10 Ways to Apply the Rule of 3!

There is an important “rule” in interior design. It’s one I consider to be the most powerful when decorating your home.  This rule has the power to take a room that just doesn’t feel right, and transform it into a room that works.  What is it, you ask?  It is “The Rule of 3.”  

While many other design rules are made to be broken and can make for an imaginative, beautiful space, the Rule of 3 is one I try to adhere to. It’s easy, to apply and, the best part is, it doesn’t take a lot of money. You can simply shop your home!

What is the Rule of 3?

The Rule of 3, or guideline if you prefer, states that objects arranged in odd numbers are more visually appealing to the human eye.

Our brains love odd numbers because they challenge us mentally.  Groupings of items in odd numbers look dynamic and more natural. Things that are grouped in even numbers, on the other hand, tend to look formal, “staged”. Which is fine if you love a formal or very symmetrical look. But even that look can be improved upon when the Rule of 3 is used to shake things up.

How Can you Apply the Rule of 3 in Your Home?

Three seems to be the magic number for interior design, but the rule also applies nicely for groupings of five or seven.  And, not only does the “odd” number rule apply to interior design, but the principle shows up in many other areas of life from architecture to photography to gardening. Even writers have a Rule of 3.

Here are ten of my favourite ways. . .

1. Three like objects in a row. A mantle is the perfect place to line up your odd number of objects. Space them evenly or put them in a group depending on the size and shape

2. A stack of three books not only adds interest but can create a talking point. I like to choose books with similar coloured spines or a similar theme. Shorter objects can then be placed on top the the books to add height. Old books are great for this as people don’t want to read them. Many have decorative spines that look gorgeous when displayed.

3. Three frames in a grouping is a lovely way to show off photos on a wall, side table or mantle. You can have your loved ones on display all the time without the feeling it’s ruining your decor.

4. Stack an odd number of plates on the dining table with a glass jar of vintage cutlery and a little plant. Use the plates to create a functional vignette.

Other ways to Apply the Rule

5. An odd number of stools at your kitchen island. Even if you have more stools, an odd number looks best. I have four but to apply the Rule of 3, one stool is on the other side of the island

6. Put three candlesticks of varying heights on a table or mantle to create a triangle effect. If the candlesticks are the same you can create variation in height by cutting the candles to make them different heights. If the candlesticks are different, unify them by the material. For example, use all brass.

7. When thinking about your bed, create a cosy atmosphere with three or five pillows. Stack them rather than lining them up and create interest by varying the pattern but sticking to the same colourway.

8. Hang an odd number of plates on a wall in a random pattern. If you start from the ‘centre’ and work your way out, the grouping will have a midpoint to draw you in but look pleasing to the eye. Under normal circumstances, I’m not one for putting a whole bunch of items together as it can look cluttered but as you can see below, the collection of plates looks quite the opposite. Using the Rule of 3 here has enhanced the shape of the arch and the central plate makes a symmetrical grouping, even though its an odd number

9. Hang three pendant lights hung over a table, island or sink area. Be careful with this one, though. If the area is small one large light might look less busy.

10. Create a vignette with two similar items and something different. Here the boots are different but go with a ‘garden’ theme. This demonstrates that the Rule of 3 can be used all around your home.

To learn more about the Rule of 3 and how to apply it effectively in your home, I’ve put together a FREE eBook.

You can also learn more about decorating with vintage flair >>>

6 Must Haves For Vintage Decor

6 Ways to Decorate with Old Books

Choosing a TV Stand to Suit a Vintage scheme