One of the best things about creative pursuits like interior styling is freedom. You don’t have to follow rigid rules to create a beautiful interior, and many of the best designs are the best because they break the rules.
But that doesn’t mean you should go rouge all the time—especially not while you’re learning. There are plenty of practical styling “rules” that professional interior decorators use because they work. Understanding these rules will help you get better at styling interiors, and once you’ve mastered them, you can start to bend and break them.
Today, we’re going to break down one of the most helpful styling rules I’ve come across in my Design Baby journey. It’s called the Rule of Three.
What Is The Rule of Three?
The Rule of Three is a simple concept that will instantly make you a better interior stylist.
According to the Rule of Three, odd-numbered groupings are more visually interesting and appealing than even-numbered groupings. The number three often works best, but the concept holds true with any odd number (you’ll see groupings of five, seven, and nine pop up in interior design quite frequently, too).
Many creatives utilize the Rule of Three. Now that you know it’s there, you’ll see it in graphic design, copywriting, photography, gardening…the list goes on. And, of course, it’s especially prevalent in interior design and styling.
There are a few theories as to why we like odd numbers so much. One such theory credits it to the fact that three is the smallest number of items our brains need in order to see a pattern. However, most decorators agree that it’s because odd groupings force your eye to move around, capturing your gaze for longer and creating more visual interest.
How to Use the Rule of Three to Make Your Designs Better
At the end of the day, understanding why The Rule of Three works is less important than learning how to apply it. So let’s take a look at a few examples so you can see the Rule in action.
Styling Vignettes
When you’re styling a vignette, be it a coffee table, a shelf, or a nightstand, the Rule of Three is your best friend. Using three to five objects (depending on the size of the surface) of varying heights and textures will help create visual interest and make your vignettes look professional. Look how much more interest is created by adding a third vase to the grouping below.
Hanging a Gallery Wall
The Rule of Three makes arranging the perfect gallery wall SO much easier. This is an instance where you’ll likely want to go with a larger odd number, like seven or nine, rather than three. If you’re just hanging art and not creating a gallery, adding a third piece can make a pair look like a curated collection.
Arranging Throw Pillows & Blankets
When there are only two throw pillows tucked into the corner of a couch, it looks like something is missing. Adding a third pillow or a throw blanket completes the set and makes it looks intentionally designed.
Grouping Furniture & Decor
The Rule of Three applies to larger applications, like furniture pairings, too. A chair and side table alone look incomplete but add a lamp and you have a styled vignette.
Choosing a Color Palette
When was the last time you saw a palette with only two colors? It just isn’t interesting enough. Adding a third, or bumping up to five, seven, or even nine colors creates a deeper and more interesting design story. If you don’t want to use a lot of color, apply the rule to texture instead. Incorporating an odd number of textures in a space will have the same interest-boosting effect.
