How Perforated Patterns Affect Mood

When choosing perforated patterns for a project, aesthetics, performance, and cost are typically the top priorities. But what about the emotional impact?

Perforated designs do more than create a striking visual. The shape of the holes – whether soft and round or sharp and angular – can subtly influence how a space makes people feel and how it is experienced. Choice of perforated pattern can make a place feel open and welcoming, modern, dynamic, or calm.

Here’s a look into the psychology of shapes for perforated patterns and how you can use them to create environments that feel as good as they look.

Round Perforated Patterns: Soft & Friendly

Studies have shown that circular shapes evoke positive feelings because they are linked to happy expressions and symbolise comfort and community. We also find curved spaces more relaxing than angular environments, with research showing lower heart rates and a more positive mood. Using circular shapes in perforated metal – such as classic round hole, curved, or wave-style perforated patterns – is a great choice for spaces that need to feel inviting and warm. Round shapes are a popular choice for projects such as schools, hospitals, and leisure centres – any environment where people want to feel at ease.

Example projects:

Pittwater House School on Sydney’s Northern Beaches used one of our classic round-hole patterns to modernise the school campus. Enhanced by a bright school colour scheme, the round shape gives the school an open, inviting and friendly feel, maintaining visibility and views for students.

Sunbury Aquatic Centre uses large-scale round perforations to maximum effect. Specified in an undulating wave pattern, the design makes the modern therapeutic facility seem warm and accessible for all users.

Square & Rectangle Perforated Patterns: Strong & Dependable

Square and rectangular shapes are associated with reliability, trust and strength. These types of perforated patterns are commonly used for projects such as corporate offices and public transport – environments that need to convey professionalism and dependability.

Example projects:

At Sydney’s George Street precinct, rectangular perforations are softened by the use of a round-end slot shape. Giving a professional, corporate feel to the building’s lobby, the design is enhanced by back-lit panels that create a welcoming impact.

At Waitara Station, our square-end slot pattern creates a strong and bold ceiling aesthetic that gives a sense of flow thanks to the curving of the panels.

Triangular & Geometric Perforated Patterns: Dynamic & Modern

Triangles are dynamic shapes that draw the eye and focus attention. Geometrics like hexagons convey professionalism and trustworthiness. In perforated metal, triangular perforated patterns and geometrics are often specified for energetic, high-traffic spaces – such as public transport hubs, shopping centres, and modern offices.

Example projects:

Cranebrook Village shopping centre’s honeycomb-style hexagon perforations create a modern and trusted aesthetic, with the design also used as balustrade for a safe car park enclosure.

Oatley Station’s custom triangle perforations aren’t just dynamic – they are also cleverly specified to shield passengers from the weather.

Can’t decide which geometric pattern to choose? Take inspiration from Hazelbrook Station, which uses a mix of custom geometric shapes to add visual interest and appeal, creating a transport hub that feels ultra-modern.

Organic & Irregular Patterns: Nature-Inspired

Organic and irregular patterns can evoke feelings of creativity and growth. As organic shapes are found in nature, these patterns are perceived as natural and fluid, which helps spaces feel tranquil.

Using nature-themed perforation patterns in metal, such as CAD-drawn illustrations of leaves and trees, is an easy way to incorporate biophilic design principles into a project. Many architects use organic patterns in projects such as residential complexes or train stations, where a key goal is to connect with the local environment, culture, and history.

Example projects:

We custom-perforated Blue Gum leaves and gumnuts into panels for the makeover of historic Denistone Station. The unique design links the station to the Wallumedegal people, the traditional custodians of the land on which the station sits.
At Carrington Assisted Living complex, nature is everywhere thanks to the leaf-inspired pattern we perforated into metal. The pattern creates a peaceful resort-style experience, matching the beautiful bushland surroundings.

Shape Psychology Quick Tips: Choosing Perforated Patterns

To put shape psychology into practice, when selecting perforated patterns, consider these three factors:

Functionality

What are the practical requirements of the pattern, such as ventilation, light diffusion, or privacy? These factors will determine which shapes will achieve project performance requirements. Round patterns are typically the strongest perforation type – however, pitch, hole size, and open area percentage can be customised for most patterns.

Feel

How do you want a space to feel? Remember – rounded and curved perforated patterns are great for friendly, approachable environments, angular patterns for a dynamic, modern feel, and organic shapes for calm, nature-inspired, or culturally driven projects.

Customisation

If no one shape ticks all the boxes, create your own. With perforated metal, you can design your own bespoke pattern using our PixelPerf service – see how it works here.

Order Perforated Metal From Arrow Metal

Arrow Metal perforated metal is used across Australia for schools, shopping centres, leisure facilities, and residential and commercial projects. Our team can advise which metal types and patterns best suit your projects and bring your pattern ideas to life. Chat to us about your project specifications – pattern samples are available on request: email sales@arrowmetal.com.au or call (02) 9748 2200.

Browse or download our Perforated Metal Catalogue , Brass Woven Wire Mesh Catalogue or Project Look Book for more perforated metal inspiration.

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