Whether you have a large or compact home, everyone deserves a dining space they'll love to be in. With so many meals a day, getting your dining room just right is essential. But first, should you go with a matched dining room set or mix things up?
While a matched dining set provides a cohesive look, there's no denying the appeal of mixing and matching. So, how can you choose? By going over the pros and cons!
Dining Table Sets
A dining table set features a dining table with matching chairs. The design usually matches in color, shape, and fabric, making it easier to fit your home's design. The sets come with four to six to nine seating, depending on the table size. Some sets will include a bench with chairs.
The Pros of Dining Table Sets
So, why should you care about dining table sets? Their matching looks are hard to beat, but there are other pros to consider, too!
- They make dining as a family easier; all you need to do is pull up a chair.
- They're good value for the money, especially since they're made to last long.
- You can find expandable dining sets to fit even more people (however, finding more matching chairs might be difficult).
- They provide formal dinner vibes, which are great for holidays and hosting dinner parties!
Even with all these pros, sometimes the matchy-matchy look isn't for everyone. But there's still plenty you can do to change the look, like with throws, pillows, and mirrors!
How to Choose a Dining Set
If you like the convenience of a dining table set, go and get one! First, you'll need to consider the style and design of the set. You'll want to find one that matches the rest of your home décor or creates a different vibe that is perfect for your dining space. Then make sure to measure your dining space to know how many chairs you can fit and which dining set size is ideal.
But don't forget to take the room and table shape into account! Round tables are ideal for smaller spaces, while square tables fit nicely in a space attached to the kitchen. And if you have the room, a rectangular table will fit more people.
Pro Tip: When measuring your space, keep this dining table size guide in mind!
Mixing and Matching Dining Sets
Sometimes a cohesive matching set isn't the thing, so should you mix and match instead? Yes! Mixing and matching your dining set will make your dining room feel more personal and intimate.
But before you do anything, follow one basic rule: keep all the heights of the chairs consistent!
Pros of Mixing and Matching
When it comes to mixing up your dining set, all you need is a sturdy table, and you can swap out the chairs accordingly, which gives you plenty of benefits! Some pros include the following:
- It makes your home décor more versatile and layered.
- You can trade out the chairs based on your mood, so you're not stuck with the same look for years.
- If you need to grab more chairs from the living room to make room for more people, they won't look completely out of place near the table.
- It's a great way to show off your creativity and personality— the sky is the limit.
- It adds an eclectic-chic feel, which is timeless!
However, if you don’t do it right, those mixed chairs could end up looking tacky!
How to Mix and Match Your Dining Set
Are you ready to start mixing things up? There are several approaches you can take, but the key is choosing one thing to keep consistent, like the color or the shape. This way, no matter how much you mix things up, it will look purposeful!
- You can keep the colors consistent but vary the shapes, like putting a bar stool, bench, and high-back chairs with the same-colored upholstery together (great for adding your favorite color!).
- You can change up the end chairs, which are typically armless, and play around with the style.
- You can stick to a single time period, but the chairs can be any shape or color.
- You can add a free-floating bench in the room or at the table (you can make it extra comfy!).
- You can choose a single chair shape but use different colors for a more eclectic feel, like if all the chairs were ladder back but in different colors.
- You can use opposite design styles for pairs of chairs, like traditional vs. modern design.
The best part about this design technique is that you have no limits, only what you can imagine!
Pro Tip: If you're not up to switching out the chairs completely, you can switch out the slipcovers instead!
Dine Away!
The choice between a matched dining set or something mixed is ultimately down to personal preference. Whichever you think suits the soul of your home is what will work best. But if you're ready to create the dining space of your dreams, check out our dining room furniture selection at Appliance Center!
And if you have any questions, let us know! We're happy to help you dine in style!