Breadcrumbs ![How To Use The 60-30-10 Decorating Rule](https://media.sheerluxe.com/IlPlKeKQ9oz7_4dhMMXoDffej_k=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-site-assets-180826-thumb-60-30-10-rule.jpg) Photography: Sarah Brown Interiors, Chris Snook [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 18 August 2026 # How To Use The 60-30-10 Decorating Rule The 60-30-10 rule has been helping decorators create balanced colour schemes for decades. The premise is simple: roughly 60% of a room provides the dominant backdrop, 30% introduces a secondary colour or material and the final 10% brings in the accents. But the designers we spoke to agree that the value lies less in sticking rigidly to the numbers and more in using them as a starting point. Here’s everything they had to say… ByGeorgina Blaskey / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53715) Photography: Sarah Brown Interiors, Chris Snook [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/xWAoafwGq78MCfgfG9v4RipGgrI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-180826-60-30-10-interiorssarah-brown310839v1rachael-smith2.jpg) ](https://www.sarahbrowninteriors.com/) Sarah Brown Interiors, Rachael Smith ### Start With The Biggest Elements Think of the 60% as the visual foundation of a room – walls, flooring and larger pieces of furniture. From there, the 30% can come through joinery, curtains, rugs or upholstery, while the final 10% is where you can have more fun with artwork, lighting, cushions and decorative pieces. “I rarely think about the percentages literally but the principle is always there,” says Sarah Brown, founder and creative director of [Sarah Brown Interiors](https://www.sarahbrowninteriors.com/). “We start by establishing the room's foundation, its architecture, walls and larger furniture pieces, before layering in secondary colours and materials that add richness. The final stage is where the room really comes to life through carefully chosen lighting, artwork, antiques, books and decorative objects.” Dominic Myland, CEO of [Mylands](https://mylands.com/), agrees that starting with the largest surfaces makes the process much easier. “We always encourage people to start with the largest surfaces first, as these establish the overall mood of a room. Paint often makes up that 60%, setting the backdrop for everything that follows. From there, the secondary colour might come through painted cabinetry or larger furniture pieces, while the final 10% comes through smaller decorative elements.” ### Don't Take The Numbers Too Literally The biggest mistake is treating 60-30-10 as a decorating maths problem. The proportions can shift depending on the room, the architecture and the atmosphere you want to create. “It’s a useful guideline in almost any room, however I don't think it should ever feel restrictive,” says designer [Birdie Fortescue](https://birdiefortescue.co.uk/). “In spaces such as bedrooms, where there are lots of opportunities to layer throws, cushions and accessories, I think it’s acceptable for the percentages to blur slightly. The aim is always to create balance rather than follow a rule too closely.” That flexibility is particularly useful in rooms with a lot going on. A kitchen might benefit from a more structured scheme, while a living room or bedroom can accommodate greater variation through pattern, texture and decorative pieces. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/rWhgN4-G7SiwMVVvjdyTVNIuENk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-180826-60-30-10-interiorssarah-brown-stamfrod-brook11143chris-snook.jpg) ](https://www.sarahbrowninteriors.com/) Sarah Brown Interiors, Chris Snook ### Remember It Isn't Just About Colour Although the rule is usually presented as a colour formula, the same thinking can be applied to materials, textures and patterns. This is particularly useful if you prefer a neutral or tonal scheme. “I actually think it's even more useful when you think beyond colour,” says Sarah. “Texture is often what gives a room its depth. You might have a very restrained colour palette but you can use different fabrics like linens or cottons in balanced proportions to create something more layered.” Birdie agrees. “Many beautiful interiors rely on a more restrained palette but feel layered through the use of natural materials, woven textiles and carefully chosen patterns. Mixing textures like rattan, wool and embroidered fabrics creates depth and warmth.” For Dominic, it's