What is the 60 30 20 rule in decorating?

The 60-30-10 rule is a popular guideline in interior design that helps create a balanced and harmonious color scheme. It divides the use of color into three main categories to ensure the room feels well-composed and visually appealing. Here's how it works:

1. 60% - Dominant Color

• This is the primary color of the room, covering about 60% of the space. It typically applies to large elements, such as walls, floors, and big pieces of furniture (like sofas or rugs).
• The dominant color sets the tone for the room and serves as the foundation. It’s often a neutral or subtle shade that creates a calm, cohesive atmosphere.

Example: In a living room, the walls or main furniture (like a sofa or curtains) could be painted in a neutral color like beige, gray, or off-white.

2. 30% - Secondary Color

• The secondary color takes up about 30% of the room and complements the dominant color. It’s typically used for medium-sized items such as accent furniture, textiles (pillows, throws), or larger decorative accessories (like lamps or artwork).
• This color should harmonize with the dominant color but provide some contrast or interest.

Example: In a living room, the cushions, artwork, or secondary furniture pieces (like an armchair) might be in a contrasting yet complementary color, such as a bold navy if your dominant color is neutral.

3. 10% - Accent Color

• The accent color takes up the remaining 10% of the space and adds a punch of vibrancy or contrast. This color is often bold or vibrant and is used for small, impactful decor pieces like accessories, decorative objects, small furniture, or plants.
• The accent color brings energy to the room and can be a fun or unexpected hue.

Example: A bright yellow or emerald green vase, throw blanket, or decorative pillows might be the accent color in a room where the dominant color is light gray and the secondary color is navy.

Why the 60-30-10 Rule Works:

• Balance: By dividing the colors in these proportions, the room achieves a sense of visual balance, with one color dominating, a secondary color providing contrast, and a third accent adding excitement.
• Harmonious Design: It ensures the room doesn’t feel too busy or overwhelming with too many competing colors. The dominant and secondary colors create cohesion, while the accent color keeps things interesting without overloading the space.

Tips for Applying the 60-30-10 Rule:

• Neutrals as Dominant Colors: Neutral colors like white, gray, beige, or taupe are often used for the dominant color, as they create a calm foundation and let the other colors shine.
• Bold Accents: The accent color is often the most daring or vibrant color in the room, providing a pop of personality.
• Color Harmony: Ensure that the secondary and accent colors complement the dominant color. You can choose colors from the same color family or use contrasting hues that work well together.

This rule is a great way to achieve a well-proportioned, visually appealing room without overwhelming the senses.