5 Ways to Mix and Match Dining Chairs

The dining table may get most of the attention, but the right seating immediately adds a healthy dose of style and comfort to your dining area. For a cohesive look with no guesswork, a dining room set includes a matching table and chairs. All of the set’s pieces are coordinated and all you need to be concerned with is which style to choose and how it fits in your existing dining room.

If you prefer a bit more creativity and want your personality to be reflected in your home’s style, mixing and matching dining chairs is one option to build a truly unique dining space.

Why You Should Consider Mismatched Dining Chairs

Symmetry and consistency create a harmonious balance in furniture and decor. But, that doesn’t mean all of your items need to look the same or be made from similar materials. Mismatched furniture can be coordinated in a way that is dynamic and makes your home more visually interesting. 

If you’re not a fan of furniture that is too “matchy matchy,” you should consider a combination of unique dining chairs for your home. There are several benefits to mismatched dining chairs:

• You don’t have to settle for a single style. You can blend the styles you love.
• Contrasting chairs will stand out and not allow your seating to blend into the background of the room.
• It’s easier to replace one broken or worm chair than the full set.
• Various chair styles and shapes provide greater flexibility, as your guests likely have different comfort preferences in terms of padding, back height, and arm style.

Dining Chair Buying Tips

Just because your chairs are different, doesn’t mean all chairs will fit your space. Before you begin your hunt for the perfect dining chairs, there are some general tips you should know before you buy. 

• Ensure you have enough space between the seat and the table — at least 10 to 12 inches.
• Ensure you have enough space between chairs — at least two feet to avoid overcrowding.
• Chair backs should be tall enough to provide back support and be viewable above the table.
• Chair styles can differ but chair heights should be relatively consistent to maintain a level of balance around the table.
• Chair sizes should be somewhat proportional to the table size. Chairs that are too large or too small may look out of place.
• Chairs should be comfortable! Don’t sacrifice comfort for appearance. 

How to Mix and Match Dining Chairs

Mixing and matching chairs requires some thought — throwing six random chairs around a dining table isn’t a good strategy and may result in a look that is more messy than eclectic. 

No matter your reason for wanting mismatched dining chairs, we support your decision and are here to help! Here are five simple ways to mix and match your dining room seating to pull off a distinctive and harmonious look.

1. Blend different colors or patterns in the same shape

Combine similarly-shaped chairs in different colors or with different upholstery patterns. This technique allows you to preserve symmetry in chair shape and size, while using varying colors to pull off a vibrant and cohesive look. If you already have a set of matching wooden chairs, you can paint them in fun, complementary colors. Choose a collection of bright colors, or even various shades of the same color to create a monochromatic look.

Mixing and matching upholstery in different patterns is a terrific way to add visual interest to your dining room. To preserve a certain level of cohesion, introduce different patterns in similar colors.

Another approach is to use various colors in the same chair style. As long as the chairs are relatively the same size, experiment with all farmhouse or all traditional chair styles in different colors or materials (e.g., wood, metal).

2. Blend different shapes in the same colors or patterns

The opposite of the previous suggestion is to incorporate the same color chairs in differing shapes. Mix and match assorted chair backs (e.g., cross back, ladder, windsor), materials (wood, steel, fabric), and design styles (coastal, modern, rustic). You can also alternate between chairs with and without arms. 

This approach is ideal for DIYers who enjoy shopping for used or vintage furniture and typically buy one chair at a time. While the fear is that mismatched chairs can look disorganized, using the same color will unify the set.

3. Swap out the head chairs

This concept is a bit more traditional, as chairs at either end of a rectangular dining table are often different. It’s a popular design choice to have end chairs with arms and side chairs without. If you’d like to use more distinctively different head chairs, add matching upholstered end chairs to go along with hardback side chairs. Or you can swap in chairs in completely different styles — just make sure the end chairs are at least the same height or slightly taller than the side chairs.

If you already have a full set but want a different look for your head chairs, add slipcovers to differentiate them from the side chairs.

4. Add a bench

To bring variation to your seating, consider swapping out a couple of chairs in favor of bench seating. A bench provides a level of flexibility and versatility that can come in handy depending on the size of your gathering and your dining area. A bench can accommodate more people than individual chairs for dinner parties or meals where the whole family gets together. They’re also a comfortable option for smaller gatherings, as individuals can spread out and be more comfortable while they eat.

In terms of a space-saving option, a bench can be easily stored under a table when not in use. This is especially handy if you have a smaller dining room or have your dining table up against a wall.

Adding a bench is also a good way to break the monotony of all-chair seating at your table. Benches come in an abundance of finishes and upholstery options, so finding a style that matches and elevates your dining room aesthetic shouldn’t be a problem.

5. Create balance by pairing opposites

Heavy and airy. Dark and light. Traditional and modern. To ensure balance in your dining table set-up, consider incorporating opposite styles, colors, and weights when mixing and matching dining chairs. 

Lighter chairs can offset heavier, bulkier seating and create a visually interesting space. This type of variety, when done right, feels less monotonous than repetitive dining chairs.