How to Mix Wood Tones Like a Designer
1. Start with a Neutral Foundation
Designer Tip:
"The dominant wood tone draws the eye. Whatever piece takes up the most space is usually this. Whether it’s a coffee table, buffet server or headboard, use it as a point of reference for all other wood tones in the room.”
Meis Elnoiemey, Interior Designer
2. Mix Warmer and Cooler Tones
Designer Tip:
“If a piece is unfinished, it’s probably a warm tone. If you’re not sure, hold up cool metallic items next to it. If a silver tray brings out a bluish aspect, then it’s a cool undertone.”
Christopher Frean, Interior Designer
Contrasting Wood Entryway Furniture
3. Aim for Contrast
Designer Tip:
“Contrast is great, but there needs to be some element that ties it together. My favorite way to accomplish this is through finish. The same distress, coating or stain. As long as you have that, mixing different wood colors and grains is fine.”
Meis Elnoiemey, Interior Designer
Ash Lighter Wood
4. Keep it Simple
Designer Tip:
“Mix it up, but not too much. My rule of thumb is to mix at the most two different kinds of wood in a small room. Ash wood dresser and headboard, and mahogany mirror and flooring: it’s an aesthetic of both contrast and simplicity.”
Christopher Frean, Interior Designer
Wood Grain Dining Chairs
5. Use a Decorator's Eye
Designer Tip:
“Remember the silver tray trick from earlier? Finish your decorating with the exact object you used to identify the undertones. Place the cool silver tray atop a cool undertone coffee table for perfect complementation.”
Christopher Frean, Interior Designer
Which Wood Tones Go Together?
Cool with cool, warm with warm. Some examples of wood tones that go together include Maple and White Oak, and Ash and Pine. If one wood tone seems brownish or more orangey and the other seems more white-ish, they are better off separate.
Can You Mix Warm and Cool Wood Tones?
If you want a challenge, mix up the warm and cool wood tones. The best piece of advice here is to choose one to dominate the space: a large, wall bookcase or the entire wall itself, all of the flooring, would be the dominant. The smaller, accent wood tone? Think things like furniture legs, an end table, accent paneling or a decorative bowl.
How Do You Mix Wood Shades?
Mix wood shades by their undertones: warm with warm and cool with cool. While this might seem obvious at first, wood undertones come in a variety of shades, and some that look cool can actually be warm. The best way to determine undertone is to hold up two pieces of wood next to each other, as you would paint swatches!
Is It Okay to Mix Dark and Light Wood Furniture?
It is for sure okay to mix dark and light wood furniture, because darkness and lightness usually have no direct relation to undertone. So, get to the undertone before you start mixing it up. Look for a dark piece of rosewood or teak, which give warmer tones, or, for example a dark piece of walnut, which tends to be cooler.
Warm Wood Dining Room Tables
Choose Your Wood Mix
Common Questions About Mixing Wood Tones
I'm nervous about mixing different wood finishes in my living room. What's the secret to making it look cohesive and intentional, not chaotic?
The key to successfully mixing wood tones lies in balance and a unifying element. Aim for a mix of light, medium, and dark woods to create depth, and ensure at least one common undertone, like warm or cool, runs through them. Consider introducing a metallic accent, such as brushed brass or matte black, in your decor or hardware to tie everything together seamlessly.
What's the best way to plan the layout of furniture with various wood finishes in a smaller space to avoid it feeling cramped or visually cluttered?
In smaller spaces, prioritize scale and function when mixing wood tones. Use larger pieces in a consistent or complementary wood finish to anchor the room, and introduce smaller accent pieces with contrasting woods strategically. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the area, and ensures each piece serves a purpose.
When choosing between a solid wood piece and a veneer for mixing, what are the pros and cons to consider for durability and long-term value?
Solid wood offers unparalleled durability and can be refinished over time, making it a valuable investment, while veneers offer a more budget-friendly option and can mimic the look of expensive hardwoods. For longevity and a high-end feel, consider solid wood for high-traffic items like dining tables or coffee tables, and veneers for less-used pieces or accents.
My family has pets and young children. How can I incorporate different wood finishes into my home while ensuring the furniture is resilient and easy to maintain?
Opt for durable wood finishes with protective coatings, like polyurethane or lacquer, for high-traffic areas. Consider pieces with slightly distressed or textured finishes, as these tend to hide minor scratches and wear better than smooth, high-gloss surfaces. Many Living Spaces collections feature robust finishes perfect for busy households.
Beyond aesthetics, are there practical considerations or styling tips for integrating furniture with diverse wood grains and colors that will hold up well over time?
When mixing wood, think about how the grain patterns interact; a mix of fine and bold grains can add dimension, but avoid overwhelming the space with too many competing patterns. Ensure the scale of the wood pieces complements the room size, and use textiles and other decor elements to break up large expanses of wood. This approach creates a layered, harmonious look that stands the test of time.