Choosing the right color scheme for a room can often seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You just need to learn how to use the 60-30-10 rule. It’s one of the easiest ways to create a balanced and pleasing color palette for any room.
Unlocking the secret to a beautifully designed room doesn’t have to be a mystery. A large part of successful interior design lies in color balance, and the key to achieving that balance might be simpler than you think. The 60-30-10 rule is a design principle widely adopted by interior decorators to create harmonious color schemes.
What is the 60-30-10 Rule?
But before we start, you may be wondering what exactly is the 60-30-10 rule for decoration?
It is a fundamental principle in interior design that suggests dividing a color scheme into 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color.
Color schemes are the most prominent component of home decor. Ranging from bold to bright, to subtle and neutral, you have an entire rainbow of colors to experiment with. This decorating rule suggests that you should cover your room with 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent shade. It is all about maintaining the perfect balance of tones. Pick colors that mingle well with each other to create a subtle combo. Don’t go for colors that take over the entire color palette; instead, choose shades that will flow together and work in harmony.
How to use your colors?
Once you’ve decided on your colors, apply them strategically. Your dominant color almost always serves as the paint color on your walls while your accent color pops as a throw pillow or piece of art. Here’s where to use each color for the right balance.
Dominant color: Applying the 60-30-10 rule, 60 percent of a room should be in your dominant color. That means most walls should be painted in this color as well as large accents like the sofa or area rugs. However, you don’t have to use the exact same hue for each part of the rule. It’s okay for the walls to be a light gray and the area rug to be a slightly darker gray. In fact, that difference can add visual texture to the room.
Secondary color: This color has a supporting role, filling the space half as much as the dominant one. Use it for draperies, accent walls, chairs, painted furniture or a small area rug. In the kitchen, it works well for the color of the countertops while, in the bedroom, it’s a good choice for the color of the bed linens.
Accent color: The accent color makes the room pop. You can add it with artwork, throw pillows, lamps, small pieces of furniture like an ottoman, candles and small decorative pieces. Usually, the accent color is a bright, complementary color, but it can also be black, dark brown or a natural material like wood or metal. Almost any color will work as long as it offers contrast but also complements the dominant and secondary colors.
The Best Rooms for the 60-30-10 Decorating Rule
You can apply the 60-30-10 decorating rule to any room in your home. However, highly trafficked areas are ideal for making the most out of this technique. Prioritize areas where guests frequent most often. For example, your entryway or dining room would benefit from a balanced color scheme.
60-30-10 Rule for Living Rooms
The most communal space in your home is undoubtedly the living room. You can’t go wrong with a 60-30-10 color palette in your main living space. Make sure the three colors you choose are representative of your personality, but also look appealing to a wide audience. It’s a delicate balance between selecting unique shades that pop, and creating a cozy, comfortable space. Wall art in your living room is a great way to add the 10% accent color, and you have much more freedom with this statement shade.
Inspiring 60-30-10 Ideas
“A fairly popular combination of colors utilized today is 60% white (wall, rug, sofa), 30% brown (hardwood floor, wooden furniture, accent lounge chairs in leather), and 10% green (small and large indoor plants).”
Color Theory for Interior Design: A Summary
Whether you are an expert interior designer, the 60-30-10 rule is a valuable tool to guide you through choosing a balanced color scheme for your home. There’s no need for a calculator; follow your heart and your own personal style to reach a fresh and unique home decor experience.
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