It used to be that you’d walk into a dining room and every item in the space came from the same perfectly packaged collection. The table, chairs and supporting furniture all had a strong resemblance. Since those days, dining rooms have been trending in a more eclectic direction. While choosing a singular design trend can be a tempting way to convey personal style, it can lock you into a look you can quickly grow out of. Mixing aesthetics is one of the easiest ways to maintain a timeless dining room design. We’re breaking down four ways to do this successfully.
Mix Materials
While sticking to one material can seem like the safe way to unify two styles, mixing materials sets a more visually appealing scene. Combining a classic wood table with modern metal chairs creates a dinnerscape that is vibrantly diverse. Bringing slipcovered armchairs into the equation further balances the material offering, tying the elements together. The result is a harmonious design that looks purposeful – making anyone think the pieces were sold together.
Prioritize Scale
No matter the number of styles you introduce, maintaining scale can prevent a space from appearing chaotic. First select your table, and use it as your dining room’s foundation. Once the table is established, use both its shape and size as a guide when selecting a chandelier or pendant. When the proportions of a tabletop and overhead lighting loosely mimic one another, the room will look perfectly cohesive.
Consider Shape
Similar to playing with scale, experimenting with shape ensures a dining room will evade the dreaded “matchy-matchy” label. Pairing a streamlined, rectangular table with rounded chairs creates a transitional result. This marriage of contemporary and traditional silhouettes results in a design that is less trend-centric and instead leads with longevity.
Balance Simple and Detailed
Combining straightforward and uncomplicated elements with those that showcase finer detailing is a brilliant way to achieve balance in a dining room. When there are too many statement pieces in a room, they all compete for attention and the space comes off a bit overwhelming. Here a simple dining chair with casual cane-backing allows a more embellished dining table to take the spotlight. Adding an intricate sideboard or buffet to play a supporting role will help reinforce the design story while maintaining a single focal point.
To complete your design, check out our guide on how to light your dining room.
