In decorating the rule of 3 is the golden rule! It is so simple, yet it works magically to create beauty and balance! It can be used in something as small as a vignette and as large as a room! Here are the basics so you can start using the rule of 3 in your home today!
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I just found out that I am a taddy bit Irish. I guess the name Lynch in my genealogy should have tipped me off! So this is the first year I am celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a sense of Irish belonging! I created a simple green and white arrangement for my kitchen table as a nod to my little bit of American Irish heritage!
Both the tulips and the seeded Eucalyptus came from our local grocery store. Tulips are beautiful alone but I thought I’d add some extra green for the love of the Irish! I rather like the fluff among the white tulips. How about you?
The rule of 3 is easily stated… a group of odd numbers is most pleasing to the eye. And a grouping of three is the most pleasing of all! This is a solid gold decorating rule! Actually, our brains think th iconic grouping of three things is simply sublime!
Look at this simple vignette. If it had only one thing in it the vignette would be bor-ring! And more than 5 just too crowded. But three grouped together is just right. Goldilocks knew all about the “just right” of three!
Now if you are counting you may count nine items in this vignette
Our eyes are smarter than you think! They don’t count the item that corrals a grouping such as a basket for a vignette or a rug for furniture! That is unless it is a show stopper!
And our eyes count the candlestick and candle as one. The stack of dishes with the vase full of tulips is one “grouping”.
What do you see in the vignette? Three things or nine? A real lesson in what we perceive and what is really there! Yes, our minds actually do play tricks on us!
All this time we have been discussing the golden rule of three but did you see the rule of three played out in another way in this vignette? How about the height of the objects. Yes, the things in the vignettte create a trio of heights. Again very pleasing to the eye!
This principle works for styling a coffee table, decorating a mantel, arranging furniture in a room and so much more. The rule of three is a classic decor principle and one you should use!
How simple… but simple is often best!
Good morning Yvonne,
I have a oval wicker tray on my coffee table and Have had only two items on it for the past few weeks. Just could not find the third item to add. Yesterday my dear husband brought me a bunch of Daffodils he picked along the road while walking the dogs. I placed them in a small brown pottery vase,added it or my vignette and now the rule of three has done it’s magic again.
Where did you find the basket you used for your “rule of three” vignette?
Hi Katie, see my note to Doreen.
Another awesome post StoneGable, love it.
love the basket and those tulips! so pretty, laura
Hi Laura, see note to Doreen.
God, Man, Earth was the way I learned the magical three.in 1975. It was part of designer training taught by Mary C Crowley who founded Home Interiors & Gifts. And for over 30 years I shared with all my guests at home decorating parties the magic of decorating. I enjoy you post as so many are like reliving all that I learned those 30+ years.
Love the white tulips and the greens.I have those same green and white plates.
Hi Doreen, I found this basket locally. I’ve been trying to find one like it online to have a source for something similar. Sorry, no luck yet.
Hi Yvonne!
I always admire your vignettes. Is that a new dinette table or am I mistaken? Your ideas are always so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your talents!
I love this lesson, I have always used the rule on flowers but never thought about the overall vignettes. I love your decorating ideas.
As always, your post makes me swoon! The rule of 3 and different heights is pure decor genius, thanks for reminding us! And btw, welcome to your Irish clan! I am half Irish, and use that excuse when I celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a wee drink or two! Thank you Yvonne for all your wonderful tips….And for sharing pix of your beautiful home!
You are so welcome. And thank you for welcoming me into the clan!
Loved your post,love the rule of three, I always use it..
Love your home, thank you for letting me come in…you are so welcoming. ..
Daphne
The rule of three is no surprise. It is the Trinity. Being made in God’s image, it is naturally pleasing to our eyes. No magic, just a beautiful blessing from our Father. Have a blessed day. Your home is beautiful.
I love the GATHER quote, where can I get this? Your decorating advice has made a big difference in my home , simply with using what I have.
Thank you
Hi Jo! I found the “Gather” quote locally. Sorry! I’m thrilled to hear StoneGable has helped you decorate!
Thank you for the designer secrets. I enjoy your blog every day and can’t wait to see what is next. I like the rule of three.
I am a recent subscriber. Found you through On Sutton Place – Ann Drake and absolutely love the way you all decorate, recipes etc. It’s interesting that you mention that you are Irish and you mention a surname of LYNCH. I do family history and I have my MOONEY (from PEI) that married a LYNCH and lived in Massachusetts, USA.
Welcome to the StoneGable family!So glad you found us!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I have passed on reading about decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas because so much as been on. So…I really enjoyed this!!
Hi Yvonne, I love the rule of 3! If you have a large space to cover, would a rule of 5 or 7 work? I have a large window box above my sink and my new mantel (finally painted the 2 story brick monstrosity to white and we’re building a massive cedar mantel this month!). So I’m thinking I need more big stuff in those two places, e.g., candle holders, vases, etc. Or maybe stick with rule of 3 and fill in with lower profile items?
Just FYI, my husband is foreign and they have this decorating philosophy of utter symmetry. Whenever they buy or display something, it’s an even number…always. Drives me insane…even before I knew about the rule of 3!
Oh my, I love this design idea. I will be using it throughout my home, this Christmas. Thank you. Stay safe.
You have such a warm way of decorating!
Thank you for all your tips!