14 interior design rules that can never be broken

People say that interior design is an art. What most people don’t know is that it’s also a science. (And, well, the occasional scream over paint swatches ).

It’s more than just choosing what pleases your eye.

In fact, behind every Pinterest-worthy room there’s a set of unspoken (but very important) interior design rules.

She guides the big and small decisions that make a space look amazing.

These home decor rules will ensure your space looks good and feels good!

In this post we will talk about all of them. Keep reading for 14 interior design rules to help any project take off.

If you’re not familiar with home decor rule #3, buckle up. We’re starting with the most important first!

Rule #1: The third rule of home decor

Why the rule of 3 actions

Have you ever noticed that grouping things into 3 is pleasing to the eye?

Next time you’re decorating, place a set of three candle sticks on your mantel and see the effect they make.

Then add another piece and you will notice the difference!

The odd numbers create this feeling of asymmetry, which is not only visually interesting, but also adds a modern touch to the space. On the other hand, even numbers add a more traditional touch.

How to apply rule 3

Color rule 60-30-10

60 percent of the room has a background color and 30 percent is a secondary color. 10 percent usually has a distinct shade. This helps maintain balance in the color palette — especially primary and accent colors — of the room.

Place your furniture in groups of 3

A sofa paired with two accent chairs. 3 bar stools next to your kitchen island. Dining table, chair set, buffet, or hut. These examples create balance, cohesion and visual interest

Wall art

For gallery walls, choose individual numbers of 3 framed art pieces and group them asymmetrically. Hang three pieces of art with a common theme

Basic rules of interior design

Rule #2: Keep tile floors stable

If you’ve been mixing up tiles in connected spaces, we have some news for you. This is a great no-no in interior design! You can think of it like wearing two different shoes.

Technically allowed, but should you? Avoid this clash and stick to one design.

Rule #3: Avoid using cluttered countertops with a crowded backsplash

We love bold statements. But let’s not make them argue with each other. In your kitchen, choose one – granite or backsplash – to be the hero, and let the other play the supporting role. You will like it much better.

Rule #4: Take your shower wall tiles to the ceiling

Half-tiled walls? No, we prefer to call them half-baked cakes. Why stop before perfection? Allowing tiles to rise higher can make your bathroom look long and luxurious. And let’s not forget that cleaning them is infinitely easier.

Bathroom shower tile bases

Take shower wall tiles to the ceiling and when budget allows opt for a heavy frameless glass walk-in shower

Rule #5: Just say no to carpets in bathrooms

If you have carpet in your bathroom, we have questions. Mostly why??? We mean that you can have a rug in the bedroom, living room and dining room.

The bathroom does not need it, and in fact it is against the basic rules of interior decoration.

This is because carpeted bathrooms are unhygienic, impractical and already outdated. Replace them with tile, luxury vinyl, or waterproof flooring so anyone who walks in knows you know how to decorate.

Living spaces that fall

Rule #6: Always add texture

If you walk into your living room and it feels…well, flat, just know that it’s a texture failure. But this is nothing to worry about too much. Toss a throw blanket on the couch. Lay down a rug. Add some woven touches like a basket, and voilà!

Rule #7: Hide cords and remove price tags

Visible ropes and dangling price tags announce, “Hey, I just moved in.” An experienced designer does not want this atmosphere. Buy some wire covers. It took 5 minutes to remove the price tags. Your space will look more mature.

Rule No. 8: Say no to thin curtain rods and short curtains

If you hope your decor will last, this is one decorating rule you should take seriously. No thin bars, no curtains ending in the middle of…nowhere.

In fact, thin rods and high-water curtains are the decorative equivalent of wearing socks with sandals Choose sturdy rods, and let your curtains touch the floor.

Faux bass bedroom decor

Rule #9: Cover your box spring

If you want to show that you know how to decorate, try not to leave those mattresses and box springs exposed.

A platform bed completely ignores the box spring, so it can be a good option. Or you can use a custom bed skirt to cover the box.

Rule No. 10: Say goodbye to the “bed in the bag”

As comfortable as the matching sets are, they are very outdated!

These don’t add any kind of personality to your space. Instead, you want to layer different quality pieces to get that custom look that shows you put in the effort!

Rule #11: Steam your bedding and curtains

Wrinkled sheets and drooping curtains don’t go with the rules of home decor.

It can ruin the entire ambiance of a polished room. That’s why, even if it seems like an extra chore, you should make time to get rid of those wrinkles. Investing in a portable steamer is an easy solution. A quick swipe, and voila, instant luxury.

Lighting and finishing touches

Rule #12: Match your light bulbs

One warm, one cool, one daylight? no. Layering light doesn’t mean choosing all types of color temperatures.

Interior decorating rules encourage you to choose one lane (aka: color temperature) and then stick to it. If you are not familiar with color temperature yet, you can read about color temperature here.

Rule No. 13: Don’t overdo it with metallic finishes

You may have heard that one of the rules of decorating is to add metallic finishes. Sure, it’s stylish, but only when it’s done right.

This means doing no more than two types of finishes (choosing those that complement each other) for each room. Any more than this can be overwhelming.

When it comes to rug size it matters

Size matters a lot more than you might think. Choose a rug that is too small and the room will feel disjointed. An area rug that is too large will not leave enough walking space to move around the room. No one wants their dining chairs to be half on the rug and half off it.

It is the true mark of an amateur.

Rule #14: Don’t hang art too high

This was my mother’s biggest pet peeve. I can just hear it now, “Eye level! Art should always be hung at eye level!”

When I was a kid, I remember thinking, eye level? Eye level for whom? My father who is 6’7″ or my aunt who is 4’0″?

The general rule is to hang artwork with the center at 57-60 inches off the floor, which is considered average eye level for most people.

This way, it will feel balanced and works well with a variety of heights – even if your family’s height ranges from 4’0″ to 6’7″! If you are hanging a piece of art above furniture, such as a sofa, keep the bottom of the piece about 6-8 inches above the furniture for a cohesive look.

Final thoughts on interior design rules

Here’s a revised version of the text that has a smoother flow and friendly tone:

These home decor rules are your ticket to creating a cohesive, stunning, and professional-looking space. Keeping these guidelines in mind can help you design a home that looks like it was pulled straight from Pinterest.

But wait, there’s more! The beauty of interior design is its flexibility. While these rules are a great starting point, don’t be afraid to tweak them a little to fit your style. A golden rule that always applies? Create a space that feels authentic. If that means changing things up or breaking a few rules here and there, do it!

We’re curious – what are your favorite decorating rules? Share it in the comments below. We might borrow a few for ourselves!