Contents
- Why Mismatched Dining Chairs?
- 9 Tips for mismatching your dining chairs
- 1. Get your dining table
- 2. Ensure all the chairs are the same height
- 3. Focus on pairs
- 4. Opt for Balanced Juxtaposition
- 5. Colours to consider
- 6. Mix and match two chairs at each end of your dining table to create a symmetrical look
- 7. Bench on One Side
- 8. Match the room
- 9. Wood is always a good idea
- 10. Colour match – Bonus
- 11. Same but different – Bonus
- Other FAQs
- Do the dining tables and chairs have to match?
- Should dining chairs have arms?
Why Mismatched Dining Chairs?
There are many different options when it comes to picking dining chairs, whether it’s matching chairs, mixing chairs with a bench or a complete mishmash where no two chairs are the same.
Using mismatched dining chairs is a great way of adding colour and drama to your home, allowing you to separate from the crowd. Unexpected chair pairings can add masses of personality and interest to any room while giving your home a subtle designer edge but without the hefty price tag.
However, it can seem daunting knowing where to start especially as the opportunities for this interior trend are endless. It’s really important to get the balance right – there’s a difference between an intentional mix of beautifully contrasting chairs to a dining table that looks like random chairs have just been thrown around it. That’s why we’ve pulled together our top tips on how to master the mismatched dining chair trend.
9 Tips for mismatching your dining chairs
1. Get your dining table
If you’re looking to incorporate the mismatched dining chair trend into your interiors, but don’t know where to begin, we always recommend starting with the dining table. Whether you opt for solid wood, glass, metal, square, oval or rectangular table, this will affect what dining chairs you opt for. Once you have selected the right table for the style you’re trying to achieve, you can work around this to decide what chairs will go best with the table and space.
Image by @lottechurcher vis Instagram
2. Ensure all the chairs are the same height
So, you have your table, now it’s time to pick the chairs. One of the most important things to consider is seat height. You don’t want to compromise comfort over style and have your guests to be bobbing up and down all over the place. As long as all the chairs are the same height, so your dinner guests are all at the same level, you’re free to mix and match any styles you like.
3. Focus on pairs
A great way to mix and match dining chairs successfully is by choosing pairs. This allows you to pair different elements together, whilst creating a symmetrical look that is aesthetically pleasing. You could place a different pair of chairs opposite each other or mixed around the table for an effortless look. Mismatched furniture should be having a conversation, not a fight, so focusing on pairs is the perfect way to nail this trend.
Image by @Dimino via Pinterest
4. Opt for Balanced Juxtaposition
Having mismatched chairs around your dining table is a great way to mix old and new together, or incorporate different trends such as contemporary and traditional. Mixing styles from a different era can create a dynamic and unique interior. However, it’s important to keep in mind that too much of a mixture of trends can create an eyesore and may detract from the rest of the design elements in the space. Instead, decide on your dominating style that you’d like in the space and focus around this, including subtle hints of the second style you want to add in. A great tip for mixing different trends is to use chairs that have different styles, but similar shapes.
Image by @eclecticrevisited via Pinterest
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5. Colours to consider
There are many different colours to consider when it comes to the mismatched chair trend. You can opt for a mix of different light and understated tones, or go bold with bright clashing colours for a truly eclectic look.
An alternative option is to keep your colour scheme consistent. Consider using different chairs but within the same colour palette, opting for a mix of chairs with interesting features. This is a great way to introduce mixed silhouettes and materials, whilst creating a look that still feels intentional.
No matter what colours you go for, introducing mismatched chairs into your space is a great way to create a custom interior design that no one else will have.
Image by @Tidbits&Twine via Pinterest
6. Mix and match two chairs at each end of your dining table to create a symmetrical look
Changing up just the two chairs at the ends of your dining table is a great way to ease into the mismatched look whilst creating a look that is composed, symmetrical and always pleasing to the eye. In fact, changing up two chairs at either end of a table is probably the easiest approach to mixing and matching dining chairs and provides the most traditional look. As you have more room at the end of the table, many people opt for chairs with armrests, or even chairs with a higher back, to create a true style statement.
Image by @ourfauxfarmhouse via Pinterest
7. Bench on One Side
Bench seating around a dining table is becoming increasingly popular and is a great way to introduce the mismatched chair trend. For a bit of uniformity, you could consider using the same style of the chair opposite the bench or even opt for contrasting chairs at the head of the table. Benches are a versatile way to vary your seating – you could even have the bench upholstered for additional comfort.
