Decor: Dining Room Sets

When it comes to decor, I prefer the unexpected. One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing things all matchy matchy. Some things that are in sets aren’t bad, but if I can find a way to create a more unique look, I will. Going to the furniture store and picking up an entire set of furniture that’s all from the same collection doesn’t sound appealing to me at all. I much prefer mixing things up and finding those special pieces as I come across them.

Such is the case with dining room sets. My most favorite thing to do is mix the table with the chairs. I’ll admit, a LONG time ago when I first got married, I went to the furniture store, and we got our Bernhardt table and chairs, and along with it, our bedroom suite. That bedroom suite was my parents gift to us, so needless to say, I haven’t parted with it. But as far as the kitchen is concerned, it’s long gone!

Where to find the tables and chairs? You can find them at estate sales, consignment shops, even new at furniture stores and just as to mix things up. You don’t HAVE to buy the chairs that are part of the set. Choose your own!

I pulled a few for you to see…

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Here’s proof that I practice what I preach. This is my kitchen table and chairs. My formal dining room is mixed as well, but I still have my table pad on it from Thanksgiving and so that’s why that shall remain unphotographed! ha!

I think this is one of my most favorite furniture pieces… well the set together I mean. Where did I find these pieces? Just so you know I got these at different times. First came the table, then the side chairs, and then the head chairs.

I found the kitchen table at a consignment shop. Then I found the chairs at a totally different consignment shop with different fabric on the cushions, and then finally I found someone who makes furniture and had my head chairs custom made. I told him what I wanted, I bought my sparkly white vinyl (YES I did say vinyl!) fabric, and he made them.

I think having mixed pieces put together has more character and shows our unique sense of style and how we like to live.

What do you think about these? Would you have mixed up chairs and tables for your dining room set?