How to Mix and Match Bedroom Furniture

When diving into the world of Bedroom Furniture, there’s no shortage of questions, curiosity, and discoveries. This article aims to unpack key insights while offering practical perspectives and fresh thinking.

How to Mix and Match Bedroom Furniture

Last week on Tik Tok, I made this video. I wanted to demonstrate that while most furniture stores have set us up to believe that matching furniture suites are the way to go...it's not typically what looks best. Browse through any design magazine and you will see that professional interior designers aren't dragging and dropping matching furniture sets into their spaces. I know why they exist and if you have a matching set I'm not here to drag you- I promise!! I think we've all been a victim to that overwhelming feeling of decision paralysis and when someone makes the decision for us it immediately lifts that load- "Here, buy us! We match and come in a set and it's one less thing to think about!" Most people aren't interested in spending the time and effort it takes to find furniture pieces that don't match, but go together in a beautiful and seamless way (and ultimately look far more interesting than a matching furniture set from Rooms To Go). Today I'm sharing three mood boards I put together of bedroom furniture that don't match, but look absolutely incredible together! I'll take you through how and why each one works and some overall tips if you want to venture into the world of un-matched bedroom furniture!

The first suite is actually based off of my real life bedroom. Neutral furniture with hits of brass and blue. Notice how the wood tones on the nightstands and bench match even though the style is a bit different. Then the dresser may feel like it's coming out of left field, but stays cohesive because a) it's a neutral and is talking to the bed and rug and b) it has brass hardware and is talking to the brass on the nightstands and mirror.

This next design might be my favorite. Which I realize is hilarious because my favorite should probably be the design that's based off of my room, but this set below is much more feminine than I would go in my room currently (I wanted my space to reflect my husband too!). But if I was a single gal living in the city, you can be sure my room might be aiming to look something like this. Notice how the bed and bench don't match at all, but are talking to each other because of their curved shape! So fun right? We've talked about pieces talking to each other due to their finish or color, but shape is another way to accomplish that! Then look at the nightstand- it has rounded corners too! It doesn't match the dresser, but the dresser is feeling cohesive because it's talking to the black nightstand and the brass in the bench. Then we have the blush tying it all up in a pretty little bow.

This last design I wanted to demonstrate that you can choose a few pieces that straight up match. This is a good place to start if the idea of un-matching furniture is making you nervous or if you already have a matching set and don't want to start ALL over. Start with matching nightstands and a dresser and build out from there- here we've got that black bed that is talking to the black hardware on the two matching pieces, the neutral bench that is talking to the neutral tones in the matching pieces, and then that mirror that is basically the cute little brother to that gorgeous arched bed.

Here are the 3 guiding principles to think about when designing your own mix-and-match bedroom:

Repetition. Pick 2-3 elements and repeat them multiple times- whether it's the color of a finish like black or brass, or a shape like the curved arch bed frame and black mirror.
Scale is key. Even if you've chosen repetitive elements and all of your furniture picks look bomb in a mood board, take the time to measure everything for your specific space. Nothing can kill a design faster than a bed that's too large for the room or dinky little nightstands that are barely visible from the sides of the bed. Here are a few scale "rules" to think about:
1. Make sure you consider the size of your rug and choose one that fits your room/bed properly (here's a guide for you!).
2. Keep your nightstand within 5" (higher or lower) than your mattress.
3. Make sure the length of your bench is at least 2/3rds the width of your bed.

3. Choose finishes that are very different. If you're going the wood tone route in your bedroom, pick one wood tone and stick to it, but then mix up the other materials by choosing an upholstered piece or metal. The key is to select objects that don't look like they are trying to match.

Let me know what you think- and if you end up taking the plunge into un-matching bedroom furniture please tag me on Instagram or - you know I want to see!

When designing a bedroom, furniture plays a crucial role in creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing space. Matching bedroom sets, which usually consist of a bed frame, nightstands, dressers, and sometimes even a matching wardrobe, were considered the go-to option for creating a coordinated look.

But does bedroom furniture have to match? With changing design trends and evolving tastes, many are questioning whether matching bedroom sets are still in style or if mixing and matching furniture is the new norm.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at this topic and explore whether matching bedroom sets are still considered fashionable in today's interior design landscape.

Is mixing and matching bedroom furniture the new norm?

Over time, mixing and matching furniture has become a popular trend favored by many homeowners. The shift towards more eclectic and personalized styles allows for greater creativity and individuality in designing—not just in the bedroom, but in the house.

But, this doesn’t mean that investing in furniture sets is entirely out of style. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of matching bedroom sets.

Advantages of matching bedroom sets

One of the primary advantages of matching bedroom furniture is the cohesive and coordinated look. Since all the furniture pieces in the set are designed to complement each other in terms of style, material, and finish, they create a unified aesthetic.

