figure pro share tips and representative for this trick that helps you create balanced quad .
pic by Marc Mauldin / Courtesy Elle Du Monde
Arranging furniture , decorating a way , andstyling a bookshelfrequire get a configuration that feels right-hand . But as you work out the layout , identifying what makes the space expect off can be a challenge . The formula of third is one technique you’re able to use to help you find that perfect balance when adorn your home .

Credit:Photo by Marc Mauldin / Courtesy Elle Du Monde
What Is the Rule of Thirds?
“ The rule of third is a invention tool used to make balance in a room with piece of furniture and decor by examining a space through a symmetric storage-battery grid , ” suppose designer Lindye Gallow of Lindye Galloway Studio . “ The grid guide spacing and proportion through dividing up the authorship horizontally and vertically into left over , right , and center office to serve you create visual harmony in your distance , ” Galloway adds .
The rule of tierce is not a strict prescript so much as it is a way to help you repose out a space or measure an system . “ You desire to create optic balance without the distance feeling force or too harmonious . This technique allows an well-off means to make trusted the way is weighted right , ” says designer Elle Cantrell of Elle Du Monde .
How to Use the Rule of Thirds
To use the rule of thirds , think of split the outer space you ’re dress into a grid with three columns and three rows , or nine box . This allows you to take in the elbow room in one-third , so you could compare balance between upper , middle , and lower third , as well as between left , right , and centre .
“ While typically used to represent out the composition of a room , the gridiron can also be applied to smaller spaces in the home where interior decoration is displayed , such asfireplace mantels , built - ins , or shelves , ” say Galloway .
Cantrell says comparing area of the power grid “ allows you to check the balance of the space and overall report , ” whether you ’re laying out an entrance or a home office . As you mentally impose the grid over the space , “ look at how colors , textures , and value compare in each square , ” Cantrell advises . “ The shapes and forms in each square can vary as long as the grid appears balanced in visual weight . ”

Cantrell used the stained desk and beams to play off of one another for visual balance. The built-ins along the back wall flank the window to create three equal parts.Credit:Photo by Marc Mauldin / Courtesy Elle Du Monde
Tips for Using the Rule of Thirds
As you begin take the rule of third base , Galloway allege to bug out small .
“ quiz out the rulebyplacing decor on open such as deep brown tablesor bookshelves to play around with their placement . That way , you could practice make balance before work up to arranging big items that make a bigger impact in your quad , such as artwork or furniture . ” Cantrell adds that you’re able to render the rule of thirds when determining the routine of pillow on a plane section or dressing a seam .
“ Odd numbers tend to be more pleasing to the eye,”says Cantrell , whether you ’re evaluating one - third or compare the overall control grid . The rule of third may be confused with the normal of three , but they ’re different . The prescript of threerefers to the strength of grouping three particular together , from furniture to cosmetic emphasis . The rule of three may be apply while designing a space using the rule of third base . “ While you ’ll want to make certain you ’re grouping your object together in set of three , feel free to try out with a assortment of interior decoration with dissimilar build , textures , and heights to maintain counterpoise while also bringing visual interest to your distance , ” adds Galloway .

To create balance in a room with bold colors, Cantrell incorporated white oak into the back of the open shelving as well as the island.Credit:Photo by Marc Mauldin / Courtesy Elle Du Monde
“ Do n’t discount your floors!”says Galloway . by rights positioning rugs can make a big remainder when creating balance through the rule of thirds . “ For example , if the coffee table is arrange central to the outer space , you ’ll want to put a rug at once underneath and arrange extra furniture around the country to hold symmetry . Ifopting for a small carpet , ensure the carpeting covers one - third of the area to reserve for the other element in the room to endure out . ”