60 30 20 Rule: How to Balance Home Decor Spending for Maximum Impact
When you’re redesigning your home, the 60 30 20 rule, a simple budgeting framework for interior design that divides spending into three clear categories: 60% for foundational pieces, 30% for secondary items, and 20% for decorative accents. It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about where you spend it. Too many people buy a $2,000 sofa, then blow the rest on throw pillows and wall art that don’t hold up. The 60 30 20 rule fixes that by forcing you to think in layers. Think of it like building a house: you start with the foundation, then the walls, then the paint and trim.
The 60%, the largest portion, goes to major furniture and structural elements that define the room’s function and flow. This includes your sofa, bed, dining table, or built-in shelving—things you live with every day and can’t easily swap out. If you’re spending $10,000 total, $6,000 should land here. That’s why posts like Is $2000 Too Much for a Sofa? and What Adds $100,000 to Your House? make sense—they’re talking about the 60% pieces that anchor value and comfort. The 30%, the middle layer, covers secondary furniture and functional decor that support the main pieces. Think area rugs, side tables, curtains, or storage units like wall-mounted vacuum holders or under-bed bins. These are the items that tie the room together without dominating it. That’s why guides on How to Maximize Storage in a Small House and Where to Store a Vacuum in No Closet? fit perfectly here—they’re about smart, functional upgrades that don’t break the bank. And then there’s the 20%, the finishing touch: art, plants, candles, pillows, and small accessories that add personality. This is where you get creative. A framed print, a new set of towels, or a single plant can transform a space. That’s exactly what How to Decorate Bathroom with Simple Things and Best Relaxing Color for a Bathroom are about—small changes with big emotional impact. The rule works because it stops you from overbuying in one area and leaving the rest bare. It’s not magic—it’s math with taste.
You’ll find all these ideas in the posts below. Whether you’re fixing a tiny bathroom, choosing your first real sofa, or just wondering why your living room feels off, the 60 30 20 rule gives you a clear path forward. No guesswork. No trends. Just smart, balanced spending that makes your home feel complete—not cluttered.
