What Is the 2/3 Rule for Decorating?

Simple Guide to Stylish Living Rooms! The 2/3 rule for decorating, in layman’s terms, is a 2:3 ratio creating balance and harmony in the space. It’s about how you break up the space when you’re arranging furniture, selecting decor, or deciding on colors. The rule states that you use two-thirds of the space for one element and the other third for something else. The goal? It keeps it a bit more visually interesting and more balanced.

Here’s a look at how this plays out across different branches of decorating:

How to Decorate Using the 2/3 Rule

If you’ve ever felt like you wanted to decorate your home like a pro but could use some help in how to do it without hiring a designer, Rule for Decorating, you’re in the right place. A simple decorating tip to follow is the 2/3 rule. So what is it, and how does it work? Let’s dissect it and how to use it for your next decorating endeavor.

Furniture Placement (Wall vs. Sofa)

If you are cramming a sofa against a wall, you don’t want the furniture to be the dominant part of the room. It’s a simple trick, but it’s worth a try — ensure that the sofa occupies approximately two-thirds of the wall length, giving the rest a third to breathe. This gives a balanced and well-proportioned appearance.

How to Use Color (Walls vs Accents)

Imagine you’re painting a room or selecting a color scheme. Apply the 2/3 rule one way or another: Use one color for roughly two-thirds of the room (the walls and the big pieces of furniture) and a contrasting or complementary color for the other third (accents, throw pillows, or smaller decor). This helps eliminate overly powerful colors that might leave a space feeling asymmetrical.

Artwork or Decor Display

The 2/3 rule of decorating with art or wall decor is a great way to ensure that your art doesn’t seem too small or too large hanging on a wall. If you’re hanging a picture, for instance, it should cover roughly two-thirds of the empty wall space. That ensures that the artwork appears appropriately sized and isn’t lost or overwhelmed by its surroundings.

Window Treatments

The 2/3 rule works wonders for curtains or window treatments. On larger windows, try to select curtains that cover approximately two-thirds of the window’s height. This lends height and grace to the room without making it feel as if the curtains are digesting the whole area.

Why Does the 2/3 Rule Work?

The 2/3 rule works so well because humans are hardwired to look for balance and symmetry. When we perceive a place as being the wrong scale, we may end up disliking it. So by practicing the 2/3 rule, you teach your eye relief while also creating easy spaces in your home without much work.

How to Use the 2/3 Rule: Practical Advice

Play with Furniture: If you find your sofa or coffee table looks underwhelming for the size of the room, try scaling it up to two-thirds of the space. Or, if you feel something is overwhelming, scale back to accommodate the other third of the space.

Layer Your Decor: If you are styling shelves, mantels, or tables, try dividing them into two-thirds and one-third for larger items and smaller pieces, such as candles, books, or vases.

Rule of Threes: Proportion is everything; the 2/3 rule can be applied to anything where you want to create proportion. So when you’re shopping for rugs, mirrors, or even lighting, just think about the rule, and you’ll have a chic space in no time.

Final Thoughts

The 2/3 rule in decorating is a simple but powerful trick for creating a harmonious, well-proportioned space. It can make all the difference in how a room feels, whether you’re laying out furniture, choosing colors, or hanging art.” Try it the next time you’re updating a space! You’ll be surprised what an easy routine can do.

Happy decorating!