Rule of Threes – Home Decor Edition

Ever wonder why some homes just feel balanced and put together? Maybe you’re not sure why, but there’s just something about it feels authentic and our senses just kind of know something feels right. There’s lots of reasons and underlying details but one simple trick that makes all the difference: the Rule of Threes. It’s a foolproof way to add balance, charm, and a little magic to any space—without making it feel stiff or overly styled.

I use this guideline all around the house, both interior and exterior. It’s a great general rule but when I’m stuck on making a space more functional or appealing, it’s one of my top solutions. My brain just sort of looks for this now.

So, What is the Rule of Threes?

While it applies to so many aspects of life, The Rule of Threes is a decorating guideline that says things look best in groups of odd numbers, especially in sets of three. There’s something about odd numbers that naturally feels more interesting and balanced, while even numbers can sometimes feel too symmetrical or expected.

Also called the rule of thirds, you’ve likely seen this concept – and once you know about it, you’ll start seeing it everywhere. I remember first learning about it in art history class and it’s the first thing my brain thinks of when viewing art. So, the same principal applies to styling your own space, it’s an easy way to make things look effortlessly cohesive.

Simple Ways to Use the Rule of Threes in Your Home

1. Pillows That Pop

When it comes to pillows, three is the magic number! Whether on your sofa or your bed, using three pillows (or layering in groups of three) creates that perfectly styled, cozy look. Try mixing different sizes, patterns, and textures—like a solid, a stripe, and a fun print—to keep things interesting.

2. Shelf Styling Done Right

If your shelves are feeling cluttered or a little meh, try rearranging things in sets of three. A small plant, a framed print, and a textured vase? Perfect. Three stacked books with a candle and a sculptural piece? So good. The trick is mixing heights, textures, and shapes so the grouping feels intentional but not too matchy-matchy.

3. Outdoor Plants

The Rule of Threes isn’t just for inside! When styling your front porch or backyard patio, try grouping plants in sets of three. Whether it’s a trio of potted plants by your entryway, three different-sized planters on your deck, or a mix of greenery and flowers, this trick works just as well outdoors as it does inside.

4. The Perfect Color Palette

Designers often swear by the 60-30-10 Rule, which is another way to think about the Rule of Threes when choosing colors:

• 60% dominant color (walls, large furniture)
• 30% secondary color (rugs, curtains, smaller furniture)
• 10% accent color (pillows, accessories, artwork)

This works for organic modern design too (like what I lean towards in most of my designs). Even though I don’t use lots of color, the concept can still be applied to 60% neutral colors (white and blacks) plus 30% wood tones plus 10% plants (green). If you look closely, you’ll see this is in a lot of my photos and designs.

5. Art & Wall Décor That Works

Instead of one big piece of art, try grouping three smaller pieces together—it instantly makes a wall feel curated and stylish. You can do this with framed prints, mirrors, or even floating shelves arranged in a trio. I apply this same concept when styling photo ledges or a group of wall baskets (see above photo for a great example).

6. Lighting That Sets the Mood

Good lighting is key to a cozy home, and the Rule of Threes can help here, too! A well-balanced space has three types of lighting:

• Ambient lighting (overhead lights or chandeliers)
• Task lighting (reading lamps or desk lights)
• Accent lighting (candles, sconces, or string lights)

This results in a layered, soft feel instead of just one harsh or direct source. Read more about Warm Light vs Cool Light in your home and why it makes a huge difference.

But Wait—Can You Ever Break the Rule?

Of course! Rules are meant to be broken. Plus, I really see this as more of a guideline. It’s a design concept that can help us determine how to place things so it feels harmonious. That said, it does not mean everything has to be in a group of three. Remember, our brain likes odd numbers or even just symmetry (and even intentional asymmetry!), so use this guideline as one tool in your decorating bag.

Final Thoughts

While I don’t believe in hard and fast rules, I do love a good guideline. The Rule of Threes is such a simple way to bring balance and sense of equilibrium to your space. If you’re curious about the actual design concept, check out this Institute of Photograpy article about the Rule of Thirds in Composition. So whether you’re choosing artwork, styling shelves, or adding greenery to your porch, keeping this little trick in mind will make decorating feel easy and authentic.