With more relaxed dining situations these days, the traditional look of matching dining room chairs is in the past. When it comes to setting the stage for your dining room decor, there are three approaches to consider: matching side chairs, matching chairs, different head chairs, and an eclectic mishmash where no two chairs are the same. Frankly, there are no right or wrong answers- merely a choice of style and preference. With a few simple techniques to keep in mind, you can achieve the right mix-matched look for you and your home. Read on to learn if mixing and matching your dining chairs is the look you should be going for.
If the traditional vibe is more your thing, we’ve got you covered. For this look, the dining room chairs are overall the same with the only difference being the head chairs having arms. With the traditional look, the design aesthetic here nods its head to a very ornate, monochromatic look, with a slight variation to the head or captain chairs mostly noticed in the arms. The traditional look leans into that comfortable feel we’ve known and loved for so long. If you’re looking to get your design feet wet when it comes to inviting some change to your dining space, this may be your starting point.
If you’ve been hesitating to step out of your comfort zone and get your mix on because you think you need to go bold- you don’t! Mixing dining room chairs doesn’t have to go super bold. Start with a variation in chairs by mixing silhouettes, texture, or even design era. Keep the colors relatively similar. For example, your head chairs could be a tufted fabric, while your other chairs could be more streamlined, or even rustic. By incorporating different design chair styles and textures, you’ll create a slightly eclectic look that shies away from the traditional, yet leans into a more updated, modern vibe.
Everyone loves a classic black dress– it’s sophisticated, compliments everything, and never goes out of style. We consider this look the classic black dress to mismatched dining room design. Go backless– a great option for those who may want some versatility in their design scheme but are not quite ready for bold blasts of color. Choose from backless chairs, such as stools, partnered with backed chairs at the head of the table. This provides visual interest and a variety of seating options while incorporating a mismatched yet complimenting design aesthetic. The look works great in rooms that are tight on space- the backless chairs add a much-needed airiness to the space. This makes the room look and feels much larger than it actually is. We’re confident this one will wow all your guests.
If you want to add variation and functionality to your dining room, consider adding a bench. A bench provides optimal seating options for more people while creating an inviting look. Depending on the style bench you choose, you can create a more traditional, farmhouse, or even modern look. Consider a wood bench to add warmth to the space. Want a more modern or industrial feel? Incorporating a metal bench leans into these vibes. The choice is yours.
If you’re one who loves to mix and match and step out of the box design-wise, this look is for you. Consider going all out by mixing design eras and textures. Think plastic, modern, sleek-looking chairs paired with wood. The wood adds much-needed warmth to the space, while the plastic chairs with their straight lines lend themselves to a modern vibe. Now don’t let the word plastic scare you– today’s modern plastic chairs are super luxurious and come in a myriad of colors and textures to satisfy all decor enthusiasts.
Changing up the colors of your chairs is a great way to bring an eclectic balance to the scene. While keeping the chairs the same shape and style, adding an assortment of complementing colors creates interest in the space and definition, without overpowering. A unique way to add a slight sense of whimsy, while still keeping the space sophisticated and updated.
Think fun fabrics, patterns, and textiles. Incorporating these different design mediums is an easy way to bring in mixed interests and elevate your dining space. Who said captain chairs need to be plain? Consider playing with floral prints, paired with the other chairs being either modern or traditional in design. The texture variability provides a warm and inviting space, while the floral fabric brightens up the room– creating an inviting and cheerful setting.
Want to go totally bold? Hey, if you can’t go big, go home right? Or just stay at home in your totally updated dining room. Go crazy with shapes- think of different shaped chairs from various eras. Oddly, the mixing of chair shapes and styles, when done on purpose, works well together. Different shaped vintage or antique chairs can elevate your space by lending an eclectic look. This purposeful design aesthetic creates a super fun look and feel. No stuffy dinner parties here!
When creating the dining room design scheme that’s just right for you and your family it’s important to hone in on the look and feel you’re trying to achieve. Mixing up dining chairs in your South San Francisco home may open up a whole new design world you never thought possible for your space. Sometimes taking a design risk may get you to where you’ve always wanted to be. If you want to start basic, consider simply changing out your head chairs. Want to be bold? Bring in some bright colors, or mix and match textures. As we’ve said before– there really is no wrong or right here. Go with what speaks to you to create an inviting space for your next gathering.
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