Refresh Your Living Room With These Clever Furniture Mixing Ideas

Tired of looking at the same matching furniture in your living room day after day? Mixing and matching different pieces and styles is an eclectic, curated approach to interior design that can breathe new life into your space. From varying textures and eras to playing with shape and scale, blending an assortment of furnishings can create a one-of-a-kind look. Here are clever tips for successfully mixing furniture with panache.

Furniture mixing replaces the once-popular trend of having a perfectly matching living room set. Combining complementary furniture items that don't necessarily match creates visual interest. This collected, blended style allows you to showcase your personal taste and design aesthetic.

Define Furniture Mixing

Furniture mixing means combining different pieces, materials, styles, colors, and shapes to create an integrated, curated interior design look. This is different from the traditional approach of choosing furniture that all matches from the same set or collection.

With furniture mixing, not everything needs to be the same finish, material, or color. The goal is cohesion, not uniformity. Furniture mixing has surged in popularity as people move away from mass-produced matching sets toward more customized, eclectic spaces.

Evaluate Your Existing Furniture

Before purchasing anything new, take stock of the furniture you already have. Identify which pieces make sense to keep and build around. Consider the:

• Function - What purpose does it serve?
• Style - Is it modern, traditional, retro?
• Material - Wood, fabric, metal?
• Color - Does it fit your color scheme?

Assessing your current furniture layout and style allows you to choose new items that complement your existing aesthetic. Repurpose older furnishings alongside new discoveries.

Choose a Style Direction

When furniture mixing, maintain cohesion by choosing a base style to blend pieces into. For example:

• Industrial - Exposed pipes, reclaimed wood, metal
• Mid-century Modern - Clean lines, tapered legs, retro vibes
• Rustic Farmhouse - Whitewashed wood, woven textiles, chic distressed finishes
• Eclectic Bohemian - Playful patterns, lush fabrics, global accents

The style you choose will guide your mixing and prevent furnishings from clashing. Aim to blend, not collide.

Mix Materials

Don't limit yourself to one material. Play with mixing natural and synthetic materials for depth:

For example, a wooden dining table refreshed with metallic dining chairs. Or a leather sofa paired with a cozy linen slipper chair. Mixing material textures adds visual appeal.

Play with Texture

Move beyond material texture with tactile accents that create depth:

• Smooth - Glass, polished stone, sleek lacquer finishes
• Soft - Plush velvet, faux fur, wool
• Nubby - Boucle, distressed textiles, woven finishes
• Coarse - Jute, rattan, concrete, reclaimed wood

For example, offset the softness of a velvet sofa with a coarse woven rug. Mixing textures adds nuance and visual appeal.

Blend Color Palettes

When mixing furniture, aim for a cohesive color story. Consider:

• Warm neutral tones - tans, light wood, cream
• Cool neutrals - gray, charcoal, navy
• Same color family - different blues
• Complementary colors - blue and orange

Tie everything together using color theory. For example, different blues on furniture unified by orange throw pillows.

Scale and Proportion

When mixing varying furniture shapes and sizes, scale remains important for cohesion. Some tricks:

• Anchor with large statement piece
• Balance with smaller accompanying items
• Consistent height visually connects
• Vary tall and low pieces

For example, balance a bulky sectional with slender end tables. Consider scale, spacing and layout.

Mix and Match Patterns

Patterns can bring vibrancy when mixed artfully. Guiding principles:

• Start with solid foundation pieces
• Layer 2-3 coordinated patterns
• Repeat colors to connect
• Combine large and small prints

For example, pair a houndstooth chair with a Moroccan rug united by shared navy tones. Patterns add flair when united through color.

Incorporate Varying Shapes

Shake up your space by blending geometric and organic shapes:

• Circle coffee table
• Square or rectangular seating
• Organic fluid chair
• Angular sculptural lighting

The contrast between shapes creates dynamism. So don't be afraid to mix up shapes and silhouettes.

Select Complementary Eras

Blending furniture from different eras or movements creates an eclectic timelessness. For example:

• Scandinavian mid-century piece
• Contemporary minimalist sofa
• Industrial factory cart
• Antique carved cabinet

Tying eras together thoughtfully results in a collected, curated interior with depth and character.

Tie the Room Together

While your furniture may vary, connections between pieces build cohesion:

• Repeat accent colors in pillows, throws
• Shared design elements and finishes
• Consistent color scheme and materials
• Art, rugs and lighting tie space together

It's about curating a thoughtfully blended assortment, not randomness. The sum is greater than the parts.

Furniture mixing allows you to break free from cookie-cutter decor. Blending textures, colors, shapes and styles creates a collected, curated interior unique to you. Follow these tips for artfully combining furnishings with panache. The mix is what makes it special.