A living room does not have to look as though every piece of furniture came from the same collection. In fact, choosing two completely different armchairs can give an interior more personality than buying a matching pair. A traditional Chesterfield armchair beside a contemporary accent chair can create an interesting contrast without making the room feel disjointed.
The secret is finding something that connects the designs. Colour, upholstery, shape and smaller decorative details can help different styles work together while allowing each chair to retain its own identity.
Start With One Armchair You Love
Rather than trying to choose two complementary chairs at once, begin with a design that already appeals to you. Perhaps you like the traditional detailing of a Chesterfield, the unique shape of a wingback chair or the simplicity of a modern accent chair. Use its appearance as a starting point when considering the second design.
Think about what makes the first chair appealing. Its colour might be the main attraction or perhaps it is the upholstery, button detailing or overall shape. Finding another chair that shares one of these qualities can create a natural connection without making the two designs look identical.
Combine Traditional and Contemporary Designs
Mixing different design periods is a good way to create an interior with more character. Traditional armchairs often feature rolled arms, deep buttoning, decorative studs and recognisable silhouettes. Contemporary designs tend to favour cleaner outlines, simpler upholstery and less ornamentation.
A Chesterfield armchair can bring a sense of heritage to a combination, while a modern accent chair introduces a more relaxed appearance. Neither design needs to dominate. Their contrasting details can make each piece more noticeable in its own way.
For a softer combination, look for a shared feature between the chairs. Curved arms, similar leg finishes or related upholstery colours can help bridge the gap between traditional and modern styles.
Use Colour to Create a Connection
Matching upholstery is not essential when combining armchairs. Sometimes, choosing different shades within the same colour family creates a more interesting result.
A forest-green velvet chair could complement a softer olive design, while tan leather works naturally with cream, rust or muted brown fabrics. For something more expressive, consider deep blue alongside mustard or burgundy with forest green.
Patterned upholstery offers another opportunity. If one chair features a bold print, choose a second design in a quieter colour taken from that pattern. The connection will feel more subtle than repeating the same print across both chairs.
Let Different Upholstery Materials Work Together
Leather, velvet and woven fabrics each have their own appearance. Combining them can add depth to a selection of armchairs without relying entirely on colour or shape.
A leather Chesterfield armchair paired with a velvet accent chair is a particularly interesting combination. The leather provides a structured, traditional finish, while velvet introduces a softer texture with a different visual character. Both materials remain unique without competing for attention.
The important thing is to consider how the finishes relate to one another. Two or three complementary upholstery materials can provide enough variation without making the selection feel unnecessarily busy.
Play With Different Shapes and Silhouettes
An armchair’s shape can be just as important as its upholstery. A wingback has a tall, enclosed appearance, while a compact accent chair often feels more open. A Chesterfield, with its rounded arms and deep buttoning, has a recognisable outline of its own.
Combining different silhouettes can make a selection feel less predictable. A traditional wing chair can work alongside a chair with a more understated frame, particularly when both share a similar upholstery tone or finish.
Look for small details that repeat naturally. Rounded arms might complement a curved back, while exposed wooden legs can provide a visual connection between otherwise different designs. The chairs do not need identical proportions to feel like a considered pairing.
Know When to Make a Statement
Not every armchair needs to attract the same amount of attention. In fact, a combination often works better when one design takes the lead.
For example, a patchwork armchair already has plenty of visual character. Pairing it with a simpler leather or velvet design allows the patchwork upholstery to remain the focal point. Similarly, an armchair with decorative buttoning can be complemented by a plainer chair that offers a quieter appearance.
Consider the strongest feature of each design before putting them together. Giving one chair more visual prominence can make the overall combination feel balanced without taking away from the individuality of either piece.
When Different Armchair Styles Come Together
The most interesting combinations are not always the obvious ones. A few contrasting designs can give a living room a more individual character, particularly when each chair brings something different to the selection.
A traditional Chesterfield beside a sculptural accent chair creates an interesting meeting of classic and contemporary design. A patchwork armchair paired with understated leather upholstery introduces a different kind of contrast, while two chairs with completely different silhouettes can still feel connected through their colour choices. The idea is to create a relationship between the designs without making them look like matching pieces.
Use these ideas as inspiration rather than strict rules. Personal taste should remain the deciding factor when choosing designs for your home.
Different armchair styles can work beautifully together when there is a thoughtful connection between them. Start with a design you love, consider how its colour, upholstery or shape relates to another chair, then allow both pieces to retain their individual character.
Explore our collection at Oswald & Pablo to compare Chesterfield armchairs, wing chairs and other distinctive designs for your home.
