Rule of Three in Interior Designing
As a budding interior designer, it’s important for you to know little interior design secrets. Whether it’s understanding the importance of ‘scale and proportion’, or the ‘rule of thirds’, the right secrets can help you put together a well-curated space. No matter which stage you’re at in your career, you must thoroughly understand the rule of three or the rule of thirds.
As the name suggests, the rule of three is an interior design principle in which furniture and décor elements are grouped in threes to make a space appear cohesive and natural. Pieces or furniture can be grouped by shape, size, texture, or even colour. Basically, the groupings are done in odd numbers. It can even be 3, 5, 7 or 9. The design principle affects every room of your home. The arrangements in odd numbers are much more memorable than even number groupings. The rule of three is based on the idea that odd numbers create a sense of balance and harmony while maintaining eye movement.
Tips to Cleverly Use the Rule of Three in Interior Design
Play with Shape & Scale
When you’re decorating a chest of drawers, focus on using a trio of similar objects. However, don’t use all the décor of the same shape and scale. It’s important to get creative and play with objects of different heights. Also, make sure you use three entirely different items. For instance, if you’re decorating a coffee table or chest of drawers, try to vary the proportions of your pieces. It’s best to place all the objects in a tray. A few décor items you can add are a candlestick holder, a plant and a stack of coffee table books. Though you’re adding a cluster of accessories, it should act like one. Grouping three things together should create a well-balanced composition.
Vignette
Rule of three not just applies to décor elements but also furniture. These are referred to as vignettes. In this, three pieces of furniture are styled together. It can include two chairs, a sofa and coffee table. Furniture groupings feel more organic and less rigid than even-numbered arrangements. It is also more appealing to the eye. Believe it or not, our eyes are smarter than you think. They don’t perceive individual items. Instead, they look at everything together that defines the grouping.
Colour Schemes
If you thought that the rule of three only applies to furniture and décor, you’re mistaken. There is a version of rule of three for colour as well. This design guideline suggests that you use a maximum of three colours to create a visually appealing and harmonious design. You need to select a primary colour, secondary colour and tertiary colour. 60% should be the dominant colour – the walls, 30% should be the secondary colour – upholstery, and 10% should be the accent colour – the accessories and décor. The secondary and accent colour should not overpower the primary colour. The right colour scheme creates a balanced yet dynamic colour palette.
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls look great. If there’s one way you can actually play with the rule of three, it’s none other than with artwork. Consider hanging pieces in odd numbers. Three paintings can be hung in a row. The paintings can either be horizontal or vertical. However, make sure they’re of the similar scale and proportion. It would be odd to add two large paintings with one small one. Hanging them in sets of three is definitely visually effective. When the grouping is done in an odd number, it naturally draws the eye across the space.
Styling Cushions
Cushions on a sofa or bed look great. A common mistake people make is that they fill the space with too many cushions. Though not many apply the rule of three here, you should. It’s best to mix-and-match colours, styles and textures. However, always do it in odd numbers. You should never put two pillows on a sofa or four pillows on a bed. Follow the rule of three and see your sofa or bed look visually appealing with minimal effort.
Conclusion
The Rule of Three applies to every aspect of interior designing. As an interior designer, it’s important for you to understand this principle as it helps you meet the client’s vision. It really works as the human mind finds odd numbers more dynamic and less predictable. It appears more natural. It also creates rhythm and movement. Are you someone who is passionate about interior designing but doesn’t have the time to learn during the weekdays? You should pursue the diploma weekend interior design course in Bangalore. From basic techniques to advanced principles, the program will take you through it all.