Image by @dickeguia via Pinterest
8. Match the room
Balancing mismatched chairs to your decor is a great way of maintaining a cohesive look in your dining space. This could be through colour, pattern or style, chairs that are tastefully different but all compliment the rest of the room is sure to create a unified look. As long as every chair you choose individually goes with the rest of the room, you really can’t go wrong.
Image by @cocolapinedesign via Pinterest
9. Wood is always a good idea
Mixing wood and upholstered chairs is a great way to create a classic look that incorporates the trend for mismatched dining chairs. Using chairs with different textiles and fabrics is a perfect way to create a bespoke look in your dining space. The neutral tones of the wood chairs let your feature chairs do all the talking, and help to create a subtle eclectic interior.
Image by Grain and Frame
10. Colour match – Bonus
If you’re struggling to find mismatched chairs that create the look you’re going for, a great way to tap into this trend is having identical chairs but in different colours. Having the same chair but in two or three different colourways has the same stunning effect of mismatched chairs, whilst guaranteeing it compliments the space. In fact, clashing colours can be a fun way to inject life into a dining space and works really well with a classic chair design.
Image by @thedesignfiles via Pinterest
11. Same but different – Bonus
Using a combination of different chairs but in a similar style is perfect for those who prefer to take a themed approach to interior design. Whether you’re going for Victorian, French chic, industrial, contemporary or country, mixing and matching the same style chairs in different combinations is a great way to artfully master the mismatched chair trend. Image bye @sophiemayrhofer via Pinterest
Other FAQs
Do the dining tables and chairs have to match?
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether dining tables and chairs have to match and the answer is, absolutely not. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting your dining chairs, it’s all down to personal preference. A big factor in deciding what dining chairs to go for is based on what style you’re trying to achieve in your dining space. Is it a relaxed, casual space or a more formal dining area? If the former, mismatched chairs are a great way to really inject your personality and create a custom look bespoke to you. For those wanting a more formal dining space, matching chairs are a great way to bring a touch of luxury and opulence through your interiors.
Should dining chairs have arms?
Whether or not you choose a dining chair that has arms, all depends on the size and shape of your table. Typically a dining chair with arms takes more space around the table and can limit how many are seated. However, they do have added comfort especially if you plan on sitting around the table for a longer period of time.
A great way to introduce dining chairs with arms around a rectangular table, without compromising on space, is to add two chairs at either end. Then consider using chairs without arms around the rest of the table or even a bench to help maximise the amount of room around the table for guests.
FAQs
Do dining table and chairs have to match? ›
Dining chairs don't have to match a table but should combine. Chaya recommends using the style of the dining table as a starting point. 'If you have a mid-century modern table, then maybe pair it with a set of chairs that play into that style, without completely matching,' she says.
Is it OK to mix and match dining chairs? ›While there's nothing wrong with a perfectly matched dining table and chair set, some might consider it a bit too formal. Mixing up your dining chairs can make your space feel more intimate, intentional, and fun.
How do you make mismatched chairs look good? ›Use different shades of the colors you choose to add some variety and cohesion. This is also a great point to make sure you're thinking about different contrasts. Use a darker color palette in your furniture and decor with lighter walls and a lighter color palette if your walls are darker.
How do you deal with mismatched furniture? ›Make A Statement. If you feel like your mismatched furniture doesn't give you much to work with, then go bold with a large statement piece. Make the piece, whether that's a large piece of art or home décor, the focal point of the room and let it distract the eye from your unmatched furniture items.
Is it OK to have furniture that doesn't match? ›Your tables, shelves, chairs, and other furniture don't even need to be the same colour or wood tone to coordinate. There may be different coordinating styles, finishes, and fabrics involved to make up a cohesive and well-designed room.
Is it okay if my furniture doesn't match? ›You don't have to mismatch everything
Try mismatching your living room sofa with an accent chair, but bring in matching end tables to keep the room from seeming eclectic. All in all, mismatching furniture provides a chance to have even more fun with your interior design!
First things first, keep in mind that your chairs don't have to match your table. They don't even have to match each other as long as each one sits comfortably under your dining table.
Can you put 2 different accent chairs together? ›Should Two Accent Chairs In One Room Be The Exact Same One? Accent chairs do not have to match each other or every color and hue in a space, but they should complement and flow with the hues on the exhibit.
How do you match different chairs? ›Make sure the chairs are distinctive enough from each other so that the combination looks intentionally different, but cohesive. Either choose chairs that are very similar in height or go with head chairs that are taller than your side chairs. If your head chairs are shorter than your side chairs, it'll look “off.