The essentials of mismatched décor
- Mismatching chairs is an interior design concept that involves pairing chairs in different styles, colours and shapes.
- Mismatched chairs can give a room a unique character and allow you to create décor that reflects your personality.
- Colour rule: a maximum of 2 to 3 colours, alternated around the table.
- Material rule: alternate between 2 types of materials only, for example rattan and velvet, or vintage-market finds and Scandinavian style.
- A wooden table harmonises the overall look and brings a neutral touch that allows for every combination.
What is mismatched décor?
Mismatched décor involves intentionally mixing styles, colours and materials instead of buying matching sets. Applied to chairs, it means pairing models in different styles, colours and shapes around the same table. The result: a room with unique character.
For several years now, this trend of mixing and mismatching has continued to grow: we combine vintage décor found in antique markets with entirely new pieces, and mix colours and materials. No room or piece of furniture escapes this trend, and it has to be said that this fashion for mismatched décor allows us to create an interior that truly reflects who we are, a décor that resembles us and tells our story...
Here are a few tips that may be useful if you are tired of having décor that looks like your neighbour's! Why not mismatch your furniture and start with something easy? Your chairs, for example. You can vary the colours, shapes and materials to create a cosy atmosphere that reflects your personality!
At Maison Pavane, you will find chairs that will brighten up your interior and add colour and freshness! An absolutely unrivalled collection of chairs awaits you, in every colour, from the most understated to the most vibrant, and in every material, from the softest to the most rustic...
Are you ready for the experience? As you certainly know, the chair has been a wonderful playground for the greatest designers for decades: it's up to you to mix and match modern and antique, new and vintage, rattan and metal, pink and red! Let your finest inspirations shine through by following our guide and our experts' advice!
Why mismatch chairs around a table?
Because mismatched chairs can give a room a unique character. Where a matching set remains neutral, alternating styles, colours and shapes expresses the personality of the dining room and tells us something about the people who live there.
Mismatched chairs are a major trend in interior design. What does mismatching chairs involve? Well, it is an interior design concept that consists of pairing chairs in different styles, colours and shapes.
Can you have mismatched chairs with a wooden table?
Yes, and it is actually the easiest configuration. With a wooden table, there are no limits to how much fun you can have with mismatched chairs, as the wooden table will harmonise everything and bring a certain neutrality to your interior décor. Two possible directions: understated elegance or bold colour.
With a wooden table, the possibilities are endless! You can opt for a more understated look by choosing neutral colours such as black, white and grey, or embrace vibrant colour with a mix of colourful chairs (yellow, blue, red, green, purple...).
So it is up to you to choose the atmosphere you want to create in the room (Scandinavian décor, contemporary style or rather industrial) and therefore the colours and materials of the mismatched chairs you want to place around your table. Match them to your chosen style and you're done!
How should chairs be arranged around a table?
The placement depends on the shape of the table. On a rectangular table, place one chair at each end and as many chairs as possible along each side of the longest section. On a round table, distribute the chairs so that everyone has enough space, depending on the circumference of the dining table.
For your table to be a place for socialising and enjoying good meals with family or friends, your chairs need to be placed all around the table, whether it is a large table or a smaller one.
- If you have a rectangular table, there should be one chair at each end and as many chairs as possible along each side of the longest section of the table.
- And if you have a round table, place the chairs so that everyone has enough space around the table. It all depends on the circumference of your dining table.
Once these guidelines for chair placement have been followed, you can have fun mismatching your chairs however you like!
How should mismatched chairs be arranged around the table?
The answer is very simple, although it depends on your tastes and the atmosphere of the living room, kitchen or dining room where your table is located. First, look at the overall atmosphere of the room, the materials and colours already present, then distribute the chairs while maintaining this balance.
For example, trendy mismatched chairs in different colours around the table are an excellent way to highlight the Art Deco atmosphere of your interior. You can start by looking at the overall atmosphere of your room, the materials already present and the colours already used in your décor.
Make sure to maintain a certain balance between materials and colours to preserve a cohesive atmosphere in your interior! You can play with contrast just as much as harmony, for example by using different shades of the same colour.
