How to Mix and Match Dining Room Chairs // Peggy’s Pointers

Mixing and matching dining room chairs is a design trend that adds personality, depth, and a curated feel to your space—but getting it right can be tricky. Should you combine different materials? Can you mix upholstered and wooden chairs? What about head chairs vs. side chairs?

If you’ve ever struggled with these questions on how to mix and match dining room chairs, you’re in the right place!

Our Mixing & Matching Dining Chairs Guide was inspired by Project Cali Contemporary, where we embraced a sleek yet inviting approach to dining room design.

This project perfectly showcases how to blend chair styles while maintaining a cohesive, high-end look. Whether you’re working with modern, traditional, or boho eclectic pieces, these expert tips will help you create a dining space that feels intentionally designed and effortlessly stylish.

Keep reading to learn how to master the mix-and-match dining chair trend—and if you haven’t seen the Project Cali Contemporary Dining Room yet, check out the full reveal for even more design inspiration!

We’re still obsessing over this vintage-inspired rug to this day! Its soft, muted tones ground the space and add warmth while complementing the modern lines of the table and chairs. A well-chosen rug not only ties the dining room together but also introduces texture and pattern without overwhelming the design.

Balance with a Head Chair

One of the easiest ways to create a curated, designer look in your dining space – Mix up your chair styles! A simple trick: Keep one style for the side chairs and a different one for the head chairs.

For example: Upholstered wingback chairs at the ends (Captain or Head Chairs) + wooden spindle-back chairs along the sides = effortless elegance with just the right amount of contrast (see Project Haddad Treehouse below!)

Stick to a Common Element

Choose a Unifying Element: Keep the look cohesive by tying your chairs together with a common thread—like color, material, or shape.

• Example: All upholstered chairs in soft neutral tones but with varied silhouettes for an elegant, collected feel.

Play with Upholstery Contrast: Make sure there’s enough visual contrast between your captain’s chairs and side chairs to create balance.

• Example: If your side chairs are a light linen, opt for a deeper hue or a bold pattern for the head chairs.

Mix Materials

Balance Bold and Subtle: If you love a statement chair, let it shine! Keep the other chairs simpler so the look feels intentional rather than mismatched.

• Example: A pair of woven rattan or sculptural chairs at the ends with classic wood or metal chairs along the sides.

Mix Materials for Depth: Layering different materials (wood, metal, upholstery, rattan) adds richness and dimension to your dining space.

Tie it Together with Decor

Consider Chair Proportions: Varying chair heights can add interest but should still feel harmonious to avoid looking chaotic.

• Example: A mix of mid-height side chairs with slightly taller, high-back head chairs for a balanced look.

A rug, table runner, or centerpiece that complements all the chairs helps unify each element.

• Examples:

1. For an eclectic mix, a patterned or vintage-style rug can serve as a unifying backdrop. Vary pattern sizes if one of your upholstered chairs also have a pattern.
2. Table decor is a great way to unify different chairs through color repetition.

Sources + Alternates
– Use Code PEGGYH15 for any Scout & Nimble items

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A note about PHI Home: Some of the products linked in this post are to-the-trade pieces from our shop, PHI Home. Typically to-the-trade pieces are purchased exclusively by trade professionals (i.e. interior designers) at wholesale, and then resold to their clients at a markup. We’re delighted to extend access to our favorite trade furniture and décor to everyone, regardless of whether you’re our client or not. Should you require a different size or color variation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Prices at PHI Home are never above the internet minimum advertised price “IMAP” (set by the manufacturer) plus shipping. By using the coupon code PEGGYSAYSMIX, you can enjoy a discount off the IMAP pricing. Moreover, if you come across a lower price from another online retailer, kindly drop us an email at info@peggyhaddadinteriors.com. We’ll gladly match that price (remember, our pricing includes threshold shipping).

When you choose to shop with us for your premium furniture and décor needs, you’re not only supporting our small business but also contributing to the entire interior design industry, as opposed to a large retail corporation. Your support is greatly appreciated! For further inquiries about our shop, including details about our return policy, please click here.

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