How to Mix Wood Furniture Finishes
Furniture doesn't need to match to look good; add character and charm to your home with mismatched — but complementary — tones
A common decorating question is "How can I mix different finishes together in the same room?" Let's say you have accumulated light maple furniture, but now you lean toward dark rich cherry pieces. Or maybe you own deep chocolate brown contemporary furniture, but just inherited a beautiful mahogany antique piece.
Some of the most interestingly styled rooms include varied wood tones. These spaces may be considered eclectic, and they are full of character. Here are some easy ways to mix woods in your own place.
Some of the most interestingly styled rooms include varied wood tones. These spaces may be considered eclectic, and they are full of character. Here are some easy ways to mix woods in your own place.
Connect the undertones. Look at the grain in the wood. You can pick up on hints of red, dark chocolate or light tones and tie furniture pieces together that way, as well as to the wood flooring. This pine coffee table works well with the burgundy brown tones in the floor and the mantel.
Soften the mix of furniture with a rug. Try an area rug as a transition point between the different tones of a wood floor and the furniture on it.
Give one piece of furniture an important position. Create impressive impact on a large piece of furniture by using a contrasting wood tone all around it. The piece feels special. In this case, a knotty pine armoire becomes the star with deep tones of pecan and chocolate surrounding it.
Change the style of a room by adding mixed wood finishes. If your style has changed from strictly contemporary to a more rustic look, you do not have to give up your bed frame! Soften a modern bed frame by adding light distressed wood side tables. The linen hemp pillows on the bed tie the look together.
Create a mood. The juxtaposition of very warm and very light woods can create a seaside feel that is light and airy. You can also choose to go more country or rustic with more natural elements.
Purposely contrast the floor and the furniture to make an impact. Pair light wood floors with furniture that has a deep chocolate stain. The dark pieces do not have to match; they should complement each other.
Hire a hardwood flooring professional to update the stain on your floors
Hire a hardwood flooring professional to update the stain on your floors
Use color to tie a mix of two wood finishes together. This photo is a great example of how you can tie two different woods, finishes and styles together. The traditional table and more country cupboard work well because of the accent color. Add a color, like the blue used in this gorgeous dining room, to both pieces. For a coffee table or accent table, add color to the top through accents.
More:
Transitioning From One Flooring to Another
Add Character to Your Home With Distressed Finishes
Mixing Paint and Wood Finishes in the Kitchen
More:
Transitioning From One Flooring to Another
Add Character to Your Home With Distressed Finishes
Mixing Paint and Wood Finishes in the Kitchen