Having bedroom furniture seamlessly blend with one another also ensures design consistency. With a coordinated set that’s designed to complement each other, this can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a more consistent look.

Lastly, having bedroom sets make it much easier to decorate. As all the furniture pieces are already designed to go well together, it can be simpler to choose complementary rugs, bedding, and other accessories to complete the look of the room.

Disadvantages of matching bedroom sets

One of the downsides of bedroom sets is that they can lack individuality. Bedroom sets can limit the creative freedom of homeowners who want to experiment with different styles, materials, and finishes in the bedroom.

This is why some people opt for mixing and matching furniture instead to reflect their unique personalities and taste.

And of course, with the uniformity, matching bedroom sets can make the room feel a bit outdated, especially if they're ornate or formal.

Tips for matching bedroom furniture sets

If you’ve made the choice to match your bedroom furniture, let’s take a look at some tips to keep in mind:

Consider the style

Before choosing a bedroom set, think about your personal style and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your bedroom. The bedroom set should match or complement the overall design of your room. Pay attention to the materials, finishes, and details of the furniture pieces to ensure they align with your style preferences.

For example, if you prefer a mid-century modern look, go the Dawson Leather Bed and Harper Nightstands. For something more minimalist and modern, consider the Crescent Bedroom Set.

Assess the space

As bedroom sets usually come with a few furnishings, measure your bedroom space to determine the size of furniture that will fit comfortably without overcrowding the room.

Oversized or undersized furniture can throw off the balance and aesthetic of the room. Consider the dimensions of your bedroom and consider factors such as the placement of windows, doors, and built-in features when selecting a bedroom set. Choose a bedroom set that fits well in the space without overpowering or appearing too small.

For example, if you have a small bedroom, avoid a bedroom set with oversized furniture that may make the room feel cramped. Instead, choose a bedroom set with compact, streamlined furniture that maximizes space while still providing essential storage and comfort. This approach not only optimizes the usability of your bedroom but also maintains a pleasing and spacious aesthetic.

Consider your storage needs

Consider the amount of storage space you require for your clothing, accessories, and other personal items. Your storage requirements can significantly influence the type of bedroom furniture you choose.

If you find that you need more space to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible, consider opting for bedroom sets that offer versatile storage solutions. Look for beds with built-in storage, such as drawers or lift-up frames, which can significantly increase the available storage space without taking up additional floor area.

Additionally, consider bedroom sets that come with spacious dressers and nightstands featuring deep drawers or shelving. These can provide convenient, accessible places for storing smaller items and everyday essentials, helping to keep your bedroom organized and clutter-free.

Coordinate colors and finishes

Coordinate the colors and finishes of the furniture pieces in your bedroom set to create a cohesive look. Consider the color scheme of your bedroom, including wall colors, flooring, and any existing furniture or decor. You can go for matching colors for all the pieces in the set for a harmonious effect or introduce some visual interest and depth to the space with complementary colors.

Similarly, consider the finishes of the furniture, such as wood stains or paint colors, and ensure they work well together. For example, if your room features predominantly light tones, a bedroom set with a dark walnut finish might feel too imposing unless balanced with appropriate lighting or lighter decorative elements.

Conversely, a set with a light oak finish might appear too washed out in a room that already has a lot of pale shades unless you add some contrasting colors or textures.

Feel free to mix and match

Yes, matching sets are supposed to match, but that doesn’t mean they have to be the same exact pieces! Mixing different styles of furniture can create a personalized look—just make sure they are of similar materials and colors to ensure your bedroom doesn’t look cluttered.

Elevate the room with accent pieces

Once you’ve filled the room with the main bulk of furnishings, add accent pieces to tie everything together and enhance the aesthetic of your bedroom.

Consider soft, plush throw pillows in a variety of textures and hues that invite relaxation and add visual interest. A beautifully crafted rug can anchor the space while providing soft comfort underfoot, making your bedroom feel more welcoming.

Don’t forget to include decorative accessories like elegant vases, captivating artwork, or a stylish lamp that not only complements your main furnishings but also adds that spark of individuality.

These thoughtful additions will tie everything together, enhancing the aesthetic of your bedroom and making it a place you love to retreat to at the end of each day.

So, does bedroom furniture have to match?

The answer is: it depends!

If you’re one that prefers creating a unique cocktail with your own styles and materials, mixing and matching your furniture gives you the ability to do so. Imagine pairing vintage nightstands with a sleek, modern dresser, or blending a rustic dresser with contemporary accessories—mismatching can give your bedroom a personalized and dynamic feel.

On the other hand, if you’re leaning towards uniformity and balance, matching bedroom sets are the ideal choice for you. They create a cohesive look in your bedroom, gel well with your interior design, and are easy to decorate.

No matter which design you choose, pick one that suits your personal preference and style.

Bed Set can inspire deeper thinking, we hope the ideas shared here sparked your interest and offered a new lens to look through.