Can You Mix Furniture Styles? Absolutely—Here’s How to Do It Like a Pro

Designing a home that feels stylish and personal often means blending different looks you love. But is mixing furniture styles really allowed? The short answer: yes! In fact, when done thoughtfully, mixing styles adds depth, character, and a curated feel to your space. Instead of sticking to a single trend, you can create a layered interior that reflects your personality and tells your unique story.

Start with a Cohesive Colour Palette

A bedroom that mixes green, cream and walnut wood.

Colour is the easiest way to tie different styles together. Choose two or three dominant tones, think warm neutrals with a pop of navy, or black and white with an accent of emerald green. When every piece shares at least one of these colours, the mix feels intentional rather than random.

For example, think of a beach-inspired room, with beige tones, blue accents, crochet baskets and lots of plants. Where most would style it with light wood, like birch or ash wood, you could pair it with a darker wood instead, like walnut. You are now mixing a traditional style with a light beach or coastal theme. This adds a richness to the space, while still keeping it light and airy.

Pro tip: repeat key hues in at least three places around the room, perhaps a rug, a throw pillow, and a piece of art. This “rule of three” gives visual balance even when your furniture comes from different eras.

Balance Proportions and Scale

A chunky sofa paired with sleek chairs

Pairing a hefty, traditional sofa with a delicate, minimalist coffee table can look awkward. Pay attention to the size and visual weight of each piece. A room feels harmonious when the heights, depths, and overall “heaviness” of your furniture complement each other.

If you fall in love with an oversized vintage armchair, anchor it with a substantial side table or a bold floor lamp so it doesn’t overpower the room. The pieces in your room have to blend together, and although having a statement piece is great, you don't want it to look out of place.

Find a Unifying Element

Modern style mixed with Contemporary

Textures, finishes, or shapes can create a subtle connection between contrasting pieces. Maybe your industrial shelving echoes the black metal legs of a modern dining table, or your antique armchair shares the same walnut tone as a contemporary console. These small overlaps pull the look together and prevent a “flea-market” vibe. By having 2 or more elements throughout the room that match in textures, finishes or shapes, you'll have a more cohesive room.

Layer Old and New for Character

Modern style mixed with rustic wood

One or two vintage or antique pieces instantly add charm to a sleek, modern room. Likewise, sprinkling a few modern accents into a classic space keeps it feeling fresh rather than dated. A mid-century lounge chair in a traditional living room or a contemporary chandelier in a farmhouse dining area can become conversation starters while enhancing the overall design. At the end of the day, having a unique element in your space can really finish off the design, so try looking for pieces that will stand out.

Curate, Don’t Clutter

Simple yet impactful accessories

Mixing styles isn’t an excuse to keep everything. Edit your pieces so each one contributes to the story. Negative space—blank walls, open floor areas—helps different designs breathe and prevents visual chaos. Think of your home as a gallery where every item earns its place.

Another common mistake in interior design is cluttering with too many "knick-knacks". Things like vases, trays, candles, and sculptures can look great; however, when you have too many, it can overwhelm the space.

Test with Accessories First

Turquoise accents added with throw pillows and curtains

Still nervous about commitment? Experiment with smaller elements first—rugs, throw pillows, or accent lamps. It’s a low-risk way to see how different styles play together before investing in big-ticket furniture. Accessories also give you the freedom to change the mood seasonally without major expense. Another impactful way to change your space without spending a lot is to get new curtains. You'd be surprised at how much a nice accent curtain, or even switching to a simpler curtain, can change the whole vibe of your room.

Final Thoughts

Mixing furniture styles is more than allowed—it’s the key to a home that feels uniquely yours. By focusing on colour, proportion, and thoughtful curation, you can create a space that’s layered, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Remember, great interiors aren’t about matching sets; they’re about balance, personality, and the stories your furniture tells.

At Sklar Peppler Home, most pieces are customizable, allowing you to change the colour and fabric. This allows you to make every piece your own, matching perfectly with the vibe you're going for. Visit our showroom in Ajax to meet our designers and perfectly curate your furniture!