There are many of us who inherit furniture from relatives over the years that just doesn’t have the same vibe. But we like to display it around our home for its sentimental value. Or we buy a chair one year at a vintage store and a couch the next year from a big box retailer. Then we go on with our lives without thinking. Let me back you up — mismatched furniture can look great in a room!
Shop kitchen | Bradley beige/midnight rug
But we’ve heard from some of you that you struggle with how to arrange a room with mismatched furniture that looks thoughtfully put together. I think there’s a bit of an art to it, so today I wanted to share some of the principles I follow when creating looks. Since I recently covered how to put nightstands and beds together, let’s give the living room some love this time.
Principle 1: Legs or no legs
Linen Couch | Blue Velvet Couch | Carpet | Woven Ottoman | Coffee table | Vase | Boucle chairs | Side table | Lamp | Picture frame | Coffee Table Books | Curtains | Tree Pot | Faux Tree | Mirror | Candlesticks | Artwork | Chandelier
I’ve had mismatched couches in my living room for years. I think the secret to making them look good is pairing two different styles. For me, it’s all about the legs.
I have a three-legged sofa with a narrower fabric in dark blue velvet. Then across from that I have a pull out couch that is covered to the floor in tan linen. They are not even related; They are husband and wife. But they complement each other because neither is incredibly loud, but both are confident.
I think the same principles apply when it comes to living room chairs. Legs or no legs: Can you see legs or can’t you? This will guarantee that you are not in the same style.
Principle 2: Introduce different fabrics
Leather chairs | Acrylic Book Stand | Red Lamp | Carpet | Floor lamp | Black Curio Cabinet
In my living room, two footstools have a leather fabric that is different from either of the couches. They have a very heavy look that looks more urban. Then across the room I have sturdy chairs without legs. These chairs are soft and glamorous. They are like opposites, but they balance each other out.
A great way to make furniture mismatched is to play around with using different fabrics. All four of our seat options are different fabrics: we have velvet, canvas, buccle and leather. How does this all work together? I think it’s because we have double chairs made of burlap and leather. Two identical chairs make it feel more intentional.
Principle 3: Don’t be afraid of colors
Leather Ottoman | Coffee Table Books | Wicker tray | Carpet | Brass and gold floor lamp | Black double floor lamp | Faux Tree | Boucle chairs | Velvet Couch
I also think that a color that drenches a room in one color — painting the walls, trim, and ceiling — can make any room feel more cohesive, regardless of the furniture. This is because the colors do not compete with the furniture. Different sofas and armchairs are of interest.
Our last living room was white. I say if you have a white living room, choose different colored couches. It is where will you call.
Years ago, in our first house we bought, I painted my living room wall purple. It’s kind of a joke that it’s one of my interior design misconceptions. I kept it for a while and liked it at first. But at the time it seemed a little too much. I think I’d rather have a purple couch than a purple living room! Then I stopped feeling the need for all neutral furniture. Where is the interest in that?
Principle 4: Find the ground element
Shop for a primary bedroom
It also helps to have a larger item – such as a rug or piece of art – reflect some of the colors in the furniture. The fun thing about the rug line is that I’m always switching out different rugs to see how they fit in the room. We have four different colors of furniture in our room — navy, white, leather, natural. One of them will fit into the carpet!
Principle 5: Be open to change
Coffee table | White Bowl | Pot | Boucle chairs | Faux Tree (similar) | Carpet | Floor lamp | Mirror | Chandelier Velvet Couch | Coffee Table Books | Floor lamp
Now, having said all of this, I recently told Chris that since we’ve been doing this setup for five years, I think I’m nearing the end of my two separate couches. I’m ready to match the sofa — I think it’s a more traditional look that complements our modern colonial house. But I will always have different chairs to keep the room from being too stale.
So if you want a pulled together transitional look, two different couches or mismatched chairs will add so much interest. If that’s your style, then take a risk and match your furniture!