The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors (2024)

I’m going to let you in on a little interior design secret…we designers are odd. Well, some of us may be, but we like odd. Numbers, that is. We design in vignettes and groupings of 3 or 5 and sometimes 7 or 9. We refer to this as the “Rule of Three.” But why do we do it and why does it work?

It’s pretty simple: The Rule of Three is a design principle which affects every room of your home. It dictates layout, size and shape of objects, the work triangle of a kitchen, even the color, pattern and fabric designs of your room.(1)

The rule of three says that things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered groupings. Three seems to the *the* magic number, but (as I mentioned previously) 5, 7 or 9 works nicely as well. The principal holds weight in interior design, to be sure, but also pops up on graphic design, photography, storytelling, etc….(so you know it’s really a thing).(2)

What is it about the odd numbers? Apparently, it’s just how our lovely brains work. For one, three is the smallest number that can be used to form a distinguishable pattern in our heads. Also, when we see an odd number of things, our eyes are forced to move around more, which makes for a more interesting visual experience. (2) Think of this as a Feng Shui, which presents the idea that odd numbers expend and create more energy, while even numbers contract and condense energy.(1)

One is BORING. There’s no balance, symmetry (asymmetry, really) or visual interest. But with three, you can create a composition, engaging the eye with movement and pattern.

It’s easy to be odd. We designers implement this “rule” in many ways from seating arrangements to pendant lighting configurations. Here are a few places to incorporate odd numbers at home:

The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors (1)

Pillows

I love pillows. In fact, I can never design with enough pillows. On beds, sofas, chairs, benches, even on the floor! I mix and match colors, styles and textures, but always in odd numbers. I will NEVER put two pillows on a sofa or four pillows on a bed. Designing with pillows is a fun and easy way to start incorporating the “rule of three”.

The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors (2)

Shelving

Shelves are always difficult to stage and arrange. But with the “rule of three,” it can be much more manageable. Try grouping like-items such as books, candles or vases. I recommend varying the heights of these objects for added interest. If they’re all the same height/size, place a book or box underneath for elevation.

The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors (3)

Vignettes

This is a broad term but is valuable in this context. It can refer to three pieces of furniture bench/side table/lamp, two chairs and a sofa, set of three nesting side tables, three bar stools, etc. Or, it can refer to arranging items on a coffee table (or shelf, as mentioned above). Create little areas of interest within the larger space.

The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors (4)

Artwork

Gallery walls are fantastic. Love them! And, they’re a great way to play with the “rule of three.” Hang pieces in odd numbers. Three large pieces in a row (horizontal or vertical), seven various pieces of different shapes and sizes, or three in a row with two pieces hung underneath. The possibilities are endless.

The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors (5)

Lighting

A series of three pendant lights over a kitchen island not only provides ample task lighting, but is balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Have more room?Try 5 lights.

I should clarify, odd isn’t always the way to go; sometimes even numbers work. The importance of pairs should never be overlooked (think side chairs and table lamps). But, odd numbers do add interest, energy and balance and are more effective at capturing your gaze.


Embrace the odd in you!

Sources:
(1) Home Décor by the Numbers: The Rule of Three , Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, http://www.wideplankflooring.com/blog/home-decor-by-the-numbers-the-rule-of-three/

(2) The Rule of Threes: Why You Should Know It, Love It & Use It, Apartment Therapy, Dabney Frake, April 15, 2013, http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-rule-of-threes-and-other-odd-numbers-218086

References:
http://sierranewsonline.com/odds-are-not-odd-in-design-and-decorating/
http://creativecurio.com/2008/01/why-being-odd-is-good/
http://sierranewsonline.com/odds-are-not-odd-in-design-and-decorating/
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/why-are-odd-numbers-so-visually-appealing-224230

The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors (2024)

FAQs

The Rule of Three in Interior Design - Talie Jane Interiors? ›

According to designer Talie Jane Interiors, one of the most important and basic rules in interior design is the rule of three. The rule of three states that items arranged in odd numbers appeal more to the human eye because they offer a mental challenge and are more engaging for the brain.

