What is the 60/30/10 decorating rule?

The 60-30-10 color rule has to do with proportions. These proportions prevent the chosen colors from looking too overwhelming or, alternatively, from being too minimalist to notice them. In a nutshell, the 60-30-10 rule is a decorating trick that allows you to create a balanced color combination more easily. To achieve a balanced, well-designed look, 60 percent of the room should be one color (the dominant color), 30 percent a complementary color (the secondary color), and 10 percent a color of accent.

Study the images of professional-style rooms in home decor magazines or on HGTV, and you'll see that this rule works for most of them. If you are a fan of decoration and prefer to follow your design and color combination rules or want more than three options to express your color ideas, there are ways to do this while still creating a chromatic balance in your home. Decorating your home should be exciting and inspiring, but the number of different color options, trends, and design ideas can make it quite confusing and overwhelming. Experts explain this decorating rule, how to achieve that look, and when you should ignore it. If you're looking at a lot of inspiring decoration images, but you're not sure where to start with your own color or design project, we're here to help.

Your larger furniture and decorative details, such as artwork, will account for 30 percent, and any soft items, such as pillows and blankets, will be your 10 percent. And that 10% can be made up of pillows, bedside lamps and any decorative element you may have on your dresser. You can add it with works of art, cushions, lamps, small furniture, such as a pouf, candles and small decorative pieces. The 10 is your accent color, which will be represented on approximately 10% of your furniture, perhaps in cushions, decorative objects, lamps or works of art. The 60-30-10 rule is essential because it can make it easier to choose the color and help you achieve balance in the decor.

Design expertise in your inbox: from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening tips and shopping summaries. Teresa Bitler has worked in moving, real estate, home improvement and home decor for more than 15 years. Before you rush to the paint or household goods store, think about the space you want to decorate according to the 60-30-10 rule.