Decorating
Opposites Attract in the Dining Room
These odd-couple dining sets have very little in common, but somehow still create something special together
It may not always happen on a dinner date, but opposites get along well at the dinner table. I’m talking about tables and chairs that on paper don’t look like they’d work together, but when they meet in person, sparks fly. Many designers love the tension created by juxtapositions. It makes me wonder whom they’d fix up on blind dates and what the results would be.
The Goth and the cheerleader go to the prom
It’s been the premise of many a successful teen rom-com, and it’s a success in this colourful room. Like heavy black eyeliner, the dark table anchors the look, while cheerful pastels add enthusiastic frivolity.
Get your neon fix
It’s been the premise of many a successful teen rom-com, and it’s a success in this colourful room. Like heavy black eyeliner, the dark table anchors the look, while cheerful pastels add enthusiastic frivolity.
Get your neon fix
The introvert is the yin to the extrovert’s yang
There really isn’t much point in choosing a Rococo-inspired table with gorgeous scrolled legs if you’re going to cover them up. So pairing this table with clear Louis Ghost chairs keeps the view open. And introverts aren’t necessarily shy; they like to sit back and be thoughtful before jumping in. Because the chairs’ silhouette comes from a Louis XVI design, there’s a clever and subversive style relationship going on here as well.
There really isn’t much point in choosing a Rococo-inspired table with gorgeous scrolled legs if you’re going to cover them up. So pairing this table with clear Louis Ghost chairs keeps the view open. And introverts aren’t necessarily shy; they like to sit back and be thoughtful before jumping in. Because the chairs’ silhouette comes from a Louis XVI design, there’s a clever and subversive style relationship going on here as well.
The Palm Beach socialite marries the mechanic from Pittsburgh
Industrial metal legs and a heavy wood top make for a no-nonsense table. But the curvy yellow chairs with their colourful tropical cushions have no problem taking a seat at it.
Overhead, the chandelier is a great representation of both styles – delicate crystals hang from an unfussy bronze structure.
Industrial metal legs and a heavy wood top make for a no-nonsense table. But the curvy yellow chairs with their colourful tropical cushions have no problem taking a seat at it.
Overhead, the chandelier is a great representation of both styles – delicate crystals hang from an unfussy bronze structure.
The straight-laced Brit and the American hugger shack up
The clean-lined geometry of this octagonal table is softened by the curvy chairs that envelop the diners.
See more homes that use bold colours
The clean-lined geometry of this octagonal table is softened by the curvy chairs that envelop the diners.
See more homes that use bold colours
The rough-and-tumble welder agrees to go out with the buttoned-up CEO
Think Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri in Flashdance. This coupling of an industrial metal table and soft upholstered chairs strikes the right balance between textures. The neutral colour scheme allows the table to be the star, while a glass top keeps it clean.
Think Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri in Flashdance. This coupling of an industrial metal table and soft upholstered chairs strikes the right balance between textures. The neutral colour scheme allows the table to be the star, while a glass top keeps it clean.
The fashionista dresses up the hippie
This simple plank table recalls picnicking at a park, while upholstered fuchsia Parsons chairs and a crystal chandelier accessorise with layers of colour and texture. Everyone involved can agree on the centrepiece’s flower power.
This simple plank table recalls picnicking at a park, while upholstered fuchsia Parsons chairs and a crystal chandelier accessorise with layers of colour and texture. Everyone involved can agree on the centrepiece’s flower power.
Tell us
Have you set up some unlikely items in your home? Tell us which matches have succeeded and which ones never made it past the first date in the Comments.
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Have you set up some unlikely items in your home? Tell us which matches have succeeded and which ones never made it past the first date in the Comments.
More
Read more decorating stories
Perhaps she chops down the trees and he designs the house they build with them. The shapes and textures of the live-edge wood stand out in this all-white dining room. Iconic moulded plastic Eames chairs add a classic mid-century modern touch without taking away from the stunner of a table.