about creating contrast even when the colour palette is restrained. “A beautifully painted room gains depth through the interplay of timber, stone, natural fabrics, metals and texture. Even within a restrained palette, these layers create visual interest and prevent a space from feeling flat.” ### Use The 10% To Add Personality The final 10% is where the scheme can become much more personal – and it doesn't need to involve a dramatic hit of colour. Artwork, ceramics, lampshades, hardware, books and vintage finds can all provide that finishing layer. “The beauty of the 10% is that it's the easiest part to update,” says Sarah. “A few new cushions, a beautiful lampshade, fresh flowers, ceramics or a piece of artwork can completely change the atmosphere.” It can also be the easiest way to refresh a room without committing to a full redecoration. “Updating the final 10% is often the most affordable way to refresh a room,” says Dominic. “A painted side table, cupboard door or picture rail can make an impact with minimal cost and effort.” [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/PxZKJvT5gM6BFjbaRH8nOyaZFpU=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-180826-60-30-10-interiorssarah-brown-interiors2141chris-snook.jpg) ](https://www.sarahbrowninteriors.com/) Sarah Brown Interiors, Chris Snook ### Adapt The Rule For Maximalism & Colour Drenching At first glance, trends such as colour drenching and maximalism might seem to ignore the rule altogether. In reality, the same principle of creating hierarchy and balance still applies – it just isn't necessarily achieved through three distinct colours. “Colour-drenched rooms often rely more heavily on variation in texture, material and finish to create contrast,” says Sarah. “Even in the most layered interiors, there is usually an underlying sense of balance.” The same goes for maximalist spaces. Rather than trying to introduce three carefully measured colours, consider where the eye is naturally drawn and how different patterns, finishes and materials work together. ### How To Make It Work With Neutrals A neutral room can follow the 60-30-10 principle just as effectively as a colourful one. Here, the contrast might come from depth, texture or finish rather than a bright accent. “The 10% doesn't need to be bright red or cobalt blue,” says Sarah. “It could simply be a deeper shade of brown, an antique bronze finish, dark timber, even white or a beautifully textured fabric.” Dominic takes a similar approach, suggesting richer neutrals or contrasting finishes to add depth without introducing a strong colour. Think soft beige with walnut, warm white with antique brass or chalky paintwork with glossy accents. ### The Bottom Line The enduring appeal of 60-30-10 is that it gives you somewhere to start. Use it to think about the balance between large-scale elements, secondary layers and the details that bring a room to life – then forget about the numbers. “The best interiors evolve over time and reflect the people who live in them,” says Sarah. “If a room feels balanced, comfortable and full of personality, then you've achieved the right result, whether you've followed the 60-30-10 rule exactly or not.” Ultimately, the most successful rooms aren't the ones that look as though they've followed a formula. They're the ones where colour, texture and pattern feel considered, while still leaving plenty of room for personality. *Visit* [SARAHBROWNINTERIORS.COM](https://www.sarahbrowninteriors.com/)*,*[ BIRDIEFORTESCUE.CO.UK](https://birdiefortescue.co.uk/) *&* [MYLANDS.COM](https://mylands.com/) [ Sign in to comment with your SheerLuxe profile ](/user/login?destination=)Or continue to comment as a Guest below [View the discussion thread.](http://sheerluxe-dev.disqus.com/) *more from* Home [View All Home](/home) ![12 Small Lifestyle Brands To Know ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/huskCk26PEQ5Fw8TAXcfAKaby8Y=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-gold-200726-site-assets-small-brands-hero-thumb.jpg) [Home](/gold/home)/ 20 July 2026 [## 12 Small Lifestyle Brands To Know ](/home/12-small-lifestyle-brands-to-know) ![What’s New In Interiors This Month](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QEQibk8wjX2NHmdbzeIf_TQXrfA=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-site-assets-020726-thumb-hero-whats-new-interiors.jpg) [Home](/home) / 02 July 2026 [## What’s New In Interiors This Month ](/home/whats-new-in-interiors-this-month-18) ![Art Jargon, Decoded](https://media.sheerluxe.com/1MTminm8JC59jDKS5URLx29kvUo=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-portrait-230626-art-jargon.jpg) [Home](/home) / 23 June 2026 [## Art Jargon, Decoded ](/home/art-jargon-decoded) ![What’s New In Interiors This Month](https://media.sheerluxe.com/MWOYq737GgYhfZokOGTftYXg--A=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-site-assets-060826-thumb-whats-new-interiors.