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 in the rug, such as Restoration Hardware Stone, for the wall color.
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]")
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Written by Heather at Setting for Four
Setting for Four is a home design, décor and lifestyle blog. Focus is on home renovations, crafts, DIYs, tutorials, recipes, as well as family friendly design and decorating ideas that won’t break the bank or sacrifice style.
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Heather Luckhurst is the publisher and chief editor of the Design and Lifestyle website 
Good to know!
Thanks Sharon – I’m glad you find this helpful!
I’ve never heard this before, good info! I’m going to use this. 🙂
Oh great!! I’m so glad you like this post Rosa! Have a wonderful day!
Heather- 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.
You’re welcome Wendi! I’m glad you find it useful like I do!
I’ve never heard this before. Next time I redecorate, I’ll have to keep this in mind! 😉
Great post, Heather! A tip that’s easy to remember, too. 🙂
Heidi
Thanks Heidi – I’m glad you enjoyed this tip!
Such 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
I’m glad you enjoyed these design tips Kayla! I linked up to your party – fun!
Fantastic tip Heather!! Thanks so much for linking up to Monday Funday!!
Great 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!!
Thanks Heather – so glad you use and love this tip too!
This makes so much sense. I think I often do this subconsciously, but without awareness. Great to know.
A 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).
Love 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.
Oh great – I’m so glad you found my post helpful! Have fun decorating your room!
I wish I knew this rule before I started redecorating my rooms! Great tip! One I will remember as I keep working on my home!!!