As a lover of both classic and contemporary furniture, I’ve learned a few things about pairing the two together. It can be a tricky task to pull off, but with a little guidance, you can seamlessly blend the two styles and create a beautiful and cohesive space. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when mixing classic and contemporary furniture.

âś… Do: Find a common thread

The key to successfully mixing different styles of furniture is to find a common thread that ties everything together. Look for a shared color palette, similar materials, or a similar design element. This could be something as simple as pairing a classic leather sofa with contemporary metal side tables. The shared materials will help tie the two styles together and make the space feel more cohesive.

A contemporary metal side table next to a classic leather sofa

❌ Don’t: Overdo it

When mixing styles, it’s important to strike a balance between the two. Don’t overload a space with too many different styles of furniture, or the result can feel chaotic and overwhelming. Instead, choose a few key pieces that represent each style and place them strategically around the room.

A balanced room with a mix of classic and contemporary furniture

âś… Do: Experiment with colors and patterns

Mixing classic and contemporary furniture allows you to play with different colors and patterns in a unique way. Try pairing an ornate vintage rug with a modern geometric print chair. Mixing patterns and textures can bring a lot of interest to a space and add depth and personality.

A vintage rug paired with a modern geometric print chair

❌ Don’t: Ignore scale and proportion

When mixing styles, it’s important to pay attention to scale and proportion. A huge, oversized sectional won’t pair well with delicate, ornate accent chairs. Make sure the pieces you choose for your space are in proportion to each other. A good rule of thumb is to choose one dominant piece and balance it out with smaller complementary pieces.

A delicate accent chair paired with a mid-sized modern sofa

âś… Do: Add contrast

Mixing classic and contemporary furniture can create some beautiful contrasts in a space. Use this to your advantage by pairing things that would typically be considered opposites. Try pairing a sleek metal coffee table with a traditional wood panelled wall. This contrast can create a look that is visually interesting and can help make both styles stand out.

A sleek metal coffee table paired with a traditional wood panelled wall

❌ Don’t: Sacrifice comfort for style

When it comes to mixing classic and contemporary furniture, don’t sacrifice comfort for style. While it’s important to choose pieces that look good together, it’s equally important that they are comfortable and functional. Don’t forget the purpose of the furniture in your space and choose pieces that will meet your needs.

A comfortable modern sofa paired with a classic wingback chair

Mixing classic and contemporary furniture can be a fun and exciting way to give your space a fresh update. By following these dos and don’ts, you can confidently mix different styles and create a space that is unique and beautiful.

A beautiful living room with a mix of classic and contemporary furniture