How To Mix And Match Furniture
How to Mix and Match Furniture for a Cohesive Look Using Style and Color
Living room ensembles come with matching couches, chairs, and loveseats — sometimes, they even have matching end tables. Bedroom sets have a headboard, maybe a footboard, nightstands, and dressers, all in the same woodgrain or paint color and the same style.
While these furniture groups are still an option many people take advantage of, a growing trend today is to mix and match furniture to create a unique look that's as individual as the person doing the decorating. But how do you do that without your rooms looking like a college student's dorm room?
Have no fear. We have some tips on how to mix and match furniture like a pro.
Tip 1: Pick a Theme
Without direction, a mix and match approach turns into chaos. With that in mind, think about the vibe you want to create in your home before you make any decisions. Is it rustic, minimalist, modern, or eclectic? Whatever concept you decide on, each item you choose needs to fit in, and you need to love it.
Photo by Inside Weather on Unsplash
Tip 2: Select the Central Piece
When learning how to mix and match furniture, you have to start somewhere. Typically, that means creating a room's design based on one stunning statement piece that speaks to you. It can be a couch or a chair, for example, but your statement piece doesn't have to be the largest piece in the room. It could be an end table or an ottoman. In fact, the inspiration piece doesn't even have to be a piece of furniture. You can build a room around your favorite lamp, vase, wall hanging, or area rug, if that sparks your creativity.
Tip 3: Balance Differing Styles
Once you've picked your theme and the focal point, it's time to start mixing things up. The key here is not to go overboard with one style. If you've created a rustic theme and added something that's strictly modern, for example, the room won't be balanced. Aim for a selection of items that work together from different styles. If you're designing a living room and building around a vintage sofa, consider a modern coffee table and art deco lamps. For a dining room, the table could be a rustic farmhouse-style with mid-century modern chairs. It really depends on your personal taste.
Tip 4: Pay Attention to Scale
Scale and proportion are vital when mixing and matching furniture. That doesn't mean you can't have pieces of different sizes. Mixing items with varying sizes can add visual interest and prevent monotony. Large statement pieces blended with smaller accent items allow you to balance the overall look. Also, consider items of varying heights. A tall accent chair next to a lower couch creates a dynamic arrangement that's visually appealing. Just be sure you aren't crowding the room by adding items too big for the space. In contrast, items that are too small for a large space are just as distracting.
Photo by Behnam Norouzi on Unsplash
Tip 5: Color Matters
Another way to mix and match in a room is to make use of color. Depending on your theme, you can go as crazy or conservative as you want. For the most part, however, choosing a cohesive color palette is recommended. Selecting warm colors only, for example, can help different furniture styles shine through. Another option is a monochromatic color scheme. Choosing all your items in a different shade of the same color is visually pleasing and really lets your personal style shine. On the other hand, choosing all black and white pieces is trendy and allows you to go wild with brightly colored accent pieces for the POP of interest.
Tip 6: Textures Add Interest
Different textures in a room add depth and dimension. Pieces with a smooth surface, like a glass coffee table, pair great with wooden end tables. A leather sofa matched with a velvet chair adds visual interest and a tactile experience to your space. When completing the decor, add thick area rugs, smooth curtains, and crocheted blankets for even more texture differences.
Tip 7: Accessorize
Your room needs more than furniture to make it livable. Don't forget the accessories when it comes time to finalize the design. Look for plants, lamps, rugs, pillows, and curtains that coordinate and bring the room together. Adding contrasting colors or matching a pattern already in the room add personality and interest.
Tip 8: Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
Whether you're new to decorating or experienced in mixing and matching furniture, the key is finding what works for you. Don't be afraid to try unusual pieces and accents to make it uniquely yours. Sometimes just rearranging items can make all the difference.
When you're ready to start making decisions, we're here to help. At Gallery Furniture, we have everything you need to create the space of your dreams. Check out our latest offers HERE to get started!
