The 60-30-10 Rule: What It Is & How to Use It
Ever wondered why some rooms just "work" while others don't quite hit the mark? The secret weapon may have been the 60-30-10 colour rule, a simple yet powerful design principle that creates balanced, beautiful spaces. This colour ratio rule isn't just for professional designers it's a practical rule of thumb that anyone can use to create flow and balance in their home.
Why Design Ratios Matter
The 60-30-10 design rule might sound like something straight out of a textbook, but it's simply a helpful guideline that makes designing or styling your home much easier. Think of it as a friendly formula rather than strict rules. Design ratios matter because they create balance and harmony in a space, without you having to figure out why something feels off.
These simple frameworks help you avoid that frustrating feeling when a room just doesn't look right, but you can't pinpoint why. They're handy if you're styling your own home without a designer's help. By following basic proportions like the 60-30-10 colour rule, you can create spaces that feel professionally designed without the guesswork.
The 60-30-10 Rule (The Colour Ratio Rule)
What it is: A simple formula for colour balance:
The 60-30-10 colour palette rule breaks down your space into three colour proportions that work together beautifully:
- 60% = dominant colour (walls, large rugs, sofas). This is your primary colour and creates the backdrop for everything else.
- 30% = secondary colour (furniture, bedding, cabinetry). This supports the dominant colour and adds visual interest.
- 10% = accent colour (decor, cushions, art). This is where you can have fun with bolder choices that pop against the other two.
How to use it
Start by choosing your dominant colour (the 60%) which is typically a neutral, like warm white, soft beige, or pale grey, that covers most of your walls and floors. Then select a secondary colour (the 30%) that complements your base. Perhaps timber tones, sage green or navy for key furniture pieces. Finally, choose an accent colour (the 10%) that adds personality through smaller items.
The beauty of this system is that the accent is your chance to add personality without overwhelming the space. You can go bold here with terracotta cushions, brass accessories or charcoal picture frames because the more subtle background colours balance them.
Bathroom Example
When it comes to 60-30-10 colour rule examples, bathrooms are the perfect, simple room to see this rule in action:
- 60%: Soft beige large format floor tiles that continue up the shower wall.
- 30%: A warm timber vanity with a matching mirror frame and some visible timber shelving that adds warmth to the cool grey base.
- 10%: Brushed Brass tapware, shower fixtures, and cabinet handles that pop against the neutral background.
The best part? You can easily refresh the look by swapping out coloured towels, bath mats, or styling a shelf with seasonal items like a terracotta soap dish or a green glass vase.
Designer Tips to Make It Work for You
- Don't get too literal with measurements. The 60-30-10 rule is about visual balance not exact percentages. You don't need a tape measure or calculator, just aim for the dominant colour to cover most surfaces, the secondary colour to be noticeable but not overwhelming and the accent to provide small pops of interest.
- Neutrals make the perfect 60%. You don't have to use bold colours to follow this rule effectively. A white, beige or grey base creates a timeless foundation that allows you to play more freely with your secondary and accent colours. This approach also makes it easier to update your look over time.
- Your accent colour is where personality shines. The 10% might seem small, but it has a mighty impact. This is where you can express yourself with that vibrant colour you love but might be nervous about using in large doses. Think sage green cushions, rustic orange vases, or coral picture frames.
- Layer textures within colour groups. You can create depth by using different textures in the same colour family. For instance, your 30% might include various shades of blue, from deep navy armchairs to blue coloured artwork to painted side tables. The textural variety keeps things interesting while maintaining colour harmony.
Bringing It All Together
The 60-30-10 colour rule isn't about rigid design restrictions, it's a helpful guide to create spaces that feel balanced and beautiful. Whether you're planning a complete bathroom renovation or just refreshing your living room, this simple formula helps you avoid common colour mistakes and create a space with real visual impact. Once you understand this principle, you can tweak it to suit your style while still maintaining that balanced look.
So next time you're feeling stuck with colour choices, remember this ratio and sit back and watch how easily your space comes together. It's not about perfect percentages it's about creating a home that feels right to you.
For more home inspiration, check out our previous articles ‘Pinterest Accounts For Design Inspo’, ‘Best Interior Design Instagram Accounts’ and ‘10 Interior Design Home Decor Blogs You Should be Reading’.
Tayla is a Brisbane-based freelance writer with a background in fashion design, a passion for sustainability and a knack for storytelling. As the host of one of Brisbane's Best Airbnb's ( Thanks Urban List), Tayla has a passion and talent for interior design and home improvement. This is something she picked up studying for a bachelor of fashion design at ESMOD in Paris, the world's first fashion school. A digital nomad — she can be found occasionally working from far-away surf camps with sunglasses on to combat the sun on her screen. When at home in leafy green Paddington, she's a table-setting aficionado and has one too many books on her bedside table.