The “Double Everything” Rule Will Make Your Bathroom Instantly Look More Luxe

Good home design — although “good” is subjective — can sometimes be full of contradictions. Take, for example, the “3-5-7” rule, which says odd numbers are disruptive for the eye and should be used in compositions, vignettes, and groupings around the home to catch people’s attention. But just as many designers advocate for symmetry in design, particularly when it comes to larger features and furniture. And that’s kind of where the “Double Everything” rule comes into play. To make your bathroom look more luxe, designers say to have two of everything — from vanities and mirrors to lighting and even showers. 

Designer Susan Strauss, founder of Susan Strauss Design, is a big proponent of this twinning trend. “If space permits, having a double vanity — and even more so showers in a primary bathroom — transforms the space into a luxurious retreat,” Strauss says. “Not only for convenience but also for a sense of indulgence, it provides both the elegance and functionality to coexist.”

The design principle at the heart of this rule is symmetry. Twos of anything create balance and harmony, and that’s simply appealing. If you have the space, a double vanity not only creates an orderly focal point in a bathroom, but it also offers you extra storage space and a place for another person to get ready, if you don’t live alone and need to be out the door around the same time. Topping that vanity with twin mirrors and sconces reinforces that symmetry. It’s also a great way to brighten up a darker bathroom, since mirrors always bounce around whatever natural light comes in. 

Obviously, you have to have the space to double up your bathroom features and fixtures, especially if you want to try the luxe double shower situation. But there’s also a way to make this trend work in a small space or a rental. If you’re lacking light, you could always flank a single mirror with two battery operated sconces or remote-controlled LED light bulbs. 

And if lighting is out of the question, double up on your textiles. A pair of hand towels look fancier than one, and the same goes for shower curtains — two are always better. Just ask home decor expert Sophie Donelson, who used doubled-up showered curtains in her former New York City home. “In my last bathroom, I hung two shower curtains, which I will do forever from here on out,” Donelson said of her former space. “The very act of parting the curtains to enter the shower feels old-fashioned, like you’re entering a private chamber, which is exactly what a shower is.”

So there you have it. If you’re planning a bathroom reno — or just want to update the space you have — think about the “Double Everything” rule. It’s a guaranteed way to make your space look more luxe, and it can be done in some capacity in rooms small or large, whether you rent or own.