What is the rule of 3 in interior design? ›

What is the "Rule of Three" In a nutshell, the rule of three suggests that things grouped in threes are more natural, harmonious and visually appealing. Odd numbers challenge our brains a bit and are more interesting.

What is the rule of thirds in design? ›

The rule of thirds is a method of breaking up an image or design into different sections using columns and rows that form a grid. The grid consists of three evenly-spaced rows and columns to make nine equal boxes that fit over the image. The grid on your phone's camera is a great example of this.

What are the 3 E's of interior design? ›

Three E's (Education, Experience and Examination) including passage of the NCIDQ Exam. 2. Complete the "Submittal by Qualified Interior Designer" form and submit to building Department with Construction Documents (meeting outlines in line item 6).

What is the rule of three arranging? ›

It's pretty simple: The rule guideline of threes say that things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered groupings. Three seems to be *the* magic number, but 5, 7, or 9 work nicely as well.

What is the rule of three? ›

Hence, the rule of three: a principle that suggests that things arranged in threes are more satisfying, effective, and memorable than other numbers. This principle is used in various forms of communication, from storytelling to public speaking, advertising, and more.

What is the rule of three in design thinking? ›

When I do this with product design — we also almost always hit on a design that's simpler or obviously better in some important way. So, that's the hack. Tell the people who work with about your Rule of Three: One idea is a bad idea, two ideas is an argument, three ideas is a brainstorm.

What is the point of rule of thirds? ›

The principle is that the rule of thirds creates points of interest that are evenly spaced and aesthetically pleasing. It also creates negative space — the empty space around your subject — in the other two thirds of your image. Again, this makes for a more pleasing photographic composition.

What is rule of thirds cover design? ›

Rule of Thirds

For example, your focal point (usually your title or center element) will take up one third of your cover, while the remaining two thirds would be left open for background elements. Your sections can be divided, vertically, or diagonally.

What is the golden spot rule of thirds? ›

Rule of thirds also known as the golden grid rule is a technique where a composition is aligned to a three by three grid. By dividing a composition into three grids, we section it into nine imaginary rectangles with four intersections.

What is the 3 3 vertical rule in interior design? ›

3/3 Vertical Rule

McCauley suggests that nature works from the ground up, with the darkest tones being found at the bottom, (dark grasses, stones, mud) whilst medium tones are expressed in the middle (trees and plant life) while finely lighter tones are found at the top (the sky.)

What are the 3 main elements of design? ›

Design elements are the basic units of any visual design which form its structure and convey visual messages. The elements of design are line, shape, form, space, texture, tone (or value) and color, "These elements are the materials from which all designs are built."

What is Phase 3 of the interior design process? ›

3. Concept Development. Once the programming phase has been established, you move on to the concept development or the schematic design phase. It starts with ideating, wherein you create potential design solutions (digitally, verbally, sketched, or written).

What is the rule of three in interior design? ›

Interior designer Amanda Barnes defined the rule of thirds like so: “The rule of thirds is a guideline that divides a frame up into three planes that places something in the left, right, or center of an image,” she says. Just remember this: the human eye prefers groupings of three or other odd numbers.

What is the rule of three answer? ›

Originally Answered: What is the rule of 3? that is, a is to b as c is to the unknown x. x . The rule of three says that you can find x by multiplying b times c, then dividing by a.

What design principle is known as the rule of three? ›

What Is the Rule of Thirds in UI Design? Like in graphic design, the rule of thirds in UI (User Interface) design is a fundamental principle that helps structure and organize elements on a screen. It involves dividing the screen into a 3x3 grid, which results in nine equal parts.

What is room rule of thirds? ›

The rule of thirds is a technique of dividing a frame – or in this case the view of a room – into a even three-by-three grid, so that there are two horizontal lines and two vertical lines dissecting each other to create a frame – like you would for noughts and crosses.

Why do things look better in 3s? ›

Most designers will tell you that the rule of three was put into effect due to the fact that an odd number of items looks more natural and less forced than an even-numbered grouping.

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