A dining table surrounded by six identical chairs is a classic look, but it isn't the only way to set up a dining space. More homes are mixing chair styles, adding a bench along one side, or pairing counter stools of different finishes at an island. Done thoughtfully, mixed seating makes a dining space feel collected and personal rather than like a matching showroom set.

Why mix dining chair styles

Mixing seating styles around one table solves a few practical problems at once. A bench on one side can seat more people in less space than a run of individual chairs. Adding one or two accent chairs at the ends of the table gives guests a natural place to sit without overcrowding the room. And if a chair is ever damaged or a household's needs change, a mixed approach means replacing one style doesn't mean replacing the whole set.

It's also simply a look many homeowners prefer. A table filled with six matching chairs can feel formal or impersonal, while a considered mix of textures, such as a woven or boucle seat next to a smooth leather-look one, gives the room more depth.

How to mix without it looking mismatched

The difference between a dining space that looks curated and one that looks like leftover pieces usually comes down to a few consistent threads running through the room.

• Repeat one element across every seat, such as a wood tone, a metal leg finish, or a colour family in the upholstery.
• Keep proportions consistent. Chairs at the same table should sit at a similar seat height and overall scale, even if the shapes differ.
• Choose one anchor piece, often the head chairs or a bench, and let the remaining seating support it rather than compete with it.
• Limit the mix to two or three distinct styles. Beyond that, a dining space can start to feel unplanned rather than personal.

Pairing a table with a bench

A bench along one side of the table, with chairs on the other side and at the ends, is one of the easiest ways to introduce mixed seating. It works particularly well for smaller dining rooms or households that regularly seat more guests than chairs alone can comfortably fit, since a bench can seat two people in the space a single chair would otherwise take up.

When choosing a bench, match its height to the table rather than to the chairs. A bench that sits too high or too low will be the first thing guests notice, even if the finishes are otherwise well coordinated.

Mixing bar stool styles at an island or counter

The same principle applies at a kitchen island or counter. Pairing two or three stool styles, such as a leather-look seat next to an upholstered swivel stool and a wood-back stool, can bring the same collected feeling to a casual eating area that mixed dining chairs bring to the main table.

How do I make sure the heights match?

Seat height is the detail that matters most when mixing stools or chairs. As a general guide, standard dining chairs are built for tables around 28 to 30 inches high, counter-height stools suit counters around 34 to 36 inches, and bar-height stools suit counters closer to 40 to 42 inches. Measure the table or counter first, then choose seating built for that height rather than assuming any chair or stool will work anywhere.

Shop dining seating at Tepperman's

Tepperman's dining seating collection includes chairs, benches and accent seating in a range of finishes, making it easy to build a mixed look one piece at a time. For counter and island seating, browse bar stools in a variety of heights and materials. Furnishing the whole space at once? Take a look at Tepperman's dining sets or the Canadel collection of customizable dining furniture.