Mix or Match? How To Style Dining Chairs Round Your Dining Table

When it comes to styling our dining space, one of the most common questions is: should I mix or match my dining chairs? It’s a design dilemma that many of us face. Do you coordinate, or embrace the charm of an eclectic set up?

The good news is, there’s no right or wrong answer. Follow your creative instinct and do what works for you. Whether you’re drawn to symmetry and structure, or prefer to mix textures, tones, and silhouettes, the right combination can make your dining space feel like an extension of your personality. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros of both matching and mixing dining chairs, offer styling tips to pull off either look, and share some of our favourite pieces to inspire your next dining room refresh.

Why matching dining chairs work

So, you’re into more of a polished finish? Matching your dining chairs is a sure-fire way to achieve that clean, harmonious aesthetic that feels effortlessly put together. Take it to the next level and match your dining chairs with your dining table and a sideboard for a truly cohesive finish.

When you opt for matching chairs, you’re creating a unified look that allows other design elements in the room to shine. Whether it’s a bold light fixture, a statement rug, or artwork on the walls, a set of matching chairs provides a solid foundation.

If your style leans towards minimalism, matching dining chairs can be your best friend, especially with a round dining table. Clean lines, uniform shapes, and a consistent colour palette help create a calm, uncluttered space that feels airy and intentional. Matched chairs eliminate visual noise, allowing you to focus on form, function, and flow.

Where matching works best

In small spaces where simplicity enhances the look

In compact dining areas, visual consistency is key. Matching chairs help make the space feel larger and less crowded by creating a streamlined, unified appearance. Without competing shapes or colours, the room feels more open and cohesive, which is especially helpful in open-plan kitchens or apartments where the dining area blends with other living spaces.

When the table is a statement piece

If your dining table is the centrepiece of your dining space, matching chairs allow that hero piece to take centre stage. Coordinated seating frames the table beautifully without distracting from it, while you can introduce personality elsewhere. Think an eye-catching occasional chair in the corner, or carefully chosen cushions to tie the room together.

Why you should mix your dining chairs

If you're looking to bring a bit more personality into your dining space, mixing and matching your chairs is a great place to start. Unlike a fully matched set, mixed dining chairs allow for creativity, storytelling, and a lived-in charm that feels curated. 

One of the biggest draws that mixing chairs brings to your dining space is the character and depth. It instantly feels more dynamic, less formal, and gives it that more ‘lived in’ feel. You can even go one step further and introduce alternative elements like ottomans (even a storage ottoman to give your dinner party essentials a Monday - Friday home.)

Where mixing dining chairs works best

In open-plan kitchens

In open-plan kitchens or dining-living combos, mixed chairs help create zones and add visual interest without the need for heavy furniture or partitions. A well-styled mix of chairs can help your dining area stand out while still feeling connected to the wider space, and pairing it with a console table along a wall can subtly define the dining zone while offering extra surface space for styling or storage.

In family friendly homes

For spaces that need to feel flexible and lived-in, like family homes or creative spaces, mixed seating offers personality and practicality. Think wipeable wooden chairs for the kids, a couple of plush upholstered seats like our Dining Chair 02 for the grown-ups, and maybe even an ottoman or dining bench nearby for bonus seating or a soft spot for little feet.

Whether you're team mix, team match, or somewhere in between, the key is to create a space that reflects your lifestyle, personality, and the way you love to gather. Mixing adds character, while matching brings balance, and with a few thoughtful styling choices, you can strike the perfect harmony between the two.

Feeling inspired? Explore our full furniture collection to find pieces that fit your vision