Mastering Home Decor with the Rule of Three - On Sutton Place (2024)

ByAnn DrakeApril 25, 2024May 23, 2024

Learn how to decorate with the rule of three, and add balance and visual interest to your home decor. Follow these easy tips to create a stylish and harmonious space.

*Author’s note: this post features our home on Sutton Place, as well as our current home on Sugar Maple Court. It also features the peonies from my garden at the Sutton Place house…and oh how I miss them!

Today I’m talking about The Rule of Three. Which isn’t really a rule…but more of a system you can use to pull your accessories together in a way that makes sense. So what is the magic number when it comes to arranging your home decor accents?

Decorating in threes, or odd numbers, helps you avoid too much symmetry, which can make your rooms look staged and boring. Even though I love symmetry, and could not live without it, too much of it is not a good thing! There are many different ways to incorporate this idea into your home, so use my suggestions as a starting point, and then add your own personal style.

Centerpieces

Nothing is easier than lining up three vessels on your table, and then filling them with flowers. The vessels can match or be completely different. In the tablescape above, I used ironstone pitchers that were similar in size, but they do not match. Another idea is to gather three vessels on a tray, and place it in the middle of your table. It’s helpful to keep the vessels low so your guests can see each other across the table. Another classic idea is to use a low floral centerpiece in the middle, and flank it with candlesticks. Our grandmas used this idea, and didn’t even know they were star interior designers!

Shelving

Styling shelves can sometimes be a challenge, but using the rule of three makes it much easier. Begin by placing three items on each shelf, then stand back and decide what, if anything, needs adjusted. Layering or stacking two items melds them together, and they become one item. To add even more interest, vary the heights of your accessories, and inject a pop of color.

Coffee Tables

There are a million and one ways to style a coffee table…but for me, the easiest thing to do is begin with a tray and go from there. Layering adds depth, and also gives your decor composition a cohesive look. In the picture above, I used three vintage mason jars that are alike, but not matching in size. So even though the jars are different heights, all the flowers are the same, and that is what makes it work. You will never go wrong with a tray topped with three of your favorite treasures!

Vignettes

When I first started blogging, I had no idea what a vignette even was…I had to look it up! A vignette is simply a grouping of objects that are related in some way. Tabletops are the most obvious place to use vignettes, but they can also be used on mantels and shelves. It’s nice to stick to a theme, but it’s definitely not necessary. Stay true to your own personal style, and use things that tell the story of your family.

In the image above, the rule of three was used three times. 1.) By placing the set of three pillar candleholders close together, they become one unit. 2.) The pitcher on top of the two books becomes one unit as well. 3.) The actual vignette is then comprised of the candleholders, artwork, and stack of books/pitcher.

Throw Pillows and Throws

The rule of three works great for pillows and throws. Use three pillows that are similar in color, but different sizes. Place a throw on the corner of a sofa, add two pillows, and you have the perfect trio of color and texture. This works especially well if you want to add color to a neutral piece of furniture.

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Whenever I read articles on decorating rules, I always wonder where they came from. Who gets to decide what is considered good decorating and what is not? Don’t get me wrong…I have always been a rule-follower, but my philosophy is that your home’s decor should make you smile when you walk in the door. So do what feels right. If your home has a sense of balance and visual depth, you will feel peaceful. Follow the rules, or break them. It’s totally up to you!

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Sutton Place Dining Room:

table runners | round wicker placemat | chandelier | board and batten | hanging lanterns | botanical prints | dining room rug (in beige/ivory) | fabric on chairs | wicker fishing creel (similar)

*Ironstone on shelves found at flea markets, antique malls, Goodwill, etc.

More Sources:

paint colors for both homes | vintage mason jars | round wood tray | set of 3 wood candleholders | set of 3 pillar candles | farmhouse pitcher (similar) | blue pillow covers on sofa | linen books | round blue and white plates on wall

See Also

#GTD - The 3/3/3 method