Today, mixing and matching dining tables and chairs has become a modern design trend that allows you to create a more personaliSed and visually interesting space.
By carefully selecting different materials, colours, and styles, you can achieve a dynamic, layered aesthetic that reflects your personality.
In this guide, we'll show you how to mix and match dining tables and chairs to achieve that stylish, well-rounded look.
Why You Should Avoid Package Deals
Dining room sets used to be sold as matching packages—table and chairs that came together in a perfectly coordinated set. While this was convenient, it often resulted in uninspiring, cookie-cutter interiors that lacked character. Today’s design approach encourages a more eclectic, personalised touch, combining different styles, materials, and colours to create a unique space.
Rather than opting for a pre-packaged dining tables and chairs set, consider mixing individual pieces. This allows you to inject your personality into the design, creating a room that feels curated rather than store-bought. Let’s dive into how to get started with this process.
Start with the Dining Table
The dining table is the focal point of any dining room, and choosing the right one sets the tone for the entire space.
Whether you're working with a large dining area or have limited space and need a small dining table, your table selection should lead the design, with chairs complementing the table style.
Choosing the Right Table
When selecting your table, think about:
- Material: Do you want the warmth of wood, the sleekness of glass, or the luxury of marble? Each material creates a different ambiance.
- Size: Ensure the table size matches your dining space. Measure your room and the table, leaving enough space for chairs to be pulled in and out comfortably.
- Shape: The table shape should fit the layout of your room. Round and oval tables are ideal for smaller spaces, while rectangular or square tables work best in larger areas.
Once you’ve chosen your table, you can begin the fun part—finding the perfect dining chairs to complement it.
💡 Key Takeaway: Start with the dining table as your anchor piece. Its material, size, and shape will guide the chair selection process, ensuring you achieve a cohesive look.
Mix Up the Materials for Chairs and Table
One of the most important rules when mixing dining tables and chairs is to avoid matching materials too closely.
When the table and chairs are made from the exact same material, it can result in a monotonous look, making the space feel heavy and uninteresting.
Why Different Materials Matter
- Contrast creates visual interest: Combining materials like wood, metal, and fabric introduces texture into the room, making the space feel layered and dynamic.
- Balancing the elements: If your table is made of heavy wood, consider pairing it with lighter chairs like upholstered velvet dining chairs to soften the overall look.
- Avoiding visual overwhelm: Matching a wooden table with wooden chairs, for instance, can feel overwhelming and texturally heavy. Instead, break it up by opting for chairs in a different material, like leather or metal.
Curveball Rule
There are exceptions to this rule. If you have a wooden table, for example, you can pair it with low-back dining chairs that feature wood and upholstery to break up the uniformity of the material.
💡 Key Takeaway: Mixing materials creates a visually engaging dining space. Let either the table or the chairs stand out, while the other supports the overall aesthetic with a contrasting material.
Add Colour Contrast Between the Table and Chairs
While mixing materials is essential, adding colour contrast is another critical element to creating a dynamic dining room. Avoid having your table and chairs be the same colour, as this can result in a flat and uninspired look.
Colour Coordination Tips
- Change it up slightly: If you have a wooden table, opt for grey dining chairs or brown dining chairs instead of matching the wood tone exactly. This slight difference can create the perfect amount of contrast.
- Complementary shades: Instead of a dramatic color difference, try subtle contrasts, such as a black table paired with charcoal or dark grey chairs.
- Neutrals and pops of color: If your table is neutral in color, like a white or grey finish, feel free to introduce a pop of color with bold chairs. White dining chairs paired with a wooden table, for example, can create a fresh, clean look.
Curveball Rule
You can sometimes get away with similar colours if there is enough textural contrast. For example, a natural wood table paired with velvet dining chairs in a similar tone works beautifully because the textures are so different.
💡 Key Takeaway: Add colour contrast between your table and chairs for a layered look. Even subtle variations in colour can make a huge impact, preventing the room from feeling too "matchy-matchy."
Consider Flooring and Room Design in Your Choices
Beyond the table and chairs, the room’s flooring and overall design play a significant role in how your dining setup will appear.
It’s essential to ensure the floor, table, and chairs don’t all blend together. If everything is too similar in tone, the space can feel flat and monotonous.
How Flooring Impacts the Look
- Avoid same-tone overload: If you have hardwood floors that are similar in tone to your wooden dining table, break it up with contrasting chairs.
- Use a rug: A well-chosen rug can create separation between your table and the floor. Rugs also add softness and warmth to your dining area, making it feel more inviting.
- Material mix: If your flooring is wooden, consider a metal, glass, or marble dining table to create contrast and prevent the space from feeling overly “woodsy.”
💡 Key Takeaway: Don’t let your flooring, table, and chairs blend together. Add contrast with chairs in a different material or use a rug to create visual separation.
Measure Table Size vs. Chair Height
One of the biggest challenges of mixing dining tables and chairs from different collections or brands is ensuring that the chairs and table are proportionally correct.
You don’t want to end up with chairs that are too low or too high for your table, as this can make the dining experience uncomfortable and visually unbalanced.
Important Measurements to Consider
- Chair height: Your dining chairs should sit comfortably under the table with enough space for guests to move their legs without bumping into the table's underside. Aim for chairs that are at least 10 cm higher than the table.
- Chair width: Make sure the width of the chairs allows for comfortable spacing between each seat. Measure the total length of your table and divide it by the chair width, then add 10-20 cm between chairs for comfort.
- Room layout: Ensure you have enough room for people to walk around the table. Chairs should be able to pull out easily without hitting walls or other furniture.
💡 Key Takeaway: Proper measurements are essential when selecting dining chairs. Ensure that the chair height and width are compatible with your table to achieve a comfortable and functional setup.
Creating a Balanced Dining Space
Mixing and matching dining tables and chairs might seem challenging at first, but with careful consideration of materials, colours, and proportions, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional.
Start by selecting the right dining table, then build from there by choosing chairs that complement the table in both material and colour. Don’t forget to consider your flooring and room layout, as these elements also play a key role in achieving a balanced look.
If you're ready to explore options, check out a wide range of dining chairs and small dining tables to find the perfect mix for your dining space.
💡 Final Key Takeaway: By mixing materials, colors, and textures and carefully considering proportions, you can create a dining space that is unique, inviting, and perfectly suited to your home.