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60-30-10 Rule
Using the 60-30-10 Rule in Interior Design: A Simple Formula for Balanced Spaces.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed choosing colours for your home, the 60-30-10 rule might just become your new best friend. It’s a simple yet effective guideline that interior designers use to create visually balanced and harmonious spaces — and it’s easy to apply, even if you’re not a design expert.
The idea is to divide the colours in a room into three proportions. Your dominant colour takes up 60% of the space. This is usually your walls, large furniture pieces, or flooring — the foundation of your palette. It sets the tone for the room and should be something you won’t tire of easily.
Next, your secondary colour should make up 30%. This adds contrast and depth. Think of sofas, curtains, rugs, or smaller furniture pieces. This is where you can get a little bolder, introducing a different shade or texture that complements your dominant hue.
Finally, the remaining 10% is your accent colour. This is where the fun starts. Use it in cushions, lamps, artwork, or decorative accessories. This pop of colour can be bright or unexpected, adding personality and vibrancy to the space.
For example, in a soft, neutral living room: 60% might be a warm beige on walls and floors, 30% could be dusky blue in upholstery, and 10% a splash of mustard in cushions or vases.
The 60-30-10 rule keeps rooms from feeling chaotic or flat. It offers structure while still leaving room for creativity. Whether you’re restyling a single room or your whole home, this colour ratio is a smart, reliable way to create cohesive, inviting interiors.
Give it a try and see how this little design secret can transform your space.
