How To Use the 60-30-10 Rule in Interior Design

ByHelen Powell Last updated
Living room showcasing the 60-30-10 rule: a neutral-toned sofa and walls (60%), warm accent pillows and gallery art frames (30%), and bold pops of red and green (10%) for a balanced, harmonious design.

If you’ve ever walked into a perfectly styled room and wondered, How did they get this so right?, the answer might just be the 60-30-10 rule. This timeless design principle is one of the go-to methods interior designers use for creating balance, cohesion, and personality in a space, and it’s a guideline I also like to follow when designing rooms in my own home.

Cozy bedroom applying the 60-30-10 rule: soft neutral tones in walls and bedding (60%), deep green nightstand and headboard accents (30%), and warm woven textures in the lamp and rug (10%) for balance and contrast.
Image: Claire Garner Design Studio

What is the 60-30-10 Rule?

Put simply, the 60-30-10 rule is a way to divide the colour palette of a room into three harmonious parts:

  • 60%: The dominant colour. This is your room’s anchor and usually includes walls, large furniture, or big pieces that set the tone.
  • 30%: The secondary colour. Think of this as your supporting act—upholstery, rugs, or window treatments often fill this role.
  • 10%: The accent colour. These are the pops of colour or detail that add character and interest, such as artwork, cushions, or décor items.
Neutral living room featuring the 60 30 10 rule with a beige sofa, black shelving, and warm decorative accents.
Image: Claire Garner Design Studio

“What I love most about the 60-30-10 rule is its versatility” says Claire Garner, Director of Claire Garner Design Studio. “It gives you a framework to build from while allowing room for creativity and individuality.”

This structured yet flexible method allows you to experiment with colours and textures while maintaining a polished look. For Claire, this isn’t about bold contrasts but about creating harmony.

“I tend to lean towards soft, natural tones for the 60%, like warm neutrals or earthy shades, which provide a calm and grounding base” she explains. “The 30% might be introduced through natural materials, such as wood, stone or linen, which add texture and depth. For the final 10%, I love bringing in handcrafted details, whether that’s a piece of artisan pottery, a vintage find or soft furnishings in complementary tones.”

This sentiment is key—while the rule provides a guideline, it’s not a rigid formula. The goal is to create a space that feels personal and reflects your lifestyle.

"Bright kitchen designed with the 60-30-10 rule: soft neutral tones dominate the space (60%), natural wood finishes on chairs and island base add warmth (30%), and greenery in the centerpiece offers a fresh accent (10%).
Image: Claire Garner Design Studio

How I Use the 60-30-10 Rule

I first tested the the 60-30-10 rule when redecorating our living room. I started with off-white walls painted in Little Greene‘s Slaked Lime as the dominant colour (60%) to create a bright and airy backdrop. For the secondary elements (30%), I chose a beige sofa paired with a natural jute rug and warm wood tones to add texture and warmth. To bring in a touch of richness, I introduced earthy green cushions and throws (10%). This brought everything else together, giving the room a grounded, cosy feel. It feels cohesive and inviting—exactly the kind of space we love to relax in.

Since then, I’ve used this principle in almost every room makeover. It’s like having a cheat code for design—it gives you structure but also allows for creativity.

Entryway styled with the 60-30-10 rule: neutral walls and flooring (60%), natural textures in the bench and rug (30%), and bold black accents in the pillows and artwork (10%) for a cohesive and inviting look.
Image: Claire Garner Design Studio

Why the 60-30-10 Rule Works

The genius of this rule lies in its ability to create balance. The dominant colour grounds the space, the secondary colour adds dimension, and the accent colour keeps things visually interesting. It’s a simple formula, yet it adapts beautifully to any style—from minimalist to maximalist, traditional to modern.

What’s more, you can easily tweak it as your tastes evolve. Switch out the accent colours or even flip the 60% and 30% in different rooms to create unique vibes.

As Claire puts it:

“It’s less about sticking to strict percentages and more about finding a balance that feels right for the space and the people who live there.”

So, the next time you’re staring at a paint swatch or pondering cushion colours, remember this rule. Trust me—it works.

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