The 60/40 rule in interior design is a simple principle used to create balance and visual clarity within a space. It helps designers decide how much emphasis to place on different colours, materials, or design elements so that a room feels intentional rather than cluttered or undecided.
In commercial interiors, particularly offices, the 60/40 rule plays an important role in shaping how a space feels to work in. It can influence focus, comfort, movement, and even how people perceive a brand when they walk through the door.
This guide explains what the 60/40 rule is, how it works, how it compares to similar design rules, and how it can be applied effectively across different office environments.
Key takeaways
- The 60/40 rule creates a clear visual hierarchy in a space
- It is most commonly used for colour but also applies to materials and layout
- Offices benefit from the rule because it reduces visual noise
- The rule can be adapted for reception areas, breakout spaces, and meeting rooms
- Designers use it as a guide rather than a strict formula
What is the 60/40 rule in interior design?
At its simplest, the 60/40 rule divides a space into two dominant visual portions. One element takes the lead, while the other plays a supporting role.
The basic principle behind the rule
The idea is that around 60 percent of a space should be made up of a dominant element, while 40 percent provides contrast. This contrast could be another colour, a material, a texture, or even a different type of furniture.
For example:
- 60 percent neutral walls and flooring
- 40 percent contrasting furniture, finishes, or feature elements
- The dominant portion establishes consistency, while the remaining portion prevents the space from feeling flat or monotonous.
Where the rule originally comes from
The 60/40 rule draws on long standing principles of balance and proportion used in art, architecture, and office design. Humans naturally respond well to spaces where one element clearly leads and others support it. Over time, interior designers translated this idea into a practical guideline that clients could easily understand.
Helping decisions feel intentional rather than accidental
Spaces that lack a clear design structure often feel pieced together over time. The 60/40 rule encourages designers to make conscious choices, ensuring each element has a purpose rather than being added as an afterthought.
Creating visual balance in a space
When elements are evenly split, such as a 50/50 colour scheme, the result often feels unsettled. The eye has no clear focal point. By contrast, a 60/40 split introduces hierarchy, helping the office space feel calm and resolved.
This is particularly important in workplaces, where overstimulation can affect concentration.
Why designers use the 60/40 rule
Interior design involves hundreds of decisions. The 60/40 rule helps simplify those decisions without restricting creativity.
How the 60/40 rule works in practice
The rule can be applied in several different ways, depending on the space and its function.
Applying the rule to colour schemes
This is the most common application. In offices, the dominant 60 percent is often a neutral or muted tone that supports focus, while the 40 percent introduces contrast or brand colour.
For example:
- 60 percent soft greys or warm whites
- 40 percent darker office furniture, joinery, or feature walls
- The result is professional without feeling bland.
Using the rule with materials and textures
Materials carry visual weight just like colour. A space dominated by hard surfaces can feel cold, while too many textures can feel chaotic.
A balanced approach might look like:
- 60 percent smooth finishes such as plasterboard, glass, or metal
- 40 percent softer finishes such as fabric panels, timber, or acoustic elements
- This combination supports both comfort and acoustics in office environments.
Balancing furniture and visual weight
Furniture size, shape, and density also contribute to visual balance. Heavier furniture pieces often dominate visually, even if they occupy less physical space.
Using the 60/40 rule helps designers balance larger desks, storage units, or meeting tables with lighter elements such as open shelving or soft seating.
Applying the 60/40 rule to office interiors
Offices are not single purpose spaces. Each area benefits from a slightly different interpretation of the rule.
Open plan office spaces
Open plan areas benefit from consistency. Using one dominant palette across most of the floorplate helps unify the space, while the remaining 40 percent can be used to subtly differentiate zones.
This might include:
- Different furniture colours for collaboration areas.
- Feature lighting or finishes around meeting zones.
The space feels cohesive while still supporting different ways of working.
Reception areas and first impressions
Reception spaces are often where the rule is used most deliberately. A dominant material or colour sets the tone, while contrasting elements guide attention.
A common approach might be:
- 60 percent calm, neutral finishes that feel welcoming.
- 40 percent brand colour, logo walls, or feature lighting.
This creates a strong first impression without overwhelming visitors.
Meeting rooms and boardrooms
In meeting rooms, the dominant portion often supports focus and professionalism, while contrast adds character.
For example:
- 60 percent neutral walls, tables, and flooring
- 40 percent darker finishes, upholstered chairs, or acoustic panels
This balance prevents rooms from feeling either too stark or too informal.
Breakout areas and collaboration spaces
Breakout spaces allow more flexibility. Designers often increase contrast here while still maintaining balance.
The 60/40 rule helps ensure these spaces feel energising without becoming visually chaotic. Bolder colours, textures, or furniture shapes can form the 40 percent, layered onto a consistent backdrop.
The 60/40 rule and furniture to open space ratios
In office design, the 60/40 rule can also refer to furniture versus open space, rather than colour or materials.
Understanding space density in offices
An overcrowded office feels stressful, while an overly sparse one can feel unwelcoming. Designers often aim for a balance where:
- Around 60 percent of the space is occupied by furniture and functional elements
- Around 40 percent remains open for circulation, movement, and visual breathing room
This ratio supports comfort, accessibility, and flexibility.
Why this matters in modern workplaces
Hybrid working and flexible layouts mean offices must adapt quickly. Maintaining a healthy balance between furniture and open space makes reconfiguration easier and supports different working styles.
Other interior design rules similar to the 60/40 rule
The 60/40 rule is one of several guidelines designers use to create balanced spaces.
The 60/30/10 rule explained
The 60/30/10 rule builds on similar principles but introduces a third layer.
- 60 percent dominant colour
- 30 percent secondary colour
- 10 percent accent colour
This approach works well in layered or decorative interiors, such as hospitality or residential spaces. In offices, it is often used in client facing areas where more visual interest is appropriate.
The 3-5-7 rule in interior design
The 3-5-7 rule is less about proportions and more about grouping. It suggests using odd numbers of items to create more natural, visually pleasing arrangements.
In office interiors, this might apply to:
- Grouping pendant lights above tables
- Arranging artwork or wall features
- Styling shelving or display areas
Odd numbered groupings tend to feel less rigid and more organic.
How designers choose which rule to use
Professional designers rarely rely on a single rule. Instead, they combine principles based on:
The function of the space
- Brand identity
- Size and layout
- User behaviour
The 60/40 rule is often the foundation, with other rules layered on where appropriate.
Common mistakes when using the 60/40 rule
Even simple rules can be misapplied.
Treating the percentages too literally
Office interior designers do not measure exact surface areas. The rule is about visual impact, not mathematical precision. A small feature wall can carry more weight than a large floor area.
Applying the same balance to every space
Different areas require different levels of contrast. What works in a breakout space may not work in a focus zone. The rule should adapt to function.
FAQs about the 60/40 rule in interior design
Is the 60/40 rule suitable for small offices?
Yes. In interior design for small offices, the rule helps prevent visual clutter by establishing a clear dominant element.
Can the 60/40 rule be used with brand colours?
Absolutely. Brand colours often form the 40 percent, layered onto a neutral dominant base.
Does the rule apply to lighting design?
It can. Interior designers often balance general lighting with feature or task lighting using similar principles.
Do professional office designers always follow the 60/40 rule?
No. It is a starting point rather than a rulebook. Experience and context always guide final decisions.
