A visually appealing, well ‘designed’ room is based on harmony and balance of color. A design ‘rule of thumb’ to create a space that flows is to use the 60-30-10 color rule. This combination of colors creates rooms that are cohesive and visually interesting.
So how does the 60-30-10 rule work? 60% of a room can be filled with a dominant colour, 30% with a secondary colour, and 10% with one or two accent colours.
Why three colors? Because too many colors in a room will create a visually ‘loud’ space. Remember, we are trying to find harmony and balance!
In a room this usually achieved by:
60% of the room’s color (dominant color) will be on the walls.
30% of the room’s color (secondary color) will be in the rugs, furniture, textiles and upholstery.
10% of the room’s color (accent color) will be in the artwork, photo frames other decor accessories.
So let’s put this into practice using a beautiful rug for your living room as inspiration: the Ayla Rug from Restoration Hardware in Grey.
1) Start by choosing your wall color: this will be your dominant color, 60% of your room.
Let’s choose the light grey color in the rug for the wall color: This paint color Stone
2) Next choose a secondary color which will make up 30% of the room. Let’s use the dark charcoal grey color that’s in the rug! Use this color for your living room sofa:
3) The last color choice is the accent color which will make up 10% of the room. Let’s choose the gorgeous blue color in the rug for pillows and accessories!
That’s the 60-30-10 living room color plan! 60 % light grey, 30 % charcoal grey, 10 % blue. Of course you could apply this to other color combinations too!
What do you think of this design ‘rule of thumb’? Do you find it helpful?
** You can also check out my Design Tip: How to Pick the Perfect Chandelier Size and Printable Size Guide **
![How to pick the Perfect Chandelier Size with Printable Size Chart from Setting for Four_thumb[3]](https://www.settingforfour.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/How-to-pick-the-Perfect-Chandelier-Size-with-Printable-Size-Chart-from-Setting-for-Four-3-1.png "How to pick the Perfect Chandelier Size with Printable Size Chart from Setting for Four_thumb[3]")
~ ~ ~ ~
Check out these other interesting decor articles!
Sherwin Williams Oceanside: Color Of The Year 2018
The Best Transitional Glam Living Room Pieces
Blueprint Paint Color By Behr – Color Of The Year 2019
Heather Luckhurst is the publisher and owner of the Design and Lifestyle website 
Wendi Wachtel says
October 23, 2013 at 5:56 pmHeather- Thanks for the really useful information! That’s the first time I’ve read it but now I’ll be conscious of the guideline when I’m pulling my own rooms together.
Heather SettingforFour says
October 23, 2013 at 6:17 pmYou’re welcome Wendi! I’m glad you find it useful like I do!
Sharon @ mrshinesclass says
October 23, 2013 at 2:30 pmGood to know!
Heather SettingforFour says
October 23, 2013 at 3:55 pmThanks Sharon – I’m glad you find this helpful!
Rosa @ Flutter Flutter says
October 23, 2013 at 5:18 pmI’ve never heard this before, good info! I’m going to use this. 🙂
Heather SettingforFour says
October 23, 2013 at 6:17 pmOh great!! I’m so glad you like this post Rosa! Have a wonderful day!
Donnamae says
October 23, 2013 at 10:19 pmI’ve never heard this before. Next time I redecorate, I’ll have to keep this in mind! 😉
Heidi @ Decor & More says
October 24, 2013 at 10:25 amGreat post, Heather! A tip that’s easy to remember, too. 🙂
Heidi
Heather SettingforFour says
October 24, 2013 at 4:32 pmThanks Heidi – I’m glad you enjoyed this tip!
Kayla Janachovsky says
October 28, 2013 at 9:14 pmSuch good tips! Thanks for sharing. I’d love for you to link up to The DIY’ers link party! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-diyers-35.html
Heather SettingforFour says
October 28, 2013 at 11:36 pmI’m glad you enjoyed these design tips Kayla! I linked up to your party – fun!
[email protected] says
October 30, 2013 at 1:14 amFantastic tip Heather!! Thanks so much for linking up to Monday Funday!!
Inspire Me Heather says
October 31, 2013 at 11:47 amGreat tips Heather! I know when I get “stumped” on a space I go back and apply that 60-30-10 rule – works every time! Thanks for sharing!!
Heather SettingforFour says
October 31, 2013 at 6:08 pmThanks Heather – so glad you use and love this tip too!
Daniela Duriavig says
November 2, 2013 at 5:17 amThis makes so much sense. I think I often do this subconsciously, but without awareness. Great to know.
Tiainspace says
November 4, 2013 at 1:06 pmA great rule! It’s a good reminder when buying things like rugs. I’m always tied up trying to figure out what colour it should be… but the colours are already in the room!! (wall colour, furniture colour, accent colour).
Good Time Charlie says
November 4, 2013 at 3:40 pmLove this! Right in the middle of decorating our front room. We have a similar wall color and rug. Very helpful in guiding me on which 10% color I want to bring in. Maybe I will make a departure from my usual red this time.
Heather SettingforFour says
November 4, 2013 at 10:46 pmOh great – I’m so glad you found my post helpful! Have fun decorating your room!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
December 20, 2013 at 4:03 amI wish I knew this rule before I started redecorating my rooms! Great tip! One I will remember as I keep working on my home!!!