3-5-7 Rule: Decorating with Odd Numbers

📷LakeishaBennet/unsplash

Essentially, the 3-5-7 Rule involves decorating with odd numbers. This interior designer golden rule has a slight scientific basis. The human brain perceives a pattern of three as the smallest pattern. Odd numbers are generally more captivating and visually pleasing to humans. The concept of using odd numbers is common in photography, graphic art, and even arranging furniture.

Color

To begin implementing the 3-5-7 Rule in our spaces, let's focus on color. Interior designers recommend incorporating three colors into a space. The first color should be the main and most prominent one, followed by a less dominant second color, and finally, the third color should serve as an accent.

I love to have visuals when I learn something new. Here is the 3 color rule for interior design.

Main color 60% , second color, complementing 30%, third color, accent 10%

📷foyr/squarespace

Vignettes

So, what exactly is a vignette?

'In interior design, a “vignette” refers to a small grouping of decorative objects, which can make a beautiful personal statement in a room.' GDC Home, 2/11/21

We often use "vignettes" to enhance and showcase our collectibles on various surfaces. Vignettes make it easy to highlight the 357 Rule.

Utilize a coffee table as an excellent platform for setting up vignettes!

This vignette, a display featuring an arrangement of an odd number of items - 3 jars, 1 pitcher, and 1 vase - placed at different heights to add visual appeal.

📷maisondecinq

Designing the mantel

We have now mastered the technique of creating our vignettes using odd numbers and different heights. Incorporating layered art adds visual interest to the arrangement. Candle stick clusters and stacks of books are considered as single items. In the first photo, we see a simple grouping of three pitchers complemented by fresh greenery. The second photo showcases art layered on a mirror along with a trio of vases, forming a cohesive unit. Therefore, the vases count as 1, the mirror as 2, and the layered art as 3. In the third photo, there is a plant as 1, a candle grouping on the left as 2, and a candle grouping on the right as 3, totaling three items. Lastly, the fourth photo illustrates art layering amidst an odd number of surrounding objects.

📷twelveonmain 📷macgee&co 📷thelittlebylittlehome 📷purewow

3-5-7 pillow additions

These pillows are all arranged in odd numbers. Pillows are an ideal method to disperse your accent color throughout the room. Introducing different textures adds visual appeal, (this grouping in photo two, has a total of 3 textures). When styling your bed, begin with 2 large pillows, then incorporate smaller accent pillows, ending with an odd number.

📷courtneysworld 📷stonegable 📷homewithhollyj

3-5-7 furniture placement

This concept is already applied in various areas of our home. For example, in our living room, we have 2 chairs and 1 sofa, totaling 3 furniture pieces. Similarly, in our bedroom, we have 2 side tables and 1 bed, also totaling 3. Even in conversation areas, we typically have 2 chairs and 1 table, amounting to 3 pieces of furniture. Furniture stores often assist us by providing coordinating accent chairs when we buy furniture.

📷ethanallen 📷athartwell/onekingslane 📷visualhunt

3-5-7 artwork arrangements

Odd numbers all around!

📷danetashiba/bhg 📷marthastewart 📷kitkempdesignstudio/instagram

I decided to experiment with the 3-5-7 Rule at home, I focused on enhancing my sideboard. Initially, it featured just two items - a lamp and art piece - appearing rather simple. In the second photo, I introduced a third element, a sizable shell, which I found appealing and more engaging. However, I questioned whether the arrangement still seemed too empty. To address this, I included two candleholders with large candles.

How does the updated display look to you?

📷randiklifestyleblog

According to popular belief, the more you practice applying the 3-5-7 Rule, the more it will become second nature when designing your spaces. Three is typically the go-to odd number for decorating, adding visual appeal. However, in instances of spacious areas like expansive walls, large rooms, or king-size beds, incorporating additional elements to form a larger odd number design is necessary. This principle is already widely utilized in furniture arrangement, architectural design, literature, and advertising.

Hopefully, you are motivated to explore the 3-5-7 Rule further and design captivating environments!

RESOURCES:

LakeishaBennet/unsplash;cover photo, Foyr/Squarespace;color diagram, Maison de Cinco; mantel photo, Twelve On Main; mantel photo, Macgee&Co; mantel photo, The Little by Little Home; mantel photo, Pure Wow; mantel photo, Courtneys World; pillows photo, Stonegable; textured pillows photo, Home With Holly J; bed pillow photo, Ethan Allen; furniture placement photo, Athartwell/One Kings Lane; chairs and table photo, Visual Hunt; modern bed photo, Dane Tashiba/BHG;gallery wall photo, Martha Stewart; gallery wall photo, Kit Kemp Design Studio/Instagram; gallery wall photo, Apartment Therapy; "I tried 3-5-7 Rule to Style..." Danielle Blundell, 7/14/24, Nesterations;Interior Design the Rule of Three", Sally Soricelli, Maison de Cinq; How to Decorate Using Odd Numbers: Design Basics, Sheila, March 29, Stonegable; Using the Magical Rule of Three When You Decorate, Yvonne Pratt, 5/3/22, Talie Jane Interiors; The Rule of Three in Interior Design, Talie Jane , 6/7/17, Better Homes & Gardens; How to Use the Rule of Three for Perfectly Styled Home Decor, Sophie Flaxman, 4/10/24, GDC Home; Guide to Designing an Artistic Vignette, Foyr;Color Theory Basics:How to Color Theory in Interior Design, Kimberly Elizabeth, 2/4/24

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