How To Mix Different Wood Tones

Having a blog is similar to keeping a diary: what you write about is usually influenced by things that you see, people you meet and information you get. Yesterday I have received the following note on my Facebook page:

“Dear Anna, I have two types of furniture now that I am merging my two rooms from two different houses into one: the bed is white wood and the rest is brown (kinda dark), if you find some cool ways online on how to make them match, I’d appreciate it if you could post some links about it:)” (Evy Lina) 

And idea for a new blog post is ready! So today we shall talk about mixing different woods in one space, particularly focusing on white and brown combo.

Several years ago were so popular bedroom and dining sets made in the same wood finish:

Quite boring, no? Luckily, nowadays a matchy-matchy look actually considered a ‘mauvais ton’ or a big no-no among interior designers. Basically, these sets leave very little space to express creativity and originality so today people tend for more eclectic and personalized design. At the same time it requires more skills and a good eye to see how pieces made in different styles and finishes can be happily married in one room. 

One of the design principles which can be used is to create the feeling of flow and continuity, so repetition is the key. If you have the majority of your furniture in brown wood and then one piece, let’s say a bed in white, it will be a good decision to introduce a supportive element, such as bench, armchair or mirror in the white colour as well:

Otherwise, you can also involve this colour using various features and accessories, for example by painting accent wall in white or hanging photos in white frames.

Actually, the entire colour scheme of the room can be built around brown and white: this combination always looks very sophisticated:

If you like do-it-yourself projects, you may create a bespoke piece of furniture (chest of drawers, chair, mirror frame, etc.) by painting it.  You can also change handles on the wardrobe and bedside tables for the white ones: small thing but it will make a dramatic change. See what I am talking about:

One design trick to consider when mixing different woods is that white will balance it all. As an ultimate neutral colour it is able to unite and harmonize different textures and colours in one space. This makes this colour so popular for shabby-chic interiors with an eclectic mixture of furniture and accessories:

Do you like mixing different woods and finishes in one room? Or you prefer a one-style look? Looking forward for your comments!