Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Mix it up with Dining Room Seating

Gone are the days of "matchy-matchy" furniture groupings in any room... living rooms, bedrooms, etc. You definitely don't want the furniture in your space to look like it came straight off the showroom floor as a complete set. It's much more interesting when pieces are mixed together in different finishes and styles. However, when it comes to the dining room, I think most of us tend to go with what's "safe" and end up purchasing the complete dining set, which usually consists of a table with 6 - 8 matching chairs (and maybe a matching buffet). I've been noticing more and more the use of chunky upholstered chairs or settees mixed with lighter-scale side chairs, a trend I absolutely adore! It's inspired me to really think outside the box when designing for clients. I've gathered together some great examples on how playing with different chair styles can make all the difference in a dining room. How do you feel about incorporating larger upholstered pieces in the dining room? Do you like the look of mixing different sizes and/or styles together? Please share!










19 comments:

  1. Julie..I love this post...its exactly what I am working on at the moment. I love the idea of introducing a sofa to the dining area..but am limited with space living in a unit. Some fantastic images...thanks for the inspiration xo

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  2. Everything about these dinning spaces make me smile..fabric textiles such as wall boards,draperies, and chandelier add such a personal and fun touch to a creative space!the chairs and the tables are spectacular!perfection and inspiring Images!!!
    xoxo
    Victoria

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  3. i'd love a mix up of a bench seat with armchairs. I love bench seats in restaurant, i always put dibs on sitting there!

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  4. I love the mix and match look, Jules. Like you say - a bench with stand alone chairs is always a nice look.

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  5. We have a bench, two gingham parsons chairs, and two modern red chairs from DWR. I have such a happy dining room - it's eclectic and, although all the pieces are nice, its not fussy.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 27, 2010

    Hi Julie
    I stumbled upon your blog via CupcakesandCashmere as I was looking for home decor inspiration - your posts are fantastic & encourage me to think outside the box.

    I'm really trying to get away from matchy-matchy furniture in the bedroom & living room...do you have any older posts / images related to this topic?

    Thanks very much!
    Karolina

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  7. I am not a fan of the matchy-matchy look. Not in home decor or in fashion! I love the mix-matched chair look, but I admit I do have a table with 4 chairs that were a set.

    However, my buffet is antique, so that gives the room a little interesting look.

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  8. i LOVE the idea of bench seats in the dining space! I think it creates just a cozy, family feel to everything. LOVING all these images. (particularly the wallpaper on the last image, where is that from!?)

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  9. Hmmm...don't know where that fantastic yellow wallpaper is from in the last pic, but I'll see if I can find out! And thank you Karolina for your kind words! I'll look back in the archives to see what other posts I've covered that are related to this topic and let you know.

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  10. That grey and peach is delicious!

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  11. These are great inspirational photos. I love the larger upholstered items.

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  12. yes, i love the idea of mixing different chairs with a great table. and to add a settee into the mix...double yes!

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  13. These rooms are so pretty. I love the idea of mixing and matching. Great post!

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  14. AnonymousJuly 28, 2010

    Thanks for looking into it Julie!

    Karolina

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  15. These rooms are so pretty. Love pic.4. Really love it.
    Thank you for this pretty post. Wish you a great day.

    xoxo,
    raru

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  16. Hi there! Just stumbled upon your blog and this post really caught my attention. Love the idea of mixing and matching chairs for the dining room, but I have been afraid of doing so, just because its so bold. Really like the first image, those chairs look GREAT! With the advise of a good designer or a design-forward friend, I am open to new suggestions! Thanks for sharing!

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  17. I love this concept, and the pictures prove what a great decorating idea it has the potential to be! :) Hazel

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  18. That first dining room is breathtaking! Amazing.

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate you stopping by :)