How to Mix Furniture Styles
Furniture pairings are a lot like love stories. Sometimes opposites attract, and sometimes the match is simply undeniable. In design, those love stories often happen between pieces like an end table and coffee table in the living room, or a dresser and nightstand in the bedroom. While finding the perfect match can feel straightforward, getting opposites to work together is a little trickier. But fear not - we speak the love language of design and know how to bring two different pieces into a harmonious union. Let’s break it down.
design by brick + beam STUDIO | photo by Elaine fredrick photography
Choose Products Thoughtfully
By sharing a common element, contrasting furniture pieces can still form a beautiful pair. That common thread might be shape, hardware, style, color, or even the material they’re made of. For example, you could choose an end table with dark metal legs that echo the dark metal finish on a nearby dresser’s hardware. As long as there’s a unifying detail, the overall look will feel cohesive.
They Complement One Another
Pieces that complement one another create a balance in your space. Use different wood tones or materials for contrast, but ensure they have similar undertones or a shared color scheme. For example, balance the heavier darker tones of a dresser with a lighter finish on the nightstands. Select pieces that share a traditional design style but have contrasting finishes.
design by brick + beam Studio
In this primary bedroom design, the nightstands and dresser do not match. However, they harmonize with one another because they share a similar shape and hardware style.
Harmonize with Rugs and Pillows
We’ve mentioned it before, but the successful mixing and matching all comes down to a common thread tying all the pieces together. This thread extends to the accents of the room as well, like the rug, pillows, light fixtures and accessories.
design BY BRICK + BEAM STUDIO | photo by elaine fredrick photography
In this bedroom design, the artwork and bedding share a common color, and the dresser, nightstand and light fixture share a gold finish. It’s worth noting, too, that the delicate style of the nightstand helps balance out the heaviness of the solid wood dresser.
Below are some examples of perfect love stories coming together in our clients’ homes.
design by brick + beam studio
Can you spot the common threads in this primary bedroom design? First, the warm tones shine through in both the rich wood and the upholstery on the headboard and bench. Second, the dressers and nightstands share a modern, block-like style. Third, the ceiling fan and bench legs echo each other with the same black finish. And finally, the area rug pulls everything together by emphasizing the warm tones and complementing the richness of the wood.
design by brick + beam studio
An overall modern and masculine look defines this bedroom and sets the stage for a love story between color and style. Though the dresser and nightstand differ in color, they share the same shape and boldness. The black accents on the bedframe and ceiling fan pick up the black nightstands and the desk. The area rug anchors it all – holding in place the relationship of color and balance.
Mixing furniture pieces in your home will bring visual interest and a beautiful sense of harmony that is not expected. We hope our tips helped to inspire you to create harmonious interiors of your own, and as always, we are here to provide personalized design tips on choosing the right pieces for your space. Feel free to contact us here or book a Discovery Call. We look forward to working with you!