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In a recent #AskBen takeover on Domino’s Instagram account, a reader asked our style director, Benjamin Reynaert, about his favorite dining room set. The only problem? Reynaert isn’t exactly a huge fan of coordinating tables and chairs.
“A room can fall flat with a set,” he says. “When a table and chairs are in the same material, color, and style, it all kind of blends together.” He prefers a layered approach that creates contrast instead of one big blob of color.
For example, a rustic farm table can look especially fresh with modern Marcel Breuer chairs, says Reynaert. And a tulip-style Saarinen in white gets more interesting next to wood seating. But it’s not just about mixing materials. Colors can create a cool contrast, too. “When you put a white table with black chairs, you can see the chairs clearly,” he notes.
In the spirit of mixing it up, we gathered some of the best Reynaert-approved pairings that give a room visual interest and keep your dining room from looking one-note.
For a Vintage Mashup
Saarinen Dining Table
Design Within Reach
Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Oak with Rush Seating
1st Dibs
For a Modern Take on the Farmhouse Trend
Salvaged Wood Farmhouse Rectangular Extension Dining Table
RH
Bertoia Side Chair
Knoll
For a Nature-Inspired Combo
Mattea Oval Dining Table
Lulu u0026 Georgia
ODGER Dining Chair
Ikea
For a Hard-Meets-Soft Pairing
Strut 56” Medium Table
Blu Dot
Eames Molded Plywood Dining Chair
Herman Miller
For a Clean, Crisp Contrast
Snaregade Dining Table by Menu
Batten Home
Valzer Natural Rattan Dining Chair
CB2