How to Mix Dining Table and Chair Styles

Mixing a dining room table with different styles of chairs doesn't have to be a challenge. Whether adding to an existing set or buying a mixed set on purpose, using different styles of chairs can add flair to any dining room. This guide will outline how to choose pieces that will earn compliments from dinner guests for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Mixing Existing Chairs

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Whether mixing in folding chairs for a dinner party or a wicker patio set for flair, pulling together a mixed dining room set is easy. First, choose chairs from around the house that are similar in height or shape to the chairs already around the table. The table will help ground different designs, but chairs with different heights may look awkward. Use similar wood tones if possible, and look at the general shape of the chair backs. Is the back rectangular with rounded corners? Maybe it has a rounded heart shape, oval or square backrest. Chairs that are different in tones work better if they have a similar shape.

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Create a test arrangement around the table. If some chairs have armrests and others don't, mix the chairs so that every other chair has armrests. This will help guests from bumping elbows around the table, as well as look more polished. Do not create a pattern around the table, however, with just two types of chairs. Make sure to incorporate at least three different styles to create a mix-n-match look.

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Look at the arrangement. Do any chairs stand out as being bigger or taller than the other pieces? Chairs that are bigger in scale, or stand out from the rest, work best at either end of the table. At the ends of the table, there are no other pieces to compare the chairs to. If the chair were placed along the side of the table with the other styles, the differences would be more noticeable.

Adding New Chairs to the Table

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When adding just a few extra chairs to an existing set, the goal is to pick pieces that complement the dining set--not match it. Most dining room sets sit six to eight people. The chairs at either end of the table are known as head chairs. These chairs usually have arms and may be more detailed than the chairs that flank the sides of the table. The head chairs can be mixed in with the chairs on the sides, opening up space at either end of the table. Consider choosing new head chairs that stand out. If the dining room set is dark wood with red upholstery, look at leather chairs in a similar red shade, or maybe head chairs with a red pattern. If the chairs are solid wood, use upholstered head chairs to tie the dining set to a rug, window treatments, or room colors.

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You may want to add many chairs to an existing set. Inheriting a dining room set usually means inheriting broken and wobbly chairs as well. Unfortunately, half the set may need to be replaced. Mixing and matching to older sets can be difficult with the usually ornate table designs and chair backs. Don't try and match the intricate wood cutouts or upholstery in the chair back. Trying to match chairs too closely tends to draw the eye to the differences instead of similarities between the two. A great way to pair new chairs with a set is to choose a solid color chair with a fabric back. Choosing a bold chair color such as black, white, orange or aqua adds a daring color splash to the dining room. Then choose a fabric color, such as a dark brown micro-suede to match the dark maple table. A white chair with black fabric can blend with cast-iron black chairs. A tan textured fabric can blend with knotty pine or birch.

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If mixing and matching is just for flair, follow the above guidelines for a clean look. Textures such as wicker, plastic and bamboo can give dimension without stepping outside color schemes or mixing too many fabrics.