a real plus for our mood and our mental performance.
  • If there are two identical objects, one shiny and one matte, the shiny one will be perceived to be heavier than the one with the matte finish.
  • If there is more visual complexity (colours, shapes, patterns, order of arrangement, etc., as discussed in this article) reflected in a mirror, what is reflected in it seems smaller, so, in places where you will be looking at outfits you’re trying on, decorating mirrors or increasing the visual complexity of what’s reflected in them can boost self-esteem, if your goal is to seem a little smaller than you are.
  • Although we prefer shiny finishes, matte ones can be good options when light level and placement make glare probable.
  • Shiny surfaces are associated with femininity and matte ones with masculinity.
  • When we see ourselves in a mirrored surface while we’re talking, say on a Zoom call or in a live face-to-face conversation our mood becomes more negative over time.