Image via Body Temple
Now that I have your attention… ;-)
A meander – more commonly known as Greek key design – is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. The name has two meanings: "meander" recalls the twisting and turning path of the Maeander River in Asia Minor, and the “meander is the figure of a labyrinth in linear form” (Karl Kerenyi, one of the founders of modern studies in Greek mythology).

Meander pavement in Rhodes, image via Wikipedia
Meanders appeared in ancient Greece in many architectural friezes, temples, and in bands on pottery from the Geometric Period (about ca. 900 to 700 BC) onwards. They were among the most important symbols in ancient Greece, thought to symbolize infinity and unity. Greek vases were likely the genesis for the widespread use of meanders.

Geometric pottery, c. 900-700 BC, image via Art History 2010, Laura Shefler
Today, the Greek key design is seen on everything from buildings to fabrics to jewellery to light fixtures.
Image via Splendid Willow
Love these two fireplaces – subtle but effective.

Design by and image via Fiona Barratt Interiors

Design by and image via Diamond Baratta Design
Greek key looks cool incorporated into a piece of furniture.
Design by and image via Bradley Hughes
Image via Design Elements

Design by and image via Tobi Fairley Interior Design
Beautiful bright green dresser – notice the Greek key motif on the feet, as well as the hardware.

Image via Designer Detective
It’s a great focal point in a room when used as trim.

Design by and image via Cullman & Kravis

Design by and image via Diamond Baratta Design
I’m not usually a fan of yellow, but I’m seriously diggin’ these yellow chairs with black piping. Very cool!

Design by Tracy Murdock Allied ASID, image via Houzz
Greek key looks just as good down on the floor.

Design by and image via Jennifer Flanders Inc. Interior Design

Design by Rachel Reider Interiors, image via Houzz
Design by Palmer Weiss Interior Design, image via Decorpad
It looks great as trim on curtains.

Image via Southern Living

Design by and image via Carol Reed Interior Design
Dress up a valance with Greek key.

Image via Left Coast Luxe
And why not go all the way and hang curtains made with Greek key fabric (love the mirror hung in front of the shelves too).

Design by Amanda Nisbet Design, image via Fashionable Interiors
A little bit of Greek key on cushions.

Image via Decorpad

Image via Design Muse

Image via Aesthetic Oiseau

Image via Bradley Hughes
There are four different patterned fabrics in this space – including Greek key – and they work so well together. None is overpowering, and each makes its own statement.

Photo by Alex Hayden, image via Decorpad
And Greek key on furniture. Love the look of this blue chair.

Image via Splendid Willow
Gorgeous living room. The Greek key fabric on the chair is repeated on the cushions on the matching sofas.

Image via Decorpad
Greek key meets Ikat. Did you notice the trim on the curtains as well?

Image via Hirshfields
Sleeping with Greek key…

Image via Decorpad

Design by Mary McDonald, image via La Dolce Vita
Why not wear some Greek key?

Image via Kentshire

Image via Perfect Wedding Day
Light up your life with some Greek key.

Image via Dose of Design
And this might by my very favourite use of Greek key…
Image via Eclectic Revisited
Strangely enough, although I love Greek key, I don’t have any in my house. How about you?
