How do you mix different furniture styles?

1. Use your basics as inspiration
2. Use function first
3. Use a limited color palette
4. Use scale and repetition
5. Use a focal point
6. Use equal distribution
7. Use the 80/20 rule

The fact of the matter is most people don’t really incorporate the use of matching furniture sets. Using matching sets can be nice at first but it can slowly start to look like a period film set if you’re not careful. The combination of aesthetics and function can be difficult to balance. Make your interior design project easier by mixing furniture styles. It can be difficult to get started on this interior design journey but once you get a hang of it, it will become second nature.

Use Your Basics as Inspiration

Once you have your basics set, you need to start thinking about other decor and smaller furniture. Use basics such as sofas, beds, and dining tables as your inspiration. No need to start with an exact set to get the look you want. Think of the room as something you can layer. Work with your current furniture and add items to make the space unique and personal.

Use Function First

Mixing different styles can lead to a lot of confusion when done haphazardly. Expert interior designers will try to find the perfect balance between aesthetics and function. The best advice you can take is to prioritize function. Let the functional pieces of your home furniture carry the room. The purpose of the room should be clear at first glance.

Use a Limited Color Palette

A room can look cohesive when you limit your color palette. When all else fails, this is the easiest step to try. Neutral colors are the best way to do this. The limited color palette creates unity without necessarily using the same style of furniture. For example, if you have a minimalist style chair, you can add to that by using a traditional style coffee table in a similar color tone.

If you want to add color to the neutrals this can also easily be done. Pick one color and repeat it in the space using small doses. This ensures that your limited color palette remains interesting.

Use Scale and Repetition

Learn how to play with scale using the principles of interior design. Use the size and proportion of the objects to your advantage. Balance can be created by pairing different furniture sizes together. If the styles are of a different scale, they can be used to pair things together in a coherent manner.

Repetition is another principle of interior design that unifies different styles. Imagine using retro style chairs with a contemporary style. This pairing still looks put together and creates an easy, unique continuity.

Use a Focal Point

There are times when you impulsively buy an ornament or a piece of decoration that doesn’t fit anywhere at all. It’s the odd one out and you may not know what to do with it. Get creative and use the piece as the focal point of the room. You can use patterns that point to the object or you can line up your furniture accordingly. Just remember to lead the viewer to the focal point by using these subtle techniques.

Use Equal Distribution

An abrupt pattern can be shocking. If you want your design to work, equally distributing different styles throughout different areas of the room is the optimal choice. Sudden differences can be hard to accept but when you distribute the pieces evenly you can still achieve harmony.

Use the 80/20 Rule

This ratio rule is an effective way to get the point of your design across. Choose the main style you want to use. It could be from your current furnishings or some of the new sets you’ve been eyeing. Your main style must represent 80% of the space while the secondary style uses only 20%. This can apply to scale and repetition as well. This is a good rule to follow if you’re feeling unsure about what to do with what you already have.

Key Takeaway

Use these tips and tricks to mix different furniture styles together. The principles of interior design and these useful techniques can help you update the look of your home while still creating a style that’s unique to you. No need to use matching sets, you can make use of what you already have. Each tip enumerated here aims to help you achieve the look you want. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try mixing different furniture styles today.