Mixing Wood Furniture Finishes

Wood is one of the most beautiful of natural materials, and —  contrary to traditional design advice — you can mix woods. Contrasting furniture finishes are a great way to add visual interest to any room. Do it wrong, however, and you can make your carefully-crafted design look haphazard. But the reupholstery was successful and turned out great. Here are some tips for getting it right.  Pick a Dominant Wood Tone One of the easiest ways to furniture finishes is to pick a “lead actor” and a “supporting role.” Your dominant tone should stand out, while the other should be more muted. Pairing assertive and understated members of the same “color family” works especially well in rustic kitchen designs. Create Contrasts Another good way to mix finishes is to create contrast. Deep, rich red oak or mahogany look great paired with milky aspen. Contrast is an especially effective way to call attention to decorative stairways and other distinctive corner details. Pair Rustic with Sculpted A final effective way to mix finishes is to pair sculpted woods with more rustic pieces. For example, a log bed beside a hand-carved dresser, or a table with driftwood legs under a hand-finished mirror. Visit Art For Everyday to learn more about using decorative wood in your home.