The Importance of Styling Your Home

You may be thinking that styling your home feels like unnecessary excess. Maybe you are more of a minimalist than a collector? Either way, I am guessing that if you are reading this, you would love a cozy and welcoming home.

I’m here to tell you that there are endless ways to style your home with thoughtful layers, without feeling like it is all just there to collect dust. The key is to make your home personalized to you through styling your surfaces and adding layers.

Today, I am sharing a simple tip that will elevate your home styling to the next level. We will be tackling the rules of threes and how you can use this trick to confidently style your home.

The Rule of Threes

What is the Rule of Threes (or odd numbers) in home styling?

The Rule of Threes is a design principle that makes a space appear visually cohesive. It comes from Feng Shui, which believes that the Rule Of Threes creates more energy in a room. By incorporating odd-numbered groupings, you can create a balanced and harmonious look that’s pleasing to the eye.

When you look at a styled space, it’s more visually appealing to see a grouping of odd numbers. Our eyes can identify, skim, and rest on odd-numbered items more easily than on even-numbered groupings.

I always use the Rule of Threes—or really, the rule of odd numbers—when I style. For example, if you’re styling with four stacks of books on your coffee table, treat them like a single surface. Then, add odd numbers of items like a bowl and two trinkets to make the odd numbers stand out.

Benefits of Using the Rule of Threes

Using the Rule of Threes in your home decor brings several benefits. Firstly, it makes your space look more organized and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, it creates a sense of harmony and balance, making your home feel more inviting. Whether you’re arranging items on a shelf, grouping artwork, or placing furniture, odd-numbered groupings always look more intentional and stylish.

Practical Applications in Home Styling

Let’s talk about how you can practice the Rule of Threes in your home:

• Bookshelves: Arrange books and decorative items in groups of three for a balanced look.
• Artwork: Create a gallery wall with odd numbers of frames for visual interest.
• Furniture: Position furniture and accessories in odd-numbered groupings to enhance the room’s flow and harmony.

By incorporating the Rule of Threes into your home styling, you’ll create spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

Styling Bookshelves

I’ve styled A LOT of bookshelves in my day, and I will forever reference the Rule of Threes when it comes to a tricky shelf. This rule is a go-to that has not failed me to date. Check out the examples above to see if you can count a variation of three items or “groupings” on each shelf.

This method of styling can be approached from any angle, and it always works. For instance, where there are two picture frames, add a third to round it out. Similarly, where there are two vases or baskets, fill one with florals to give it a purposeful boost that includes your third item. When you have a lonely single item, add two more pieces to make it feel more purposeful.

Applying The Rule of Threes to Artwork

I always start in the middle of a gallery wall and work my way out. Inevitably, this leads to an odd number of pieces. A great column of three artwork pieces hung on a narrower wall is a perfect example.

There are so many great uses of the rule of threes, and they always pan out looking curated and purposeful. Start with three and work out from there with odd numbers as you go.

Furniture Placement and The Rule of Threes

Start to look deeper into your inspiration images to identify why groupings of three feel more complete. You’ll be surprised at how much you notice it being used, even with larger-scale furnishings. Furthermore, you’ll be surprised at how “off” things feel when they are not placed in threes.

For instance, two chairs always feel better with a table in between them to round out the rule of threes. Throw pillows can feel more purposeful when styled in variations of three. The end of a sofa (1) typically feels more supported by a table (2) and a lamp (3). The rule of threes can be used in any aspect of interior design.

If you want more design tips for styling your home check out these posts:

How To Style Surfaces Throughout Your Home

5 Ways To Make Your House More Cozy

Want more of our MMDH Furnishing Rules of Thumb?

We are excited to announce the newest design guide in our offering! Our manual for scaling a room of furniture. I’ve compiled my 20+ years of interior design knowledge into this easy-to-follow manual, room by room and item by item.

This guide includes a section fully dedicated to my rules for styling any space. If you struggle with styling your surfaces or arranging an entire room of furnishings, this is for you! Check it out in the link below!

xo,

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