Mastering the Rule of Three in Home Decor

Have you ever stepped into a home and found yourself in awe of how effortlessly everything seems to flow? It’s perfectly accessorised, and you can’t quite put your finger on why it looks so good. Chances are that the homeowner is applying what interior designers call the “rule of three.”

The good news is that you can achieve the same look in your home too. Let’s dive in.

What is the Rule of Three?

In essence, the rule of three suggests that grouping items in threes creates a more natural, harmonious, and visually appealing arrangement. Odd numbers challenge our brains, making them more engaging. The Latin phrase “omne trium perfectum” means “everything that comes in threes is perfect” or “every set of three is complete.” This concept is a perfect fit for design, as our eyes are naturally drawn to groups of three.

But wait—doesn’t design prioritise balance, and shouldn’t pairs be used for symmetry? Well, yes and no. While balance is key, it’s essential to harmonise both symmetry and asymmetry.

Pairs of objects can feel formal, and symmetry can sometimes be a bit stuffy. You can soften this effect by adding a group of three items. For example, if you have a pair of lamps on a console table in your foyer (that’s your symmetry), you can add a trio of accessories by one of the lamps (that’s your asymmetry). This combination feels balanced but not overly formal.

Decorating Your Home with the Rule of Three

What about other odd numbers—can we use one or five accessories? While you could, one accessory alone may feel dull or like something's missing, and five can be overwhelming. Three is the perfect number.

Rule of Three Design Tips:

• Colour: When selecting colours for a room, three colours are complementary and pleasing to the eye. The first colour should be the main colour, the second is still prominent but less so than the first, and the third is an accent colour used sparingly. Break it down to 60% main colour, 30% secondary colour, and 10% accent colour. For instance, a room may have a neutral white as the main colour, beige as the secondary colour, and green as the accent colour.

  
  

• Accents/Decor: Using groups of three when accessorising keeps things interesting. Arrange three vases or objects together to create a small vignette—it looks cohesive and easy on the eyes. Sometimes, a pair or cluster of accessories can act as one part of a trio. For example, a tall vase, a smaller vase, and a stack of books with beads and porcelain flowers can create an appealing group of three.

  
  

• Furniture Arrangement: Arranging furniture in groups of three, such as an armchair, a side table, and a floor lamp, can make a room feel balanced and inviting.

  
  

• Artwork Display: Hanging three pieces of artwork in a row can create a striking focal point in a room. The themes or colours in each piece enhance one another, contributing depth and intrigue. This setup captures attention, resulting in a balanced and harmonious appearance.

  
  

In Conclusion: While it’s not necessary to follow every design “rule”, understanding and applying the rule of three can save you time and frustration when decorating your home.

If you'd rather leave the styling to the professionals, feel free to reach out. Simply fill in a few questions on my contact page, and you can schedule a complimentary call to discuss your project. Can you think of somewhere this rule will work for you?