Matching colors in your living room often follows a balanced approach to create a cohesive and visually appealing space. A widely used method for achieving this balance is the 60-30-10 rule.
Understanding The 60-30-10 Rule
This simple design principle suggests dividing the colors in your room into three main percentages:
- 60% Dominant Color: This color forms the foundation of your room's palette.
- 30% Secondary Color: This color supports the dominant color and adds depth.
- 10% Accent Color: This color provides pops of contrast and personality.
Following this rule helps ensure that no single color overpowers the space, creating a harmonious flow.
Applying the 60-30-10 Rule to Your Living Room
According to the rule, 60% of your room should be your dominant color and be applied with things such as your wall colors (accent walls being the exception) and large decor pieces such as your sofa or rug. This provides a backdrop for the rest of your furnishings and decor.
The 30% of your room should be a secondary color. This color should be noticeably different from the dominant color but still complement it. It's often applied to items like:
- Curtains or drapes
- Accent chairs or a loveseat
- Area rugs (if the dominant color is on the walls/sofa)
- Larger pieces of art or framed prints
- Bookcases or shelving units
Finally, the remaining 10% is your accent color. This is where you can introduce bolder or more vibrant hues to add energy and visual interest. Apply this color to smaller decorative items such as:
- Throw pillows and blankets
- Vases and decorative objects
- Lampshades
- Picture frames
- Small plants or flowers
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Percentage | Role | Typical Living Room Application | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | Dominant | Background; Largest pieces | Walls, Sofa, Main Rug |
| 30% | Secondary | Supporting elements | Curtains, Accent Chairs, Larger Art Pieces |
| 10% | Accent | Small details; Pops of color | Throw Pillows, Vases, Small Accessories |
Using this rule simplifies the color selection process, helping you build a balanced and well-coordinated living room design.
