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I have GREAT news! Even if you think you have ZERO skills when it comes to home decorating, I am here to change your mind. You can now feel confident to decorate any room in your home using “The Magic Rule of 3”!
There is something quite pleasing to the eye when it comes to odd numbers, especially THREE. It creates balance.
Think about a triangle
Triangles are the strongest shape of all. No matter the length of their sides, they are inherently stable. They are balanced.
Why do you think so many bridges use triangles? They equally distribute weight without flattening out like squares or rectangles that can bend at their corners.
What does this all have to do with decorating?
The reason this rule is essential in home decorating is that decorating in 3’s is pleasing to the eye. It makes vignettes look like a professional designer put them together.
Using this technique is easy and pretty much a no-fail. Designers use it. Decorators use it. Home stagers use it. The Magic Rule of Three just works, like magic!
Follow These “Rule of 3” Tips:
- Select items that have 3 different heights – small, medium & large.
- Unify the 3 items using complementary colors, style or theme.
- Only decorate with what you truly love or is meaningful.
In the photo above, I grouped my Gold Scroll Table Lamp by Wayfair, pink cottage roses from Whole Foods and vintage-inspired clock by Wayfair. In the photo below, your will see two groups of 3. This barrel-shaped chair I found on Facebook Marketplace, a Monet print on the wall and faux marble and gold accent table by Wayfair. The table has two family photos for the medium and small items with a faux white rose as the large item. Magic!
Examples of Home Decor Using the Rule of 3:
- Vase of flowers (living or faux), pretty frame & candle.
- Lamp, stack of vintage books & green plant (living or faux).
- Accent chair, wall art & accent table.
- Miniature Christmas tree, bowl of pinecones & woodland creature.
- White pitcher with dried wheat stalks, cute pumpkin & cinnamon candle.
When you stack a decor item, like with this vase of faux eucalyptus from Hobby Lobby on a book, it counts as one item. This allows you to elevate shorter decor and bring interest at the same time.
You can use this process on both your everyday and season decor. You can use it on small items and large pieces of furniture. The Rule of 3 is a wonderful method to bring order to your decorating.
Try it on a mantle, an accent table or any surface you choose.
It’s really that simple!
Corral the Cuties with Trays
My last tip is to incorporate this with trays – metal, lacquer, marble or wicker. Adding a lovely tray under your small vignettes of 3 is truly a beautiful sight to behold.
I have trays all over my house corralling my groupings of 3. From coffee tables and kitchen counters to dining tables and vanities, I love using trays. They can help define dressers, chests and bookshelves.
I’ve never met a tray I didn’t love! Round trays, especially, look amazing with home decor in 3’s.
My Favorite Decorative Trays:
- Marble & Gold Tray by World Market
- Caspen White Coffee Table Tray by Wayfair
- Onslow Tray by Crate & Barrel
- Gold Lacquer Tray by Wayfair
- White Wash Wicker Tray by Wayfair
Your Assignment!
I have an assignment for you. Right now. Let’s get a quick WIN using the Rule of 3!
Do these 3 things for me:
- Go pick out 3 items in your home, small, medium and large.
- Place them together in a pretty vignette. Put the Rule of 3 into action. It’s super easy. You can do this.
- Take a photo and email it to me. I can’t wait to see your lovely creation.
Now just repeat the process all over your house with your various lovelies.
So there you have it. Now look in the mirror and say this to yourself with a smile,
“I am a decorator, and I’m on my way to decorating our lovely home!”
I’m here for YOU!
Much love & joy,
Get my Decorating Guides:
How to Set a Lovely Table in 7 Joyful Steps
How to Hang an Ancestry Gallery Wall
7 Tips Ina Garten Taught Me About Throwing a Fabulous Dinner Party