How To Mix and Match When It Comes To Dining Tables And Chairs

The dining room is where we gather to share meals, celebrate milestones, and make memories. Designing this super important space involves finding the perfect balance between harmony and personal flair. I have been working on a few dining rooms lately and it dawned on me how tricky it can be to get the mix/match right when it comes to dining tables and chairs. Buying a matching set is great, but can feel a bit too matchy matchy at times. We want the chairs to work well with the table but not necessarily look like the residential version of a twin set. Below are some tips that will help you get it right the next time you’re in the market for a dining table and chair refresh.

Embrace Eclectic Charm with Mixed Materials:

My firm favourite is to dive into the beauty of diversity by combining different materials and styles in the dining area. Mix the timber table with fabric or leather chairs. Or pair a stone table with timber chairs. Either way I tend to stay away from the all timber look. While it can work, generally speaking I find all too much the same. I like to have contrast and to break up the timber with an alternative material. This also helps soften the dining room. Taking this concept one step further, you can even mix chair materials. Imagine pairing linen-covered chairs with wooden legs alongside luxurious velvet or sleek leather options. This mix not only adds visual interest but also brings depth to your dining space, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Add Playful Patterns and Colors: Bring personality and a touch of whimsy to your dining room by choosing chairs in a range of patterns and/or colors. A neutral-toned table serves as a perfect anchor, allowing your chairs to shine with bold hues or muted tones, and eye-catching designs. Combine solid-colored chairs with ones featuring stripes, florals, or geometric patterns. By maintaining a consistent table, you set a cohesive base while letting your chairs showcase their unique charm. This is great for the eclectic home or one with a more casual cottage vibe.

Create Timeless Elegance with Mismatched Sets: Blend vintage and modern styles to achieve a sophisticated yet inviting dining area. Pair a classic farmhouse table with mid-century modern chairs for a look that’s both timeless and contemporary. This juxtaposition adds character and interest while maintaining harmony through shared design elements like a coordinated color palette or similar silhouettes. The mix works, trust me.

Mix Shapes and Sizes for Visual Interest: Introduce variety and dimension by mixing dining chairs of different shapes and sizes around a coordinating table. Combine streamlined chairs with curved backs or sculptural designs for a dynamic contrast. Incorporate a mix of armchairs and side chairs to enhance both visual appeal and comfort, ensuring your guests are relaxed during long meals or gatherings.

Maintain a Unified Theme with Diverse Seating: Achieve a cohesive look by selecting chairs that share a common design element or color scheme. For example, if you have a mix of chairs, paint them all the same colour and you will find they work with the table. Or you could opt for chairs with similar legs or backs in various styles to create an eclectic yet unified appearance. For instance, blending vintage-inspired chairs with contemporary designs in complementary tones can produce a balanced and curated feel that’s both intentional and stylish.

Designing a stylish and inviting dining room is all about finding the right blend of cohesion and individuality. By thoughtfully selecting your dining table and chairs and paying attention to the balance of materials and colour you are using in the room, you can infuse your space with personality, elegance, and charm. Embrace the art of eclectic design and let your dining area reflect your unique style. The best gatherings happen around a table that’s both welcoming and inspiring.

Included are images of dining rooms we have worked on and others that have served as inspiration to us over the years when working on dining room schemes for our clients. Hopefully they inspire some ideas for you too.

Tam x