60:30:10 Rule | Diamond Vogel (2024)

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PAINTING WITH PROPER PROPORTIONS OF COLOR

Posted 05/21/2023

60:30:10 Rule | Diamond Vogel (1)


Paint color can transform and revitalize your home. It can also be usedto engage and create welcoming home environments. One way to do this is with proper proportions of different hues and shades of color.

The 60:30:10 color theory is one of the basic rules to having a harmonious end result.

Color is one opportunity where it’s OK to play favorites. Afterdeciding which three hues will best complement the room, decide which color will be the dominant. Equal amounts of each color in your scheme will result in a spotty visual. Even proportions of color surprisingly result in a moreunbalanced look.

After choosing three shades, break them down into the 60:30:10 rule for a cohesive look—60 percent dominant color, 30 percent secondary color and 10 percent accent color. This idea can be translated to the relatable cohesion of planning a wardrobe outfit: 60 percent is the main outfit color, 30 percent provides visual interest like shoes, neck tie or handbag, 10 percent like the jewelry that provides the sparkling details.

So, when planning a color scheme for your next painting project, divide the colors proportionally in this way:
• 60 percent of a dominant color
• 30 percent of a secondary color
• 10 percent of an accent color

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60:30:10 Rule | Diamond Vogel (2024)

FAQs

60:30:10 Rule | Diamond Vogel? ›

Equal amounts of each color in your scheme will result in a spotty visual. Even proportions of color surprisingly result in a more unbalanced look. After choosing three shades, break them down into the 60:30:10 rule for a cohesive look—60 percent dominant color, 30 percent secondary color and 10 percent accent color.

What is the 60-30-10 color combination? ›

To put it simply, this rule says that the dominant/primary colour should take up 60% of your design, the secondary colour should take up 30%, while an accent colour should take up 10% of your design.

Does white count in the 60/30/10 rule? ›

Neutral colors like whites, creams, and tans will counteract the more intense colors. In the picture below, you can see the 60-30-10 rule in action. White takes up the majority of the room (60%), giving it a light and airy feel. Tan comes next (30%), but it is less represented than white.

How to use the 60/30/10 rule? ›

This decorating rule suggests that you should cover your room with 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent shade. It is all about maintaining the perfect balance of tones. Pick colors that mingle well with each other to create a subtle combo.

What is an example of 60-30-10 interior design? ›

Color Examples

In a room with all-white walls and neutral flooring (60%), add a greige sofa, neutral hardwood wood side tables, and brown upholstered side chairs (30%), and pops of one color such as orange around the room using toss pillows, artwork, and other small items (10%).

What is the 60/30/10 rule for outfits? ›

This idea can be translated to the relatable cohesion of planning a wardrobe outfit: 60 percent is the main outfit color, 30 percent provides visual interest like shoes, neck tie or handbag, 10 percent like the jewelry that provides the sparkling details.

What is 60 30 10 color grading? ›

Breaking it down, it recommends dedicating 60% of the color scheme to a dominant color, 30% to a secondary color, and the remaining 10% to accent colors. Embarking on the design journey, the dominant color takes center stage, playing a pivotal role in establishing the interface's tone and mood.

Do neutrals count in the 60-30-10 rule? ›

Yes, neutrals can count in the 60-30-10 rule. In fact, using a neutral color as either the primary or secondary color often helps create a balanced and harmonious space. Neutrals can work well with a variety of other colors, making it easy to incorporate a bold accent color for visual interest.

What is the 60-30-10 rule black? ›

Ultimately, the rule is that 60 percent of the scheme should be one color, 30 percent should be a second accented color, displayed on chairs, rugs, sofas, and 10 percent should be a third color dotted around the room in the form of artwork, small touches and accessories.

Does the 60/30/10 rule include flooring? ›

The 60% of a typical room using this rule would include the walls and floors. For instance, a room with beige walls and tan/brown hardwood flooring would make up the main or predominant color scheme. An accent wall of blue and a couch in a similar shade would make up 30% of the room.

What is the Golden Rule 60-30-10? ›

This is the rule: 60% main color + 30% secondary color + 10% accent color. 60% of the main color of the room includes the walls, the sofa, the main color of the carpet of your area, and maybe even your closets or tiles (if we are talking about kitchens and bathrooms).

What is 60-30-10 strategy? ›

The 60/30/10 budgeting method says you should put 60% of your monthly income toward your needs, 30% towards your wants and 10% towards your savings. It's trending as an alternative to the longer-standing 50/30/20 method. Experts warn that putting just 10% of your income into savings may not be enough.

What types of colors make the room look smaller? ›

Dark wall colors tend to recede. If you'd like to read more on this topic, Stir Magazine by Sherwin Williams has a great article citing research on dark versus light colored walls. According to the author, studies have shown that humans perceive bright objects as being closer than the same object in a darker color.

What is the golden rule in interior design? ›

You've probably heard of the 2:3 rule, otherwise known as the 'golden ratio'. Ideally, every room should follow this. Start by dividing a room into two sections – the larger one should measure 2:3 of the space, and be the area for big pieces of furniture such as your sofa, bed or dining table.

What is the 2 3 rule in interior design? ›

Follow the 2:3 Rule

“The 2:3 design rule suggests your sofa should be the equivalent of ⅔ the size of your room.” However, if your living room is also your dining room or home office, that may not be possible, explains the designer.

What is the 70 20 10 rule in interior design? ›

Thou Shalt Use the 70-20-10 Rule

For a balanced scheme, keep 70% of the elements (say, walls and floors) as one color, then add 20% in another color (fabrics such as that of upholstery, curtains and rugs), and 10% in an accent color (cushions, décor objects etc.)

What is the 3 color rule combination? ›

It suggests that you should limit your outfit to three main colors to keep it visually balanced and cohesive. This typically includes one dominant color, one secondary color, and one accent color. It helps avoid overwhelming or clashing combinations.

What is the 60 30 10 rule in business? ›

The 60:30:10 rule involves spending 60% of your strategic time on the most pressing issue, 30% of your time on the issue which will become the most pressing , and 10% of your time on the one that follows.

What color goes with the number 10? ›

COLOR
1Black
8Yellow
9Purple
10Gray
11Pink
7 more rows

What is the color combination rule? ›

Try to Follow 60–30–10 Rule

The 60–30–10 is a simple rule that will help you create well-balanced color palettes. The idea is that one color (usually, a neutral color) makes up 60 percent of the palette. Another complementary color makes up 30 percent of the palette.

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