Best Ways to Mix and Match Your Dining Chairs
Ordering a dining set with different styles of chairs requires some planning to make sure the finished set has a cohesive look. Our guide walks you through the options including wooden benches, upholstered chairs, or simply mixing wood tones. Get ready for an instant dining room refresh with mixed chairs!
Mix & Matched Dining Chair Options
Upholstered Chairs at the Ends of the Table
The classic option seen most often is simply adding upholstered chairs to your dining set. This option works best with rectangular dining tables. Upholstered head chairs soften the space and encourage lingering at the table for conversation. Upholstered chair styles range from the formal Butterfly Wingback Chair to the smaller, Parson's Dining Chair.
We offer many fabric or leather options for upholstered dining chairs. Our local crafters will match the wooden legs of the fabric chairs to your table or wooden side chairs. Play it safe by choosing a neutral fabric color with subtle texture. Add a bold accent for your captain's chairs with a geometric pattern or bright pop of color.
A major concern with upholstered dining chairs is the care and cleaning. Many people worry about spills and stains at the table. Our furniture specialists will help you choose an easy to clean fabric or leather. Fabric and leather samples are available upon request.
Mixing Arm Chairs & Side Chairs
Another popular way to mix and match chairs is to add chairs with arms at the ends of the table. Like the upholstered option, adding wooden captain's chairs works best with a rectangle or oval shaped dining table. Every side dining chair style we offer is in a matching arm chair style.
Wooden arm chairs at the ends of the table are available with upholstered chair seats. This creates an added contrast at the head of the table. Upholstered chair seats are easy to replace in a few years if your interior design style changes. You can also replace a single chair seat easily if your pet chews or scratches the fabric.
We do not recommend arm chairs for round tables or in small dining spaces. The added width of the arms also makes it harder to add extra people around the table.
Wooden captain's chairs with arms are a versatile piece of furniture to add in other living spaces of your home. Add extra seating for guests in the living room or create a comfortable spot for clients in your office.
You may consider smaller wood chairs for the sides of the table with larger chairs at the ends. Some dining chair styles are available in various sizes, like the Arlington and Austin. Wooden chairs at the ends of the table also complement upholstered side chairs.
Add a Wooden Dining Bench
Many families choose a dining set with a wood bench. Quality, wooden Amish dining benches add functionality and style to your kitchen or dining room. A bench on one side of the table adds extra seats instantly, especially for small children. Wood dining benches add a casual, relaxed appeal to traditional dining rooms.
Wooden dining benches are available in a wide range of styles and colors. Farmhouse and rustic dining room sets often add distressed wood benches along one side of the table. Setup your dining room with matching side chairs and a bench to create a cohesive design.
Wooden benches are a favorite option for small kitchens and dining rooms as well. The bench tucks underneath the table when not in use, saving valuable floor space. We typically build our dining benches 12" shorter than the length of the dining table. This ensures fitting between the legs at the corners of the table.
Mix and Match the Color of Wooden Chairs
A dining room set may also use color to create contrast. Often the bench and chairs will be matching solid black or white with a contrasting wood dining table.
Other color contrast options may feature a set of wooden dining chairs with matching end chairs painted black. When opting for color contrast in your dining set, choose complementing colors. Avoid colors that may be too similar. Black and white are excellent options for adding color contrast, as they will not show competing wood grain.
Mix and Match Wood Types
In addition to color, our local craftsmen often build dining sets with two different wood types. The most common design combination features a black or white painted Maple wood for table bases and chair frames. A wood type with contrasting grain texture like Oak or Elm is perfect for the tabletop and chair seats.
We do not recommend black or white tabletops for solid wood furniture. The smooth painted finishes will show knicks and scratches more quickly than stained wood tabletops.
Another reason to mix and match wood types is to save money by choosing an affordable wood for your dining chairs. The prices for solid wood furniture vary greatly by the type of wood chosen. You may prefer to choose a select grade Cherry wood for your dining table.
Matching chairs in select Cherry wood will create the most accurate color match. However, Maple wood has a similar grain texture with a much lower price tag. You may decide to choose Maple dining chairs in the same stain color as your Cherry dining table. This works best with medium to dark stain colors.
Our team at Dutch Craft Furniture is available to assist in comparing colors on various wood species. Contact us to request wood and color samples to compare in the natural lighting and comfort of your own home.
Mismatched Chair Styles in Matching Colors
Another way to mix and match your dining room chairs is by choosing various styles in the same color. Antique or thrifted dining chairs painted the same color adds an eclectic coziness. When opting for various wooden chair styles, it is best to keep the stain or paint color matching.
Now that you are familiar with the different options in creating a mix and matched dining set, shop Dutch Craft Furniture today! Let us help you find the perfect Amish bench seat or wooden dining chairs.
