Do you feel stuck arranging (and then rearranging) a shelf that seems sparse or a coffee table that feels crowded? Maybe you’re wrestling with a furniture setup that’s disproportionate or your living room’s color scheme falls flat. To streamline the decorating process, adhere to an easy decor trick that interior designers swear by: the rule…
What Is the Rule of Three?
It’s simple. The rule of three is the guideline for arranging items in groups of three. This creates a balanced composition that’s universally visually appealing. Why? Our brains are inclined to recognize patterns, the most basic of which is a group of three. This makes a trio of objects — say, a taper candle, a petite plant, and a framed photo — more engaging and memorable than a grouping of two. Three is interesting without being overwhelming and keeps the eye moving from one object to the next.
The rule of three can be applied to all aspects of decorating, from a small vignette on a side table to a room’s entire layout. Whether you’re rearranging your living room furniture or hanging family photos, jazzing up a color palette or curious about mixing patterns, it’s a no-fail rule of design. Grouping in three is a trusted technique that’s used beyond interior design, and is also fundamental to photography, art, and graphic design.
How To Incorporate the Rule of Three Into Your Home Decor
Style Special Objects
Don’t let your beloved trinkets from travels get lost in a sea of objects scattered on a bookshelf. Grouping decorations in threes unifies various items into an intentional, eye-catching vignette. Consider scale and shape, too. Pair a tall item with a horizontal one and a sculptural piece — that combination is all but guaranteed to look polished and appealing.
Refine Your Furniture Layout
If you have a furniture arrangement that feels off, employ the rule of three. Grouping furniture pieces into trios helps define a space, creating interesting asymmetry. Just think: A couch, an armchair, and a coffee table feels complete, especially when anchored by a rug. Symmetrical arrangements, meanwhile, lack personality and originality.
Find a Balance in Artwork
Keep the rule of three in mind as you’re hanging artwork. A pair of photos or paintings looks unfinished, whereas a group of three feels like an intentional set. For a gallery wall, the rule of three can be extended to the rule of five, seven, nine, or even higher. As long as you stick with an odd number, it’ll feel balanced.
Improve Color Combinations
If you’ve ever heard of the 60-30-10 ratio in regard to color, you’re already familiar with the rule of three, just in percentage form. Use this interior designer-approved recipe to create a striking color scheme that brings a space to life.
The most prominent color of your space — for example, the walls’ paint color — should take up 60% of the room. The secondary color, or the 30 in the equation, should complement and contrast the primary shade, adding depth. Use this color for large furniture, such as a a sofa or headboard. Then go wild with the remaining 10%. This is an accent color that adds a punch of personality, and can be introduced through throw pillows, decorative objects, and artwork.
Mix and Match Pillows
Two pillows aren’t enough, and four is too bulky. Three, once again, is the magic number. Whether you’re playing with pillows on your bed or couch, the arrangement will look more inviting as a trio. On a couch, consider mixing and matching various sizes, shapes, textures, and patterns for a statement-making pillowscape.
Bring the Rule Bedside
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of cluttering bedside tables with unread books and a week’s worth of water glasses. Start fresh by implementing the rule of three. Clear everything off your bedside table except a group of three utilitarian objects that vary in height, shape, and texture — for instance, a lamp, a vase, and a catchall tray. The visual tranquility will have you sleeping soundly.
