Decorating
Styling: Why Three is the Magic Number
Forget pairs and fours – a trio of objects, from dining chairs to house plants, looks happily harmonious and beautiful
It’s a tried and trusted piece of styling wisdom that objects look best arranged in odd numbers, not even. Groups of three or five look more interesting than those based around two or four items. It’s something to do with the eye having a central object to rest on, neatly flanked by an even number of other pieces. At least, that’s the considered explanation. On a more ‘gut’ level, groups of three are simply more appealing, diverse and exciting than a pair of objects can ever be. So to celebrate the power of three, here are 10 different ways to turn up the style with a trio.
Group three vases
Three vases make an attractive but simple table centrepiece. For harmony, stick to one material (in this case, clear glass), but use three differently shaped vessels to add variety and energy to the display.
Three vases make an attractive but simple table centrepiece. For harmony, stick to one material (in this case, clear glass), but use three differently shaped vessels to add variety and energy to the display.
Arrange three objects
Three objects of different shapes and sizes can still group beautifully together if you choose them in a shared colour or material. These faceted stones show off many tones that all blend into a perfect whole.
Three objects of different shapes and sizes can still group beautifully together if you choose them in a shared colour or material. These faceted stones show off many tones that all blend into a perfect whole.
Line up three plants
A long dining table cries out for a row of three objects. Candlesticks, vases, jugs – whatever takes your fancy. Here, three matching pots holding house plants look neat and stylish, and add a touch of rich colour to the neutral scheme.
A long dining table cries out for a row of three objects. Candlesticks, vases, jugs – whatever takes your fancy. Here, three matching pots holding house plants look neat and stylish, and add a touch of rich colour to the neutral scheme.
Select three tubs
Colourful plastic tubs are a useful addition to any child’s room, providing lots of storage space for toys, Lego and teddies. Arranging different coloured tubs in a line turns this humble piece of kit into an eye-catching arrangement.
Colourful plastic tubs are a useful addition to any child’s room, providing lots of storage space for toys, Lego and teddies. Arranging different coloured tubs in a line turns this humble piece of kit into an eye-catching arrangement.
Put up three pictures
Simple, but so effective, a row of three identically sized pictures creates impact on a white wall. Choose matching frames for a cohesive display.
Simple, but so effective, a row of three identically sized pictures creates impact on a white wall. Choose matching frames for a cohesive display.
Scatter three cushions
These cushions neatly demonstrate the beauty of three. A single cushion stands at the front, balanced visually and physically by two other cushions behind, which match each other. They create a pleasingly symmetrical look.
These cushions neatly demonstrate the beauty of three. A single cushion stands at the front, balanced visually and physically by two other cushions behind, which match each other. They create a pleasingly symmetrical look.
Pull up three chairs
Two rows of three chairs pulled up to this oblong table look neat and welcoming. Keeping the table ends chair-free further helps draw attention to the neat, trio arrangement.
Two rows of three chairs pulled up to this oblong table look neat and welcoming. Keeping the table ends chair-free further helps draw attention to the neat, trio arrangement.
Team three with three
Repeating sets of three objects around a room creates a strong, considered look. Here, three bar stools are mirrored above by three pendant lights, but a display of china on the rear wall is a little looser to prevent the room looking too regimented.
Get the lowdown on bar stools
Repeating sets of three objects around a room creates a strong, considered look. Here, three bar stools are mirrored above by three pendant lights, but a display of china on the rear wall is a little looser to prevent the room looking too regimented.
Get the lowdown on bar stools
Stack three cushions
Try arranging three items in a stack. Books, throws, bowls or, as here, cushions suddenly look styled, rather than just put down, when organised in a pile, with the smallest item at the top.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of decorating with odd numbers? Please share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Try arranging three items in a stack. Books, throws, bowls or, as here, cushions suddenly look styled, rather than just put down, when organised in a pile, with the smallest item at the top.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of decorating with odd numbers? Please share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
A trio of pendant lights looks both practical and stylish. Ideally, hang them over a surface (three pendants hanging in the middle of an empty room might look rather lost). Suspending them over a kitchen worktop or island is a popular route, or try hanging them over a dining table, as here.
See a selection of perfect pendant lights