It will take an understanding of balance to create a cohesive look with mismatched furniture. Balance can be said to have been achieved when different elements are put together in a harmonious way, for instance, colors, shapes, and sizes. When you are mixing furniture styles, you take into consideration balancing the visual weight from each piece. For instance, if you have one large, solid, heavy, older sofa, you might balance this with a few sleek, modern chairs that not only neutralize the sofa but create a sense of harmony within the room. This allows these different styles to coexist pleasantly in one room without battling one another, and allows your room to feel premeditated, rather than sloppy.

Choosing One Color Scheme

Probably one of the simplest ways to tie together furniture that may not naturally fit is by using a cohesive color scheme. Having a consistent color scheme can pull many different pieces into the space, even if they are from different design eras. Say, for example, your mix of furniture is both quite old and quite new. A neutral base, with whites, grays, or beiges, enables you to add bolder colors that repeat in various elements throughout the room. This can be matching throw pillows, rugs, or artwork in the same color to pull everything together into one cohesive space which looks like it’s supposed to be there.

Using Common Materials and Textures

Aside from color, using common materials and textures will also help tie together mismatched furniture. The use of materials such as wood, metal, or fabric on various pieces will create continuity. For example, if your room has a modern glass coffee table paired with a rustic-wood chair, then to connect both of these styles, you can add other accessories like metal lamps or wooden picture frames. In this way, you will be able to underline the difference in the furniture of your room and at the same time make everything look integral.

Balancing Symmetry and Asymmetry

Another more classic design principle that can be of great help in dealing with the mismatched is symmetry. You create order and stability by pairing furniture and accessories, or by balancing the left side of the room with the right, even when using mismatched pieces. Of course, many eclectic designs also rely on embracing asymmetry. Asymmetrical arrangements give a little more wiggle room for creativity and allow a room to feel really dynamic and interesting. Asymmetrical layouts for instance include placing a large Anthropologie mirror dupe off-center to balance a grouping of smaller pieces on the opposite side of the room.

Using Statement Pieces to Anchor the Room

Working with mismatched furniture, of course, requires at least a couple of statement pieces anchoring the room and really setting a tone in the space. These become focal points that drive the eye around and give reason to the room. A statement piece could be anything from a boldly colored sofa to an intricately designed coffee table, or even a large piece of art. Once you’ve selected your statement pieces, you can build the other elements of the room off of them, selecting furniture and decor that compliments them and fleshes out the space without overwhelming it.

Layering with Accessories

Accessories really help tie together mismatched furniture and add personality to a space. Throw rugs, throw pillows, blankets, and wall art can bring in patterns and colors and textures that reflect elements from the different furniture pieces and just really make those furniture pieces feel more connected. For instance, a rug featuring a geometric pattern can tie in a modern chair with a vintage table by incorporating colors or shapes that are part of both pieces. In the same vein, thoughtful layering of accessories can also add dimension and depth to your room, making it more inviting and cohesive.

Pulling mismatched furniture together into a cohesive look is an art that strikes a balance among colors, materials, and styles by embracing both symmetry and asymmetry. You can tie together different furniture styles by taking into account the principles of balance, choosing a unifying color palette, and using common materials. Statement pieces and thoughtfully picked accessories round out the aesthetic of the space to keep things purposeful and cohesive, even when furniture styles are mixed and matched. Apply these tips so you will confidently be able to curate a beautiful, cohesive home no matter how eclectic your furniture collection may be.

Published by HOLR Magazine.