Whether redoing your country vacation cottage or shore house, or looking to add a rustic flair to your existing home that features painted furniture, there are numerous options for mixing natural wood furniture with painted furniture. Research which colors look best with wood before making any drastic purchasing decisions, and remember to think about the overall feel or design of the room you are going for. Create a room that is cozy yet elegant by choosing the right wooden furniture pieces.
Instructions
1. Keep the overall style of your home or the room you are specifically decorating with furniture in mind when mixing natural wood with painted furniture pieces. The colors of the walls as well as any decor pieces, area rugs, light fixtures, and decor accessories must be taken into consideration when planning furniture design schemes to avoid a room that features an overabundance of contrasting patterns and styles.
2. Use painted furniture in colors that complement natural wood, such as muted bamboo yellows, burnt oranges, muted and dusty reds, and furniture painted in off white shades. Violet and lavender can also work when paired with natural wood. Alternatively, choose muted greens, such as sage. Use pastel hues to brighten a room with dark-colored natural wood and blue-based paint pieces to reduce the "warmth" of natural wood pieces that feature reddish or yellow tints. Avoid using painted pieces that match the color of the wood, which creates little contrast or variation.
3. Go for a casual or formal look. Natural wood pieces tend to have a more rustic, casual, earthy feel to them, while painted pieces can range from casual to formal. Make bold statements by pairing natural wood pieces with dramatic painted furniture, such as those in various Asian styles or brightly painted pieces from Mexico, or stick to the causal/rustic theme with painted pieces that do not feature intricate designs and patterns or bold colors.
