How to Mix Wood Tones in Your Home (Without It Looking Cluttered)

Written by Jean-Pierre Chaby-Rodrigues

When decorating with solid wood furniture, one of the most common questions we hear is: "Does all the wood in my room need to match?"

The short answer? No, absolutely not.

While perfectly matched sets used to be the standard, modern interior design embraces mixed wood tones. Combining light mango wood, rich walnut, and natural pine gives a room character, warmth, and a curated, "lived-in" feel.

If you want to blend different timber pieces seamlessly, here are four simple styling rules to follow.

Image product: Mango wood sideboard

1. Identify Your Dominant Wood Tone

Start by picking the anchor piece in your room. This is usually your largest item—such as a solid oak dining table, a hardwood TV stand, or your timber flooring.

• Light Woods (Mango, Oak, Ash, Maple): Feel airy, calm, and Scandinavian.
• Dark Woods (Walnut, Dark Oak, Chestnut stain): Add drama, grounding, and traditional warmth.

Once you know your anchor tone, any other wooden accent pieces (coffee tables, benches, or floating shelves) will serve as supporting characters.

2. Match the Undertones, Not the Colours

Wood species vary in colour, but they generally fall into two undertone categories: Warm or Cool.

Styling Tip: You can mix a light tone dining table with a darker walnut sideboard as long as both woods share a warm undertone!

See our Product Design page for a guide to our finishes.

3. Repeat Tones for Balance

To make mixed timber look intentional rather than accidental, make sure each wood tone appears at least twice in the space.

If you have a dark chestnut coffee table in a room dominated by light tones:

• Add a dark tone picture frame on the wall.
• Place a dark wood bowl or tray on your console.

This simple repetition ties the room together visually.

4. Break Up Wood-on-Wood Contact

Placing a wooden table directly onto a wooden floor of a slightly different shade can look jarring. Use textiles to create visual buffers:

• Rugs: Place a textured wool or jute rug under your dining table or coffee table to break up wood-on-wood contact.
• Upholstery: Pair solid wood dining chairs with upholstered cushions or linen fabric to add soft texture.

Caring for Your Solid Wood Furniture

Handcrafted timber pieces age beautifully, but they need a little TLC to last for generations:

• Keep Away from Direct Heat: Avoid placing solid wood right next to radiators or direct sunlight, which can cause natural timber to dry out or warp.
• Use Coasters & Trivets: Protect sealed finishes from heat rings and moisture marks.
• Clean Gentle: Wipe surfaces with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemical sprays or silicone polishes, which leave sticky residues over time.