How To Use The 60-30-10 Color Rule

If you’re nervous about adding color to your New Jersey home, the team at DJ’s Painting can help! One of the services we offer is color consultations, and our professional painters are more than happy to walk you through your options. But no matter how many options we give you, choosing a bold color scheme is something you have to decide on! 

If you’re wary about diving into color, the 60-30-10 rule can help. Not only is it great for choosing a color pallet, but it’s also helpful for other home decorating projects, like choosing a sofa or picking out accent pillows. Continue reading to learn more and if you’re in need of home painting services in Moorestown or the greater New Jersey area, contact DJ’s Painting. 

What Is The 60-30-10 Rule?

The concept of the 60-30-10 rule follows the classic design rule of three, which is used in everything from fine art to floral arrangements. In the case of house painting, three color-families are used to create balance and depth in a particular room.

While it may sound like you need precision to pull this design technique off, you should think of it more as a guideline than a strict rule. Have fun creating a palette of three colors that vary in shade and tone to build a room that feels good to you. You can think of the color proportions like this:

• 60-percent of the room is the overall color of the room, the background color. If you already have furniture for the room you’re painting, think about what the dominant color is — if you have a gray sofa, it may be a good idea to make gray your 60% color. It’s usually a neutral or lighter shade, and you can think of it as the background color.

• 30-percent of the room is your secondary color, that supports the main color, but is different enough to create interest. You can incorporate this color both on the walls and in other elements like curtains or side chairs.

• 10-percent of the room is your accent color. Here’s your opportunity to go bold and bright. This ten percent is what gives the room it’s character, and you can incorporate it by painting an accent wall, getting throw pillows, hanging artwork, or other decorative accessories.

Once you start thinking this way, start playing around! The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to make a room cohesive without being matchy or dull. 

Some potential color combinations:

• Dusty Pink/Gray/Mint
• Green/White/Tan
• Grey/White/Natural Wood
• Ivory/Brown/Yellow

How To Break It

Whenever there’s a rule, someone will want to push and break it! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding another accent color for a 60-30-10-10. Give your room 110%! You can also try making your accent color a pattern instead of a solid color. This can make your room really unique and bold.

Your majority color should be at least 50 percent of any room, and while it’s generally best if it’s more than that, you could break your scheme into different rations if you want to strike a balance of colors. If you want more of your secondary color, try to make it relatively close to your primary color. If it’s not, you’ll have a loud room. This can work in small spaces but is probably a bad idea for a living room. 

Whatever you end up doing, but sure to save bold bright colors or patterns for the smaller percentage of the room. And have fun — it’s your space, paint it in whatever shade you like!

DJ’s Painting – House Painting Services New Jersey

Our painting company is more than just painting — we’re coating experts that specialize in interiors & exterior, residential & commercial, and more! We believe that we’re the best residential house painters you’ll find in South New Jersey. After all, we’ve been in the business since 1989. Our expert painters will get your job done on time and on budget!

Plus, along with home painting services, we also offer pressure washing, deck staining, and masonry coating. We can give your home a fresh new look — both inside and out! Contact us today to get started.