Living

5 Things Interior Designers Say You Should Never Buy in a Matching Set

By Kaitlyn McInnis Dengarden

Updated June 28, 2026 4:38 AM

arena photography — Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

Matching sets are tempting. They're usually more economical, and they're a one-stop shop when you have to furnish a blank canvas. But a matching set, in certain cases, won't help you achieve the look you're going for and, more often than not, will make your space feel more like a big-box showroom than a lived-in home.

"When it comes to purchasing furniture, I am a big believer in acquiring pieces that are purposeful but also provide an aesthetic for the space by adding value with their color, finish, style and, lastly, proper size," says Lisa M. Griffiths, Interior Designer, La Bella Casa Interior Designs LLC. "Think furnishings that seem as though you acquired them individually throughout time versus purchased at a big box store contribute to a well-designed space."

We asked interior design experts which matching sets should be avoided when creating a cohesive and cozy space and what to do instead. Here are the five things they most often urge their clients to avoid buying in a set and why.

5 Things Never to Buy as a Matching Set

Matching can be elegant, but it can also look dated and clunky. Here are the items that are best sourced individually rather than as a set.

1. Sofa and Loveseat Sets

"Purchasing a matching sofa and loveseat is so eighties," says Griffiths. "If you think about it, the largest furnishings in a family gathering room are essentially the seating. If you have these two items in performance-grade gray fabric, it's like two elephant-sized masses in the middle of the room. Yes, performance-grade fabric is a must for a heavily used space, but let's change up the game a bit and mix patterns and fabrics."

Griffith suggests opting for a large sectional or sofa in a comfortable performance-grade chenille or solid fabric, but, in lieu of a coordinating loveseat, select two side chairs with pattern and color. "You can go one step further by adding an oversized ottoman in a third fabric and pull it all together with an array of pillows in these two fabrics for placement on the sofa," she adds. "In the end, you will have a better-designed space with interest, great function and dimensional interest."

2. Bedroom Sets

According to Gina M. Larson, Owner & Creative Director, Brass Monkey Home, buying a full matching bedroom set (bed frame, nightstands, dresser) can make the room feel one-dimensional and make it look like a showroom, rather than somewhere people live.

"Instead of a bedroom set, I think in terms of complementary styles and materials. For example, mixing natural materials like rattan or cane with more traditional wood pieces creates warmth and depth reminiscent of British Colonial style," explains Larson.

"Even coastal-leaning spaces benefit from incorporating globally inspired accents, like subtle Chinoiserie elements, to add dimension and keep the look from feeling too theme-driven."

3. Dining Tables, Chairs and Hutches

"A perfectly matched dining set can feel dated or overly formal," explains Larson. "Instead, focus on a shared tone or feeling rather than identical finishes. For example, a traditional pedestal table paired with painted or bamboo chairs feels fresh and unexpected. Likewise, a modern marble-top table can work beautifully with black farmhouse chairs and a rustic, weathered hutch. The mix creates balance and personality."

4. Side Lamps and Floor Lamps

While matching table lamps can work well on nightstands or a side table, Larson suggests that homeowners avoid matching them exactly to a floor lamp in the same room. "Lighting acts like jewelry for your space, and variation adds interest," she says. "Try mixing materials like ceramic, metal or woven textures, while keeping a common thread like coordinating colors/metals."

5. Tablecloths and Linens

Larson says that matching tablecloths, napkins and serveware can feel overly coordinated. Instead, she suggests embracing pattern play. "If you're using a neutral tablecloth, bring in patterned or colorful napkins to create contrast. Or let a bold tablecloth be the focal point and pair it with simpler, solid linens," she says. "I especially love mixing block-print napkins in complementary colors for a layered look that feels relaxed but intentional."

"Overall, the key is to design with cohesion rather than uniformity," Larson adds. "When everything matches, nothing stands out. But when pieces complement each other, the entire room feels more dynamic, personal and thoughtfully curated."

Sources:

Lisa M. Griffiths, Interior Designer, La Bella Casa Interior Designs LLC
Gina M. Larson, Owner & Creative Director, Brass Monkey Home

This story was originally published June 28, 2026 at 4:15 AM.