Since I've moved into my new place, I've realized how little I know about home decorating, furnishings, etc . I'm hoping you all can help.
I'm in the process of purchasing a new coffee table and maybe and end table. I'm going back and fourth between purchasing a set and purchasing individual pieces. I know purchasing a set is an easy answer but I've already got an end table that I could use. Not sure if it would go with the coffee tables I'm considering though. How do you decide (and what about the tv stand - should that "go" too)? If they have the same stain? They wouldn't have the same hardware (although, I'm sure that could be changed).
For your reference, here is the end table I have currently and a few of the coffee tables I'm considering.
Carrie Bradshaw: The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.
I think looking for pieces that are the same color and style family is a good way to go about it. Since you already have one item, a set doesn't sound like the best idea (unless you really don't like the existing piece).
If one item has a special feature (like unique legs, or fluting on the base, or whatever), I like for the other piece to pay tribute to it. They don't match, but they complement each other.
I'm not a fan of matching sets for the most part. I like an ecclectic mix. In my opinion, that end table would work with any of those coffee tables. My favorite is the bottom middle one or the last one.
And I the key to cordinating furniture pieces is same style (aka mission, traditional, french country, etc) and then that the color/stains are in the same/cordinating color family.
I'm not a fan of matching sets for the most part. I like an ecclectic mix. In my opinion, that end table would work with any of those coffee tables. My favorite is the bottom middle one or the last one.
And I the key to cordinating furniture pieces is same style (aka mission, traditional, french country, etc) and then that the color/stains are in the same/cordinating color family.
What she said!
I think having all your pieces match looks a little odd, it starts to look like you opened a living room in a box and plopped it down in your house. I think it's fine if you get two of the same item that matches (like two end tables, or two lamps) especially if they're going to be placed symetrically in the room. That can start to tie things together for you.
I don't think the wood tones have to match exactly, but same family is good. Pay attention to what you're drawn to in an item, and then see about repeating whatever element that is in some of your other pieces - it can be a much more subtle way to 'match' pieces that wouldn't otherwise go together.
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