Mixing two chair styles at one table avoids the showroom-set look. The rule is to keep one thing in common, such as leg colour or tone, and let the shape and material differ. Start with the dining collection if you are still choosing a table.
Two chairs, one table
The Miso Chair is solid timber with a softly curved frame, an open back and a cushioned eco leather seat. The Alba Chair is fully upholstered, with a curved wrap-around back on slim black metal legs. Miso is light and sculptural. Alba is enveloping.
Put Alba at the ends of the table, where people sit longest, and Miso along the sides. The open back of Miso keeps the sides of the table visually light, and the upholstered Alba gives the host seats extra support.
Chair comparison
| Chair | Frame | Seat and back | Best position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miso | Solid ash, softly curved | Open back, cushioned eco leather seat | Sides of the table |
| Alba | Slim black metal legs | Fully upholstered, curved wrap-around back | Ends of the table |
What to keep consistent
Miso comes in dark smoked ash and coffee bean ash. Alba's legs are black metal, so choose the dark smoked Miso if you want the leg tone to match across the table.
If the table is timber, let the chairs sit a shade darker than the top so the table stays the lighter element. If the top is a stone-look surface such as StoneSkin, the warmth of the timber Miso softens it, and the upholstered Alba adds a second texture.
Mixing at a round or an oval table
A rectangular table has natural end positions. A round table does not, so alternate the two chairs around the edge. An oval sits between the two: put Alba at the narrow ends and Miso along the long sides.
Cleaning
Miso's eco leather seat wipes clean with a damp cloth. Alba's upholstery needs more care around food, so a fabric protector treatment is worth considering from the start. Wipe spills straight away rather than rubbing them in.
Tables
Both chairs sit well at the Nova Table. For a comparison of table surfaces, see our guide to dining table surfaces.
Questions
Do the chairs need to match the table? No. A shared tone is enough. Matching everything tends to read as a boxed set.
Can I mix more than two styles? Two is easier to resolve. Keep a third piece, such as a bench, for a table that seats more.
Should the host chairs be the more comfortable ones? Yes. The ends are where people stay longest, so the upholstered chair belongs there.
See them in person
Sitting in both chairs is the quickest way to decide. Visit the Parnell or Grey Lynn showroom, or browse the dining collection online.
