topic Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture? in Among Friends

Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

moon_gazer — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 17:39:09 GMT

I bought a new sofa and matching loveseat about 8 years ago. It is that faux leather stuff and now the "faux" leather is beginning to peel off on the loveseat - looks horrible. I will never buy that again. I am thinking about a neutral colored fabric loveseat. I have hardwood floors and think it would add a little diversity to my overall den decor and bring out the ivory/beige color in my rug. Just not sure that it will look right with the sofa. Any thoughts?

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

DiAnne — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 17:51:49 GMT

@moon_gazer

Can you do two chairs instead of a loveseat? I think that would probably look better.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

missy1 — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 17:58:04 GMT

Yes, I mix and match, It is functional for me, not a decor item. I do like 2 couches instead of a loveseat/couch.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

chrystaltree — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:00:40 GMT

I think you got 8 years out of it and it is faux leather, it wasn't meant to be life long furniture. I think you did well. I actually opted for a neutral color fabric sofa when we decorated this condo. It's close to the same color as the carpet (light tan), the walls are off white and intendef for it to be a "blank canvas". My color came from the two occasional chairs (deep red/maroonish print) and my dining area chairs which are a deep red leather. Pillows and decorator items add color too. I don't like a matchy-matchy look in my rooms. I want a home that is unique to us, I don't want rooms that look like a furniture store display.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

CAMOGIRL — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:02:30 GMT

Sure.

Pick out a pattern perhaps that coordinates with both the solid leather and the rug also.

Corordinate vs matching. If you do not want a pattern of some sort, pick a solid color that you like to use in the decor and pick up on that - blending it all together. There is no set rule or need to have matching anything for an overall pulled together room. Have fun with it. There are a lot of people that buy all separate pieces, and the chair (s) and/ or loveseat will be something entirely different.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

moon_gazer — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:15:40 GMT

@DiAnne wrote:
@moon_gazer

Can you do two chairs instead of a loveseat? I think that would probably look better.

Well, it is a big room and I already have one "real" leather recliner, so I don't really want more chairs.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

NickNack — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:28:56 GMT

I don't like matchy matchy furniture at all. My furniture all looks good together but doesn't match. I agree with the two chair idea instead of a loveseat. Even if you have a leather recliner I think two chairs with a small table between them would look better than a loveseat.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

Group 5 minus 1 — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:30:59 GMT

I also do not care for matchy matchy.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

millieshops — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 19:32:36 GMT

Last winter I replaced 2 leather recliners which matched a leather sofa - had purchased them all at the same time, but used the chairs far more than the sofa. To your question, though - I kept the leather sofa and bought two fabric chairs in a modern print. The background is nearly the same cream color as the sofa and the room looks more interesting than it did before. One note- the chairs sit across from the sofa, not next to it creating right angles.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

shelbyshelbyshelby — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 19:35:12 GMT

My home is eclectic , works for me .

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

occasionalrain — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 21:12:46 GMT

I also don't like things to match. I like that each piece was chosen and can stand on it's own. Why not get a slip cover in the neutral color for the love seat and live with it awhile before you decide on purchasing a new one?

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

Sweetbay magnolia — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 21:13:06 GMT

Yes, I mix and match. I have "heirlooms" (AKA, hand-me-downs), consignment shop pieces, and some individual items purchased singly. The only "set" I have is the kitchen table and chairs.

I think it's more interesting this way. I give color a free hand, too.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

BirkiLady — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 23:46:01 GMT

@moon_gazer Have never had a matched set. Have always bought piece by piece; waiting until the right thing "spoke to me" before purchasing. It takes time and thought to put a lovely room together with color, textures, scale and woods to avoid boring rooms. My living room has a sofa (slightly curved), a love seat, two wing back chairs, an antique Victorian chair w/o arms which has an upholstered seat to match the dining chairs, another Victorian chair with lovely curved arms and down-filled upholstered seat to match the drapes and a small family rocker (walnut). Tables are a mix of Victorian (walnut) and Queen Ann (cherry). A lot of original art work by local artists, pieces picked up on vacations, and inherited pieces. The gas fireplace is large and each conversation area within the room is easily able to view a fire. I've never had a TV in a living room in any home. Nothing is matched by choice! (No florals or throw pillows, either!)

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

Abrowneyegirl — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:03:29 GMT

I have a lot of Pottery Barn peices that coorindate but not match.

I do not like all the furniture to be the same.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

software — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:48:06 GMT

You will not like a loveseat.

It's really not big enough for 2 people comfortably.

Either get another couch or 2 comfy chairs.

Personally, I have 2 matching couches, hubby picked them out.

They are goners as soon as I can purchase what I want.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

libbyannE — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:57:18 GMT

I have always mixed antiques with modern pieces and rustic with sleek. I agree with the reply that suggested chairs vs. a loveseat or start over completely and get rid of the vinyl sofa, too.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

chiclets — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 01:03:16 GMT

At times when they stage a home for showing everything is matched. It gives a clean but sterile appearance. Everything is perfect.

I have and prefer an eclectic home style. I mix and match and it seems to give each space/room it's own personality. Everything does not appear sterile, but there is a place for everything and everything has it own place within the setting.

My thoughts are if people come into a home it is to visit and enjoy the people, not to see the home. Design your home the way you would want it. If mixing and matching feels right then do it. There is no right and wrong. Expensive pieces are not necessary either.

Whatever it is you decide to do, do it for yourself and enjoy your new piece of furniture.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

missy1 — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 01:04:26 GMT

@software wrote:
You will not like a loveseat.

It's really not big enough for 2 people comfortably.
Either get another couch or 2 comfy chairs.

Personally, I have 2 matching couches, hubby picked them out.
They are goners as soon as I can purchase what I want.

I like to lay on my two couches, and so does my dog. Having a large recliner is nice too.

My relative bought a new chair and love seat. The loveseat is so small. Now they want a couch again.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

this is my nic — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:55:45 GMT

I think furniture sets or suites are a thing of the past. Go through magazines and you'll see lots of rooms that have furniture that works together, but doesn't match exactly. I have a large sofa in a neutral color, 2 chairs that match each other and another chair that works with everything. My tables, small bookcase, are old family pieces which I love. Mixing things up makes a more interesting decor.

Re: Do You Mix And Match Furniture?

RedTop — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 21:01:30 GMT

I like my furniture to match; actually prefer the staged showroom look. I am not a fan of antiques.