14 Interior Design Rules That Never Ever Be Broken
Interior design is an art, people say. What most people don’t know is that it’s also a science. (And, well, the occasional shouting over paint swatches 😉).
It’s more than just choosing what pleases your eye.
In fact, behind every Pinterest-worthy room is a set of unspoken (but absolutely important) interior design rules.
These guide the big and small decisions that make the space look stunning.
These home decor rules ensure your space looks good and feels good!
And in this blog post, we’ll talk all about them. Keep reading for 14 interior design rules to help any project get off the ground.
If you’re not already familiar with the home decor rule of 3, buckle up. We’re starting with the most important first!
Rule #1: The Home Decor Rule of 3
Why the Rule of 3 Works
Have you ever noticed that grouping things in 3 pleases the eye?
The next time you’re decorating, place a set of three candle sticks on your mantel and see the effect they create.
Then add on another, and you’ll notice the difference!
Odd numbers create this sense of asymmetry, which is not only visually intriguing but also adds a modern touch to the space. Even numbers, on the other hand, lend a more traditional touch.
How To Apply The Rule of 3
The 60-30-10 Color Rule
- 60 percent of the room has a background hue
- 30 percent is a secondary color.
- 10 percent will usually have an accent shade.
- This helps keep balance in the color palette—specifically the primary and accent colors—of the room.
Place your furniture in groupings of 3
- Sofa paired with two accent chairs.
- 3 bar stools placed next to your kitchen island.
- Dining table, set of chairs, buffet, or hutch
- These examples create balance, cohesion, and visual interest
Wall Art
- Gallery walls, choose odd numbers
- 3 framed pieces of art and clustering them asymmetrically.
- Hang three art pieces with a common theme
The Cardinal Rules of Interior Design
Rule #2: Keep Tile Flooring Consistent
If you’ve been mixing tiles in connected spaces—we’ve got some news for you. That’s a big 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.
Pro Tip
If you do have different tiles in different areas, use wood or carpet to smoothly transition between them.
Rule #3: Avoid Busy Countertops Paired with Busy Backsplash
We love bold statements. But let’s not make them argue with each other. In your kitchen, pick one—granite or backsplash—as the hero, and let the other play the supporting role. You’ll like it much better.
Rule #4: Take Shower Wall Tile All the Way to the Ceiling
Half-tiled walls? Nah, we’d rather call them half-baked brownies. Why stop before perfection? Allowing the tiles to go all the way up can make your bathroom feel tall and fancy. And not to forget, infinitely easier to clean.
Bathroom Shower Tile Rules
Take shower wall tile to the ceiling and when budget allows opt for a heavy glass frameless shower encloure
Rule #5: Just Say No to Carpet in Bathrooms
If you have carpet in your bathroom, we’ve got questions. Mostly, Why??? We mean, you can have carpet in the bedroom, the living room, the dining room.
The bathroom doesn’t need it—and it is, in fact, against the basic rules of interior decorating.
That’s because carpeted bathrooms are unhygienic, impractical, and actually outdated. Replace it with tile, luxury vinyl, or waterproof flooring so anyone walking in knows you do know how to decorate.
Living Spaces That Fall Flat
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 that’s not much to worry about. Toss a throw blanket on the sofa; lay down a rug; add some woven accents like a basket—and there you go!
Rule #7: Hide Cords and Remove Price Tags
Visible cords and dangling price tags announce, “Hey, I just moved in”. And a seasoned designer wouldn’t want that vibe. Buy some cord covers. And take 5 minutes to peel the price tags off. Your space will look so much more mature.
Rule #8: Say No to Thin Curtain Rods and Short Curtains
If you’re hoping your decor lasts, this is one of the decoration rules to take seriously. No thin rods and no curtains that end in the middle of… nowhere.
In fact, thin rods and high-water curtains are the sartorial equivalent of wearing socks with sandals 😬 Go for sturdy rods, and let your curtains kiss the floor.
Bedroom Decor Faux Pas
Rule #9: Cover Your Box Spring
If you want to show you know how to decorate, try not to leave those mattresses and box springs exposed.
A platform bed entirely omits the box spring—so that can be a good option. Or you can use a tailored bed skirt to cover the box springs up.
Rule #10: Say Goodbye to “Bed in a Bag”
As convenient as matchy-matchy sets are—they’re sooo outdated!
These don’t add any sort of character to your space. Instead, you want to layer different quality pieces for that bespoke look which shows that you’ve put in the effort!
Rule #11: Steam Your Bedding and Curtains
Wrinkled sheets and droopy curtains aren’t in line with home decor rules.
They can ruin the entire vibe of a polished room. And that’s why—even if it sounds like an extra chore—you should spare the time to get rid of those wrinkles. Investing in a handheld steamer is an easy fix. A quick pass, and voila, instant luxury.
Lighting and Finishing Touches
Rule #12: Match Your Light Bulbs
One warm, one cool, one daylight? Nope. Layering lighting doesn’t mean choosing all sorts of color temperatures.
Interior decorating rules encourage you to pick one lane (aka: a color temperature) and then stick to it. If you’re not yet familiar, you can read about color temperature here.
Rule #13: Don’t Overdo Metal Finishes
You’ve probably heard that one of the rules for decorating is adding metallic finishes. They sure are chic—but only when done correctly.
This means doing no more than 2-types of finishes (choosing the ones that complement each other) per room. Any more than this can be overwhelming.
When it comes to rug size matters
Size matters much more than you might think. Select a rug too small and the room feels disjointed. A rug that’s too big won’t leave enough walking space to maneuver around the room. No one wants the dining chairs half on and half off of the rug.
It’s the true mark of an amateur.
Rug Buying Tip!
As a rule of thumb, ensure all front legs of your furniture rest on the rug in living rooms, and for dining areas, choose a rug that extends at least 24 inches beyond the table to allow chairs to slide in and out comfortably.
Rule #14 Dont Hang Art Too High
This was my mother’s biggest pet peeve. I can just hear her now, “Eye level! Art should always be hung at eye level!”
As a kid, I remember thinking, Eye level? Whose eye level? My 6’7” dad’s or my 4’0” aunt’s?
The general rule is to hang art so the center is 57-60 inches from the floor, which is considered the average eye level for most people.
This way, it feels balanced and works well for a variety of heights—even if your family ranges from 4’0″ to 6’7″! If you’re hanging art above furniture, like a sofa, keep the bottom of the piece about 6-8 inches above the furniture for a cohesive look.
Final Thoughts on the Rules of Interior Design
Here’s a refined version of your text with a smoother flow and an approachable 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 feels like it was pulled straight from Pinterest.
But wait—there’s more! The beauty of interior design is its flexibility. While these rules are great starting points, don’t be afraid to bend them a little to match your style. One golden rule that always applies? Create a space that feels authentically you. If that means switching things up or breaking a few rules here and there, go for it!
We’re curious—what are your favorite decorating rules? Share them in the comments below. We might just borrow a few for ourselves!
