Mixing And Matching Bedroom Furniture: A Stylish Guide

Whether or not your bedroom furniture should match depends on the look you're going for. While some designers consider matching bedroom furniture sets outdated, others appreciate the simplicity and practicality of a matching set. Mixing and matching different furniture pieces can add depth to your room and make it more interesting, but it can also be more challenging to get right. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what works best for your space.

Matching furniture is a big no-no

Matching furniture sets are a thing of the past. While it was once common to purchase bedroom furniture as a complete "set", with a matching bed, dressers, and nightstands, this look is now considered outdated. In fact, designers and design enthusiasts agree that a super matchy-matchy look can make a room feel impersonal, sterile, and boring.

Why Matching Furniture is a Mistake

When every piece of furniture looks the same, the room can feel flat and one-note, lacking depth and variety. It can also make the space feel lazy and boring, as if you haven't put any thought into the design. By mixing and matching furniture, you create a layered look that adds interest and makes your space feel unique and soulful.

How to Avoid the Matching Furniture Pitfall

The key is to aim for a coordinated, rather than exactly matched, aesthetic. Start with one piece of furniture that you love, and build the rest of the room around it. This could be an antique, a family heirloom, or a statement piece in a color or pattern you adore. Then, choose additional pieces in different styles, colors, and textures that complement your focal piece without being too matchy-matchy.

For example, if you have a wooden bed frame, you might choose metal or upholstered nightstands in a similar wood tone, or nightstands in a contrasting color with matching hardware. You can also introduce two-toned pieces, such as a side table with a wooden top and a metal base, to bridge the gap between different materials and create a cohesive look.

Benefits of Mixing and Matching

Not only does mixing and matching furniture create a more interesting and personalized space, but it also has practical benefits. By buying furniture piece by piece, you can save money by not having to pay for a whole set at once. It also gives you the freedom to switch pieces in and out or move them around more freely. So go ahead and break up that matching bedroom set—your space will thank you for it!

Mixing and matching furniture can add depth to a room

Mixing and matching furniture is an excellent way to add depth to a room and make it more captivating. While it may seem daunting to mix and match different pieces, it is an art that allows you to express your creativity and individuality. Here are some tips to help you mix and match bedroom furniture like a pro:

Define Your Style

Start by defining your preferred style, whether it's modern, vintage, bohemian, or eclectic. Having a clear theme will guide your furniture choices and prevent the room from looking chaotic. You can choose a primary style as the foundation and add a secondary style to complement and add depth.

Choose a Color Palette

Maintain harmony by selecting a color palette that matches your chosen theme. You don't need to match everything perfectly, but coordinating colors will seamlessly tie the room together. You can use the 60-30-10 rule, allocating 60% of the room's color to the primary color, 30% to a secondary color, and 10% to accent colors.

Create a Focal Point

Choose one or two standout pieces of furniture that will serve as the focal point of the room. Arrange the other pieces around them to create a unified and well-curated look. This helps to draw attention while tying the eclectic mix of furniture together.

Mix and Match Textures

Add depth and interest to your bedroom by mixing and matching different textures. Pair smooth surfaces with rough ones, soft fabrics with hard materials, and sleek finishes with rustic elements. For example, you can combine a leather sofa with a fabric chaise or a stone table with rattan chairs.

Play with Scale

Pay attention to the scale and proportion of your furniture pieces. Mix dainty objects with heavier, bulkier ones to create a balanced and visually appealing space. For instance, a delicate coffee table can be paired with a substantial armchair.

Avoid Overcrowding

While mixing and matching can be exciting, be mindful of spacing. Each piece of furniture should have its own space to shine and contribute to the overall ambiance of the room. Avoid overcrowding to prevent a cluttered and overwhelming look.

By following these tips, you can successfully mix and match bedroom furniture to add depth and personality to your space. Remember to have fun and experiment with different combinations to create a room that truly reflects your unique style.

The pros of having a matching bedroom set

While some people may prefer a more eclectic look when it comes to bedroom furniture, there are several advantages to having a matching bedroom set. Here are some pros of opting for a coordinated bedroom suite:

Simplicity and Streamlined Aesthetics

Matching bedroom sets offer a simple and streamlined look. When the furniture is cohesive in style, colour, and material, it creates a cohesive and calm space. The eye is not drawn to any one piece, allowing statement pieces or accessories to shine. A matching set can also make a small space appear larger and more open, as the consistent style creates a sense of continuity.