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 06 August 2026 [## What’s New In Interiors This Month ](/home/interior-design/whats-new-in-interiors-this-month-33) ![How To Make Shower Tiling Look Amazing](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DFyC9gF-3n_oUsRU3pfYttHI6r8=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-site-assets-040826-thumb-hero-shower-tiling.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 04 August 2026 [## How To Make Shower Tiling Look Amazing ](/home/interior-design/how-to-make-shower-tiling-look-amazing) ![The Brands, Products & Places A Design Expert Really Rates](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QFGRPxEiAzUhopSohF_iJ2EAyQo=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-site-assets-280726-thumb-hero-lbb-gloria-gonzales.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 28 July 2026 [## The Brands, Products & Places A Design Expert Really Rates ](/home/interior-design/the-brands-products-places-a-design-expert-really-rates) ![3 Mega Hotels, 3 Ways To Get The Look](https://media.sheerluxe.com/V6KoLNJv5-sUVTq46lCHeD-wdXM=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-site-assets-230726-thumb-hotels-gtl_0.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 23 July 2026 [## 3 Mega Hotels, 3 Ways To Get The Look ](/home/interior-design/3-mega-hotels-3-ways-to-get-the-look) ![How 3 Designers Created These Stylish Garden Rooms](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ioq-IkiP7JSjIec0yqgsU3PAJTc=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fthumb-garden.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 26 June 2026 [## How 3 Designers Created These Stylish Garden Rooms ](/home/interior-design/how-3-designers-created-these-stylish-garden-rooms) ![The New Interiors Destination Every Renovator Should Know About ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/uBl5xQkdg4Q4e_8BOXxMK5a_Au8=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fthumbhero-commercial-abi-interiors-to-come-from-client-3.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 24 June 2026 [## The New Interiors Destination Every Renovator Should Know About ](/home/interior-design/the-new-interiors-destination-every-renovator-should-know-about) ![Everything Our Senior Homes & Interiors Editor Is Loving](https://media.sheerluxe.com/HtsGUlGH-HhBP80-mkLp2GkMEFs=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-site-assets-160626-thumb-hero-everything-im-loving-gb.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 16 June 2026 [## Everything Our Senior Homes & Interiors Editor Is Loving ](/home/interior-design/everything-our-senior-homes-interiors-editor-is-loving) ![The Exclusive Interiors Event To Book Now](https://media.sheerluxe.com/XYxR-6IKqwHCyxh_FCeV8XKjFT0=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-site-assets-090626-thumb-hero-comms-design-centre.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 09 June 2026 [## The Exclusive Interiors Event To Book Now ](/home/interior-design/the-exclusive-interiors-event-to-book-now) ![An Interiors Expert On Everything She’s Learnt About Home Renovation ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DFAEERhsSUfBcncJNBmR_vKHSJw=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-portrait-080626-behind-number-deux-renovation-story.jpg) [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 08 June 2026 [## An Interiors Expert On Everything She’s Learnt About Home Renovation ](/home/interior-design/home-renovation) Share This Story [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fhome%2Finterior-design%2Fhow-to-use-the-60-30-10-decorating-rule&t=How+To+Use+The+60-30-10+Decorating+Rule) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fhome%2Finterior-design%2Fhow-to-use-the-60-30-10-decorating-rule&description=How+To+Use+The+60-30-10+Decorating+Rule&media=) [ E-mail ]() DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at . Fashion. Beauty. Culture. Life. Home Delivered to your inbox, daily [Subscribe](/signup)