How to Mix and Match Furniture

Whether it's done out of necessity or for an eclectic flair, mixing and matching furniture pieces can bring a sense of style and cohesion to a room. Sometimes you have simply no choice but to mix and match, such as when your favorite furniture set is suddenly discontinued and you must replace one of the pieces. Whether you need to make a quick match or are simply trying to stay in budget, you can successfully mix and match furniture by playing off common elements and themes. Look below to learn how to mix and match furniture.

Mixing and Matching Furniture:

Match colors and patterns

Accent a sage green sofa with a wingback chair in a complementary sand or taupe color. Add a throw blanket to the back of a wooden chair that reflects the same shades of earth-tone colors. Top the coffee table with a glass bowl full of natural potpourri made of a mix of pinecones and dried flowers in varying tones of green.

For more tips on mixing patterns, check out Mixing Patterns 101.

Coordinate the weight of furniture and accessories

If your dining room features a heavy, rectangular oak dining table, coordinate with square-back chairs in a similar wood finish. Forgo delicate chairs for a style that evokes sturdiness. Frame artwork with lightweight and narrow wooden frames that match the finish of the table. Temper the heavy look of the room by mixing in a delicate touch. Place fragile crystal candle holders and a porcelain statue in the center of the dining table. Add potted plants with gently flowing foliage to the room.

Mix and match wood finishes

If you’ve started designing your living room with honey-blond maple, try adding an end table or bookcase in dark walnut as an accent. Coordinate the wood choices in the room by hanging wooden picture frames of each wood finish represented in the room.

Follow a time period theme

If the focal point of your living room is an antique lamp that belonged to your great-grandmother, pair it with an end table that resembles the same time period. Hang paintings that showcase scenes from days gone by. Mix in a few modern focal points for variety. Add a chaise lounge covered in crushed velvet. Position tall ceramic floor pots with floral arrangements in the corners for a colorful touch.

Play up a classic style with a new twist

Pair your low, glass-covered Japanese-inspired dining table with rice paper lamps. Choose a chest of drawers or a buffet with classic Asian artwork on inlaid panels. Then hang modern framed photographs of Japanese street scenes on the wall. Accent the room with bright plush rugs and chic square-style dinner plates.