What is the 60-30-10 color rule in home decor?

The 60-30-10 color rule is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to create a flawless color scheme in their home. By following this rule, you can ensure that your space looks well-coordinated and visually appealing. Here’s what you need to know about the 60-30-10 rule:

60% Dominant Color: The dominant color is the color that covers the largest area of the room. It’s the color that sets the tone for the space and creates a base for the color scheme. You can use this color on walls, floors, or larger furniture pieces.

30% Secondary Color or Texture: The secondary color or texture complements the dominant color and adds visual interest to a space. It’s often used on accent walls or smaller furniture pieces. You can also use a different shade of the dominant color as the secondary color.

10% Accent: The accent color is the pop of color in the space. It adds personality and makes a room feel complete. You can use this color on throw pillows, curtains, or decorative accessories.

By using the 60-30-10 rule, you can create a cohesive color scheme that feels deliberate and put-together. Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom, or kitchen, this color rule is sure to be your new go-to.

Understanding the 60-30-10 Color Rule

The 60-30-10 color rule is a well-known design principle used to create a harmonious and balanced color scheme for any space. The rule operates on the principle that colors must be used in certain percentages to achieve the desired result. The idea behind the rule is that one color should dominate, another should support it, and the final 10% of the color scheme gives room for an accent color or texture that will give your space a unique look. The dominant color should cover about 60% of the space, the secondary color or texture should cover about 30%, and the last 10% should be used for accent colors. Following this rule ensures that the space being designed will look visually appealing to the viewer’s eyes.

How to Choose a Dominant Color for a Space

Choosing the right dominant color for a space is vital to ensure the color scheme looks cohesive and harmonious. This color should reflect your personal style, the mood you want to create in the space, and the function of the space. To find the perfect dominant color, consider the following:

• Identify the main use of the room.
• Choose a color that will reflect the mood of the space.
• Consider how the color will make you feel when you enter the room.
• Choose colors that match the existing furnishings of the room.
• Pick colors that complement each other for a harmonious look.

Tip: Neutral colors such as beige, gray, or white can make beautiful dominant colors, especially if the rest of the colors in the room are lively and vibrant.

Secondary Colors or Textures and Their Importance in the 60-30-10 Rule

Secondary colors or textures play a crucial role in the 60-30-10 rule. They help the dominant color really stand out and balance the color scheme in the room. The secondary color or texture can be used on a feature wall, fabric, curtains, or even a rug. When picking the secondary color for a space, you should:

• Choose a color that complements the dominant color.
• Consider fabrics and textures that complement the secondary color as well.
• Choose a secondary color that enhances the mood of the space.
• Use it liberally throughout space but not as much as the dominant color.

Tip: Don’t be afraid of patterned fabrics and textures. They add more depth and interest to your space.

Adding Accent Colors to Create More Interest

The accent color in the 60-30-10 rule is the ‘pop’ of color that gives the space a unique look. These accent colors can be found on throw pillows, artworks, cushions, vases, or even a single wall in the room. Choosing the right accent color can be challenging, but the key is to choose a color that complements the dominant and secondary colors and enhances the mood of the space. Your accent colors should be:

• A contrasting color to the dominant and secondary colors
• Bold enough to draw attention but not overwhelm the space
• Creatively added in small quantities like an ottoman or vase

Tip: You can use patterns and textures to add an additional layer of interest to accent colors.

Applying the 60-30-10 Rule in Home Decor

The 60-30-10 rule is versatile enough to be applied in various home decor settings, such as:

• In the living room, you can use a neutral color as the dominant color and add a colorful sofa and throw pillows as accent colors.
• For a bedroom, you could have the dominant color for walls and bedding, a secondary color for curtains and throw pillows, and an accent color for mirrors and lamps.
• In the dining room, you could use a vibrant color for your dining chairs as your accent color and keep the dominant color neutral on the walls and flooring.

Remember that the key to a successful color scheme using the 60-30-10 rule is balance. Ensure that the dominant color is not overwhelming, and the accent color is not too loud.

Examples of Successful Color Schemes Using This Rule

Here are some real-world examples of successful color schemes using the 60-30-10 rule:

• A living room with cream walls, dark gray furniture as the dominant color, blue and white as the secondary color, and bright yellow as the accent color.
• A bedroom with white walls, navy bedding and curtains as the dominant color, blush pink as the secondary color on the lamps and pillows, and metallic gold incorporated as the accent color for the mirror frames and lamp bases.
• A dining room with peach walls and flooring as the dominant color, royal blue chairs, and rich, textured green curtains as the secondary color, and black as the accent color on the light fixtures and artwork frames.

These examples prove that the 60-30-10 rule has universal application across different types of spaces and styles. It’s an easy and effective way to create a cohesive color scheme for any room, enhancing the beauty of your home’s decor.