The color of the walls is an aspect that completely changes the sensations and the personality of our home. And contrary to popular belief, we don't need to limit ourselves to a single key to create a harmonious space. If we know how to mix them proportionally we will obtain comfortable, dynamic, and original decorations using more than two colors.

The best thing is that we can try disruptive combinations without the rooms losing their balance, and this is only possible by following the 60-30-10 color rule. So this time we will talk about how to paint the walls with this effective guide and thus expand our renovation options.

What is the 60-30-10 color rule?

These measurements or numbers correspond to the percentage of color that we will use within a room. Therefore, it is necessary that we select three colors: a dominant one, a secondary one, and an accent one. The dominant color will be the one that covers 60% of the decoration; the secondary color, 30%, and the accent color, 10%, although it should be noted that the rule is totally flexible.

If our tastes or the style that we want to recreate require other proportions, we can adjust them, however, the function of each color must always be taken into account to distribute them correctly, and thus obtain the perfect counterbalance.

How to paint the house with this color guide?

Once we understand how the 60-30-10 rule works, it's time to make the color selection. Here we tell you what to take into account for each one.

Dominant color

It is the color that catches the eye, the one that stands out and sets the style of the room, so it is best to choose one that is easy to combine. Neutral colors, such as beige, grey, white, or cream, in their lighter shades, are a good alternative, since they provide light and spaciousness. Although if we prefer something more colorful, pastel tones also help to achieve a soft and balanced environment.






For example, if we have a baby's room, a pastel blue, yellow or pink color could be applied to all the walls, creating a feeling of delicacy and tenderness; while in a living room or dining room, beige or white will bring elegance and naturalness. This does not mean that we cannot use medium or deep colors, such as navy blue, oxford grey, coffee, or even black, but these should only be chosen if our rooms are large and have enough light inputs.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the dominant color should not be left only on the walls, it can also be used on carpets or furniture, as long as we make sure that it is really fulfilling its role as the main color.

Secondary color

It is the color that will break with the uniformity of the decoration, making it more interesting and dynamic. Usually, it is the tone that is used on sofas, tables, chests of drawers, large rugs, quilts, and even curtains, although it is also common to find it on one of the walls. If any of our walls have designs or details, such as recesses or protruding areas, this color can be applied there; although it can also be integrated into the background wall of the television or as the head of our bed in the bedroom.

If our dominant color is a neutral color, such as white, gray, or beige, the secondary color can be quite strong and striking, such as aqua green, mustard, or red, while if the dominant color is a dark color, light tones such as secondary element will be essential to create points of light, not to visually lose square meters and give timelessness to the environment.

There are also cases in which the secondary color makes use of strong and striking tones, generating contrast with our main color. This combination is classic in rooms or creative spaces, such as entertainment rooms or children's bedrooms. An example would be the combination of a red and a blue wall, or even lemon green. This is also useful when we have open spaces (living-dining room or dining kitchen) and we want to divide them by means of different colors on the walls.

Accent color

It works like the final brushstrokes of our painting. We apply it to accessories or decorative elements such as cushions, paintings, flowers, vases, etc., thus adding the final touch to our setting. Since this color appears in small doses, it is even possible to use several colors, as long as they combine harmoniously with each other. The most common accent colors are silver, gold, and black, although it is also possible to find more intense ones such as red, yellow, orange, or green, which will make all eyes focus on them.



If we decide to use two striking colors, it is important to value the space where they will share prominence, because this way they will not compete with each other and we will not saturate the image of the room either. The best thing is that, since they are decorative objects that are easy to change, year after year we can adjust them to the new color trends and stay at the forefront without incurring large expenses.

Discover how to paint with these tips

White never fails

It is a fact that the options are endless when it comes to choosing colors, but if we want to play it safe and guarantee a harmonious, cozy space that combines with everything, white paint is the solution. We can use it on the walls, furniture, and upholstery, and contrast it with wooden floors or color on the ceiling. In addition, it helps us create well-lit environments, ideal in small spaces.

A winning combination is white and beige as the dominant colors, and black as an accent color since it creates modern environments and even gives rise to Nordic or industrial style decorations, also adding elements in metal (steel or chrome) and wood, such as lamps or shelves.

Define paint cans

For the result to be totally professional, before painting the house you have to accurately measure the square meters of the room, because that way we will know how many cans of paint to buy. We must take the dimensions of both the walls and the ceiling, and consider additional meters so that we have a little product left over. It is normal for paint to be lost on the roller or brushes, and on the containers themselves.

Cover furniture, edges, and sockets

If we do not want to dirty or damage our furniture and floors, then we need to protect everything with plastic or newspaper. In the case of sockets or door frames, it is important to apply approximately 24 mm tape, since this will make it easier for us to paint the corners and edges of the walls well.

Essential materials

It is also essential that we have all the tools ready to apply the paint. This way we will not waste time on the task and we will obtain the desired finish. It is recommended to use round brushes for the walls and flat brushes if we are going to paint wood, they are also quite practical for painting corners or edges, or giving the final details to the finish.

On the contrary, a roller will be very useful, if our surfaces are quite high and large. The option is to purchase a 22 cm drop roller made of microfiber or polyamide so that it absorbs and distributes the paint well. To facilitate the application of paint on the ceiling, it must be completed with a roller extension stick, which will also make the execution safer.

Prepare the walls and ceilings

Another aspect that should not be missing is the preparation of the surfaces. If the walls and ceiling are damp, the first thing to do is apply waterproofing to the walls. On the contrary, if there are cracks or holes, it will be necessary to fill them with putty or mortar and unify them with sandpaper so that the surface remains uniform. Now, if the walls are in good condition and we only want to change the color, then it is enough to add a layer of Primer, which will allow the new paint to better fix.

How to correctly apply the paint?

Finally, all that remains is to do the correct application of the paint to avoid marks once it dries. We start by painting the ceiling, in this way we avoid drops or unexpected runoff that stains the walls. Later, we move on to the walls. The idea is to do the strokes from top to bottom so that the application cuts are not so noticeable. In addition, the use of the roller will make the brush strokes continuous and the same amount of paint is maintained in each layer.

Now that we know how to paint our rooms harmoniously, using the 60-30-10 rule, we can give our home a new look and get professional finishes. Let's not forget to use quality products that allow us to obtain clean and durable finishes.