Ease of Shopping and Cost-Effectiveness

Opting for a matching bedroom set can be more convenient and cost-effective. Buying a set saves time spent on sourcing individual pieces that complement each other. Sets are often designed with functionality in mind, optimising storage and proportions. Additionally, purchasing a set may be more affordable than buying each piece separately, and you can avoid the hassle of finding pieces that fit well together.

Sentimental Value and Longevity

Matching bedroom sets, especially antique or vintage ones, can hold sentimental value and often have a longer lifespan. These sets are often well-crafted, sturdy, and feature strong joinery. They may be passed down through generations, becoming family heirlooms. The durability and timeless appeal of matching sets mean they can adapt to different styles and spaces over the years.

Low-Maintenance and Stress-Free

Matching sets also offer a low-maintenance and stress-free option for those who may not have the time or interest in meticulously curating their space. With a matching set, you don't have to worry about whether your furniture pieces work well together or if they fit the room's proportions. This option is ideal for those who want a cohesive look without the hassle of mixing and matching.

While design preferences vary, a matching bedroom set offers a practical, elegant, and timeless option for those looking to create a serene and stylish space.

How to mix and match bedroom furniture finishes

Matching bedroom furniture is a thing of the past. Designers now favour a mix of styles and finishes to create a curated, eclectic look. Here are some tips to help you mix and match bedroom furniture finishes successfully.

Firstly, choose one piece of furniture that you love, and build the rest of the room around it. This could be an antique, a colourful statement piece, or a family heirloom. Use this piece as your inspiration, and plan the other pieces in the room to complement it.

Upholstered beds are a great way to break up hard materials and add a plush, inviting feel to the room. They can also help if you're unsure about mixing wood tones.

Two-toned pieces are a great way to bring together different materials and colours in the room. For example, a piece with a wooden top and a metal base can seamlessly marry wood and metal finishes.

Look to the hardware on your furniture. Changing the hardware is an easy way to bring different pieces together. For example, if you have a metal chest of drawers, you could add darker steel knobs to it and then choose a nightstand with similar hardware.

Consider your dominant colour and choose one or two subordinate colours to complement it. For example, if you have a light wooden bed, you could add a dark wooden dresser to the other side of the room, and then balance it with some light wooden accent pieces.

Mixing different wood finishes is a great way to add depth to a room. Pay attention to the undertones of the wood, and try to stick to either cool or warm tones. However, a talented interior designer can combine the two for an interesting, unique look.

Remember, it's not just about the furniture. Area rugs, curtains, wallpaper, and bedding can all help to tie a room together.

Common pitfalls to avoid when mixing and matching bedroom furniture

While mixing and matching bedroom furniture can be a great way to add interest and personality to your space, there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Here are some tips to help you mix and match bedroom furniture like a pro:

Avoid placing matching furniture right next to each other

It is generally advised to avoid placing matching furniture pieces right next to each other. This can make the space feel flat and uninteresting. Instead, try to disperse your matching pieces throughout the room to create a sense of variety and contrast.

Don't be afraid to mix different wood tones

Mixing different wood tones can be a great way to add depth and character to your bedroom. However, it's important to pay attention to the undertones of each wood type. Choose either all cool undertones or all warm undertones, or opt for a piece that combines both.

Create a cohesive look with hardware

If you're struggling to find furniture pieces that match, consider choosing pieces with similar hardware. For example, if you have a metal dresser with brass knobs, look for nightstands or other pieces with brass elements. This will help to create a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy.

Avoid a cluttered look with too many styles and colours

While it's important to add variety, too many styles and colours can make your bedroom feel cluttered and chaotic. Stick to a coordinated aesthetic rather than an exactly matched one. Choose a few key pieces that you love and build the rest of the room around them, ensuring that each new piece complements the others.

Avoid buying a matching set for practical reasons

While it may be tempting to buy a matching bedroom set for practical reasons, such as cost and convenience, it's important to consider the design implications. A matching set can make your room feel impersonal and sterile, lacking the character and interest that comes from carefully curated, individual pieces.

Frequently asked questions