{"id":5708,"date":"2017-09-13T08:30:04","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T12:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=5708"},"modified":"2025-09-05T15:13:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T19:13:20","slug":"how-to-mix-wood-types-and-finishes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/how-to-mix-wood-types-and-finishes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Mix Wood Types and Finishes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gone are the days when all the solid wood furniture in a room had to match each other and the floor. Mixing wood types and finishes livens up a room and adds interest.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019ve inherited some beautiful solid wood furniture or you\u2019re building your home furniture collection piece by piece, here are some tips on how to mix wood furniture.<\/p>\n

Identify the Undertones<\/h3>\n

While the finish of each piece in a room doesn\u2019t need to match, the undertones of the wood should complement each other.<\/p>\n

Warm undertones<\/strong> have a yellow, orange, or red sheen.<\/p>\n

The Solid Wood JB Walsh Dining Chair<\/a> has warm undertones.<\/p>\n

\"Solid<\/a><\/p>\n

Cool undertones<\/strong> have a grayish cast.<\/p>\n

The Amish Fiona Dining Chair has cool undertones.<\/p>\n

\"Amish<\/p>\n

Neutral undertones<\/strong> are versatile. Beige in color, they can be mixed with warm, cool, or other neutral undertones.<\/p>\n

The Quick Ship Lodge Dining Chair<\/a>\u00a0has neutral undertones.<\/p>\n

\"Quick<\/a><\/h3>\n

Keep it Simple<\/h3>\n

Again, while furniture finishes don\u2019t need to match, try not to incorporate more than two to three in a room. Following this tip will make it easier to mix finished furniture. Just be sure to distribute finished pieces evenly. Too many dark or light finishes on one side of a room could make it look unbalanced.<\/p>\n

The gray-toned finish on the base and dark wood top give the Lexington Hardwood Kitchen Island<\/a>\u00a0a beautifully balanced look.<\/p>\n

\"Lexington<\/a><\/p>\n

Grain Advice<\/h3>\n

Wood grain refers to the pattern found in the wood. In general, woods with large grains create a more casual look while woods with fine grains are considered more formal. It is OK to mix grains, but try to keep them as similar as possible if you are trying to create a certain \u201cmood\u201d in a room.<\/p>\n

The Middleburg Entryway Storage Bench<\/a> displays the prominent grain of oak for a more casual look.<\/p>\n

\"Amish<\/a><\/p>\n

Cherry wood,\u00a0like shown on the Amish Louis Philippe Euro Sleigh Bed<\/a>, has a fine straight grain, contributing to a formal look.<\/p>\n

\"Amish<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n

The Beauty of a Buffer<\/h3>\n

Buffers like a neutral colored rug can create a smooth transition between a wood floor and a contrasting table or chairs. It can also soften the look and add warmth, texture, and color between the two woods.<\/p>\n

A chevron-patterned rug pulls together the contrasting finishes of the Ancient Mission Kitchen Island<\/a>, Classic Stationary Bar Stools<\/a>, and Webb Saddle Bar Stools<\/a> in the Amish Northwood Kitchen Island Set, part of our popular Shop the Look<\/a> section.<\/p>\n

\"Amish<\/p>\n

Amish Ancient Mission Kitchen Island Set<\/h5>\n

\"Amish<\/p>\n

Amish Classic Stationary Bar Stool<\/a> | Amish Ancient Mission Kitchen Island<\/a> | Amish Webb Saddle Bar Stool<\/a><\/h5>\n

Creating Contrast while Keeping it Simple<\/h3>\n

Creating contrast is sure to draw attention. But, if you\u2019re not sure where to start, remember the following:<\/p>\n