How can you mix chairs to create a mismatched set?
The key to embracing the mismatched-chair trend is alternating colours and materials around the table to maintain a certain harmony. To achieve a harmonious look, you can also coordinate the mismatched chairs with one another.
| Factor | Maison Pavane rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | 2 to 3 colours maximum, alternated | Black, white, grey or a mix of yellow, blue and red |
| Material | Alternate 2 types of materials | Rattan and velvet |
| Era | Alternate antique and contemporary | Vintage-market chairs and Scandinavian chairs |
Alternate chair colours for a welcoming table
For chair colours, Maison Pavane recommends choosing a maximum of 2 to 3 colours and alternating the different shades to create a coordinated yet vibrant table. With mismatched seats and chair designs in colours that blend easily together, you can harmonise and enhance your interior in just a few moments.
Be careful, however, not to mix too many colours around your table, as this could result in a design faux pas.
Alternate materials: trendy, modern, Scandinavian, vintage, rattan, velvet or upcycled mismatched chairs
However, colour is not the only element you can play with; you can also experiment with materials by alternating 2 types of materials to make your table welcoming and invite you and your guests to share a lovely moment together. Here are a few ideas for mismatching your chairs around the table:
- You can play with differences in modernity by alternating vintage-market or upcycled chairs with modern or Scandinavian chairs with a very contemporary design.
- You can also choose to mix mismatched rattan chairs with velvet chairs.
- As for the rest, let your decorating instincts guide you and arrange your interior according to your tastes and preferences.
Can you mix colours on Tolix-style metal chairs?
Yes. At Maison Pavane, the Indus seating range in metal is available in multiple colours, allowing you to create a cohesive mismatched table setting. The Tolix chair itself, an icon of industrial design, was created in 1927 by Xavier Pauchard.
At Maison Pavane, we do not offer Tolix chairs, the famous metal chair created in 1927 by Xavier Pauchard, a true star of décor and industrial design! More than just a chair, it is a genuine design icon! But don't be sad: alternatives to this famous Tolix chair do exist!
At Maison Pavane, we offer an entire Indus seating range, in mid-height and high metal versions, ultra-resistant and ready to complement your décor to your heart's delight! And you know what? Our Indus chairs are available in multiple colours and are ultra-resistant, guaranteeing you a highly trendy mix of mismatched seats and designs that feels like an invitation to gather around your table or your central island.
Where should you start with mismatched décor?
So have fun and create an interior that reflects you by mismatching your chairs, then all you have to do is admire the result! And if you would like to find chairs in different styles to mismatch your table setting, your dining or kitchen table, visit the Maison Pavane website for your interior décor shopping and to find, perhaps, your next décor favourites.
Don't forget the motto: “Dare to try!” Furniture in mix-and-match arrangements, mismatched tableware—you can find furniture on online websites, in shops and also at flea markets! Mix new with old, bright colours with more understated shades, and different materials...
And if you have any ideas to share with us on this subject, or even photos to share, don't hesitate: you can tag us on our various social media channels, especially our Instagram account!
FAQ: mismatched chairs explained
What is the maximum number of colours for mismatched chairs?
Maison Pavane recommends a maximum of 2 to 3 colours, alternated around the table. Beyond that, there is a risk of mixing too many colours and creating a design faux pas. With colours that blend easily together, the table setting remains coordinated and vibrant.
How many different materials can you mix?
Two types of materials are enough. For example, you can combine mismatched rattan chairs with velvet chairs, or alternate vintage-market and upcycled chairs with modern or Scandinavian chairs featuring a very contemporary design.
Which table should you choose for mismatched chairs?
A wooden table is the easiest option: it harmonises the overall look and brings a certain neutrality to the interior décor. The possibilities remain open, from a range of neutral shades to a mix of colourful chairs. From light wood to walnut, discover which dining tables are on trend this year.
Where can you find mismatched chairs?
Furniture can be found on online websites, in shops and also at flea markets. The Maison Pavane website offers a collection of chairs in every colour, from the most understated to the most vibrant, and in every material, from the softest to the most rustic.
