The Golden Ratio of Design: Mastering the 60-30-10 Rule

Have you ever visited a website that felt "too loud" or, conversely, too boring? Achieving the perfect visual balance isn't about luck—it’s about a classic interior design principle that has taken the digital world by storm: The 60-30-10 Rule.

Think of this rule as the "Golden Ratio" for your color palette. By following these specific proportions, you can create a professional, high-converting interface that feels organized and easy on the eyes.

🏛️ 60% Primary: The Base

The largest portion of your design should be dedicated to your primary color. This is your "backdrop."

• Where to use it: Main backgrounds, large content blocks, and negative space.

• The Strategy: Keep this color neutral. Whether it’s a clean white, a soft grey, or a deep midnight blue, a neutral base allows your design to breathe. It prevents "visual fatigue" and ensures that your content remains the star of the show.

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🎨 30% Secondary: The Support

Once your foundation is set, use your secondary color to bring the design to life. This is where your brand personality starts to shine.

• Where to use it: Headlines, sub-headers, sidebars, and custom icons.

• The Strategy: This color should complement your primary base while providing enough contrast to stand out. It adds depth and structure, helping the user distinguish between different sections of your site.

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🎯 10% Accent: The Spotlight

This is the most powerful part of the rule. Your accent color is your "Action" color—the "Pop" that everyone talks about.

• Where to use it: Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons, pop-ups, notification badges, and key links.

• The Strategy: Use this color sparingly. Because it only occupies 10% of the design, the human eye is naturally drawn to it. If you use it everywhere, it loses its power. Use it ONLY where you want the user to click.

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Why It Works

The 60-30-10 rule works because it creates a visual hierarchy.

1. The 60% relaxes the eye.

2. The 30% guides the eye through the information.

3. The 10% tells the eye exactly what to do next.

By sticking to these proportions, you eliminate the guesswork and ensure your website looks polished, intentional, and ready for results.

Ready to transform your site? 

Try applying this ratio to your next landing page and watch how much more professional your brand feels.