The Mathematical Secret to Color Schemes

Have you ever painted a room a color you loved in the store, only to hate it once it was on the walls? Or bought a sofa that felt "wrong" for the space but you couldn't explain why?

Interior design feels artistic, but it relies heavily on a mathematical formula known as the 60-30-10 Rule.

This rule helps you balance color so that your room has depth and interest without feeling cluttered or boring.

What is the 60-30-10 Rule?

It is a classic decor rule that suggests dividing your color palette into percentages:

• 60% of the room is your Dominant Color.
• 30% of the room is your Secondary Color.
• 10% of the room is your Accent Color.

1. The 60%: The Dominant Color

This is the background color for the room. It sets the tone.

• Where it goes: Walls, large area rugs, large furniture pieces (like a sectional), or flooring.
• Goal: It should be neutral or subdued enough to be looked at in large doses.

2. The 30%: The Secondary Color

This color supports the dominant color but is different enough to create contrast.

• Where it goes: Curtains, accent chairs, bed linens, painted furniture, or an accent wall.
• Goal: It adds depth. If your walls (60%) are a soft gray, your curtains and chairs (30%) might be a deep navy blue.

3. The 10%: The Accent Color

This is the "jewelry" of the room. It’s the pop of color that draws the eye.

• Where it goes: Throw pillows, artwork, lamps, vases, or accessories.
• Goal: To add excitement. Because it's only 10%, you can afford to pick a bold, bright, or trendy color (like mustard yellow or emerald green).

Real World Example

Let's apply this to a Living Room:

• 60% (Walls & Sofa): Warm Beige.
• 30% (Curtains & Armchair): Olive Green.
• 10% (Pillows & Vase): Terracotta / Rust.

Breaking the Rules

Once you master the rule, you can break it. The most common variation is the 110% Rule, where you add a second accent color (60-30-10-10).

• Example: Adding metallic gold finishes (handles, lamp bases) alongside your main accent color.

Test Your Palette in RoomyLab

Paint is cheap, but furniture is expensive. Before you commit:

1. Open your project in RoomyLab.
2. Click on the walls to apply your 60% color.
3. Drag in furniture to represent your 30% and 10%.
4. Does the room feel balanced? Or is the accent color taking over?

Seeing the ratio in 3D is the best way to avoid a "clown house" effect.