I’m a collector, I love my clutter, it’s part of my unusual style. But I knew I was taking things a bit too far as I struggled to find any room to add the new pieces I had picked up, and things were starting to look a little out of place. So I went back to basics and tried an old interior design rule – the 3-5-7 rule.
Also known as the rule of thirds, or simply decorating with odd numbers, the designers told me that this not-so-secret interior design tip will help me keep that unruly look that I love so much, but make it appear clean and tidy.
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What is the 3-5-7 style rule?
(Image credit: Future)
Let’s first clarify what the 3-5-7 rule is.
Perfectly summed up by interior designer Mollie Ranize of Dmar Interiors, the 3-5-7 style rule is a simple but effective principle that brings visual balance and interest to any arrangement. By arranging things in odd numbers – three, five, or seven, you create a natural rhythm that guides the eye and enhances the overall composition.’
Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein has long used this method to create interesting displays. He says, ‘In design, balance is everything, but balance doesn’t always mean harmony. Apply the 3-5-7 style rule, a plan to arrange vignettes, style shelves, organize throw pillows, or pull any decorative display. Based on the simple idea that odd numbers are more attractive than others, this rule provides an approachable framework for creating that elusive “idle” look.
What I learned from the 3-5-7 style rule and where it worked best
(Image credit: Future)
To see if this trend was worth all the hype, I thought it would be wise to focus on the most prominent and always attention-grabbing area, the fireplace.
At first, my mantel decoration consisted of many pieces lined up in a row. Admittedly, the arrangement was not well known, which meant that some parts stood out more than others. So, I removed everything, placed a large framed picture in the middle of the area, and worked around it, arranging smaller pieces in threes and fives, making little decorative pockets on either side of the central picture.
The result was a more thoughtful display of pieces that all worked together and had a purpose both individually and collectively. But, it’s important to vary the length, shape and form when working with odd numbers, as it’s the variation that makes the arrangement sing. When I asked Nina directly about my mantelpiece, which has a lot of candles, she explained, ‘Three identical candles won’t do much, but a long taper, a squat pillar, and a simple tea light holder? Magic.’
He adds that it is better to divide into groups or colors. He says, ‘The elements in a group of odd numbers should not be the same, but they should communicate with each other in some way. Similar sounds, instruments, or similar ideas help bring a group together.’
CB2
Kava Warm Glass Taper Candle Holders Set of 3
This beautiful set of candles will elevate any empty outfit, providing the perfect amount of height and variety when paired with other small pieces.
Net A Porter
ASTIER DE VILLATTE Pique ceramic vase
Fill this vintage-inspired vase with pretty sticks and place it in the heart of your mantle with tall candles for a statement display that completes the 3-5-7 pattern.
Anthropology
In Hunt Wall Art
No beautiful mantel is complete without a framed picture, and this detailed dog picture is hard to resist. Just remember to think about the decor around the picture before you hang it.
(Image credit: Zack DeZon / Moore House Design)
The beauty of the 3-5-7 pattern is the impact it makes, even if you decorate the rack with small trinkets or rearrange pieces of clothing in different heights and shapes. By appreciating the purpose of everything and keeping a keen eye, your overall arrangement will stand out and feel more cohesive.
Mollie says, ‘This technique is particularly useful when creating stylish shelves, where combining objects with different shapes, finishes and functions, such as candles, books, greenery, pottery and boxes, adds depth and personality.’
My bookshelf already had some order to it, all my books are sorted by color, but I wanted to test the order here to give them more depth. I decided to organize some of the scattered trinkets that adorn the shelves by placing them according to their height and style.
The tall ornament was placed next to the short ornament, like my ceramic jewelry dish next to my old mannequin arm. The pieces framed the bookshelf rather than just taking up space, giving it a place and importance among the books.
West Elm
Marble Donut Trinket Tray
Set among a group of other small trinkets, this marble tray will sparkle and bring a world of luxury to your bookshelves.
Purpose
Ribbed Milk Glass Bud/Bouquet Vase Mint Green – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
There’s nothing like a pop of color among endless bookshelves. This vintage-style vase will bring life to a single-sided shelf, especially when arranged with other ornaments of different shapes and heights.
Crate & Barrel
Oia Green Onyx Bookends, Group 2
Marble always elevates the surface, so this pair of onyx bookcases is a no-brainer if you want to bring some flair to your shelf. A bonus is that they will provide different heights when placed at either end of your stack.
(Image credit: Otta Design)
The last place I turned my attention to was the bed. No good bed idea is complete without a good set of throw pillows, so following the principles of 3-5-7, I removed the fourth pillow that was already on the bed.
Having just three pillows made each piece stand out more and stopped the space from feeling overwhelmed. Having one large sham in the center with two on either side meant that less space was taken up by the pile of cushions, giving each piece an equally attractive feel, making my throw pillows look more expensive.
Nina often uses an unusual number pattern for pillows. She told me, ‘Three throw pillows on a sofa can feel very deliberate and modern. Five works well for chairs or larger seats, adding just enough volume without being overpowering. The rule even extends to size differences within the group, for example, one oversized lumbar facing two regular squares, or three pillows of slightly different sizes and shapes to add character.’
West Elm
Modern Silk Stripe Bolster Pillow
This statement bolster pillow will bring life to plain white beds, transforming the space from drab to cozy and fun. Combine with two small square pillows for a thoughtful arrangement.
Purpose
Oblong Wood Block Floral Decorative Throw Pillow Camel/Mauve – Threshold™ by Studio McGee
Whether you place this beautiful pillow at the heart of your bed or use it to complement a larger pillow, there’s nothing like a good old fashioned pattern to bring character and warmth to a bed.
Purpose
Euro Ruffled Pillow Sham – New Ideas
Looking at the clearly designed box, this elegant sham would look great in the middle of the bed or as a pair, making a statement that invites you to relax and admire your new display.
I wasn’t sure how much of a difference the odd number style would make, but after testing this method, there’s a reason it’s a long-established method, as it made a real difference to my project. Instead of simply showing off the good things without embracing them as a group, the 3-5-7 style approach meant that every part of the decor worked together to create a well-thought-out arrangement that gave it a balanced look.
A surprisingly simple rule, I would encourage you to try it at home by starting small. It may be as simple as arranging your throw pillows on your couch or bed. And once you see the success of this simple method, there are many other tips from stylists for each room that will help you create a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind home.
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