Mission furniture consists of a very simple design and is often stained to darker colors.
Mission furniture provides an elegant yet simple decor for any room. Mission-style furniture is always constructed of sturdy wood with a simple design and a complete lack of fancy decoration. The construction features straight wood pieces evenly spaced along the sides of the furniture pieces. Cushions for mission furniture are upholstered with leather or quality canvas in single colors, staying true to the minimal decoration. This style is widely available and considered quite versatile for interior design. Does this Spark an idea?
Be Consistent with Mission Style
Select a room for the mission furniture and keep the mission style consistent throughout that room. For example, if using mission furniture in a living room, select a sofa and chair frame of mission style and opt for mission style coffee and end tables to match. If using the mission furniture in a bedroom, select a bed frame and nightstands that match the mission style, as well as a simple mission-style dresser. Keeping the furniture style consistent helps make the room feel organized.
Simplify Furniture not the Decor
Mission style furniture has a classic, simplified appearance, which is part of its appeal. Keeping the furniture design consistent and simple with the mission style organizes the room, but the rest of the room decor does not have to be simplified. Select throw pillows, blankets, area rugs and framed artwork that contrasts but complements the simple furniture. Additionally, opt for fancy, designer lamps and lighting that stand out among the simple furniture design. Using the mission furniture can help other decorative pieces such as designer lamps or framed artwork stand out more.
Add to the Design
Mission furniture tends have a dark wood stain and very plain appearance. This does not mean it has to remain so. Add hand-painted designs or wood-burned designs to the furniture pieces, such as hand-painting a design on the backs of chairs, the legs or tops of tables, the arms of sofa or chair frames and other mission furniture pieces. Finish the painted designs with a sturdy, protective glaze and, if desired, glaze the wood-burned designs to make the image stand out. If not artistic, stencils may be used or consider hiring an art student from a local college. Additionally, apply decorative items such as shiny gemstones, wine bottle labels, post cards or decals before the glaze.
Balance the Light and Dark
Considering that mission furniture is often stained in darker colors, it can help balance the feel of a room if the paint and other decorative items contrast with the dark colors of the wooden mission furniture. For example, if the wood furniture comes in a dark cherry stain, consider balancing that against bright white or pastel painted walls, bright colored throw pillows and light colored lamps and lamp shades. If framed photos or artwork are hung in the room, choose frames that are wood and stained in a color similar to the furniture. Alternatively, the cushions of the furniture may be reupholstered or replaced with lighter colors or if no cushions came with the furniture, add some.
Tags: mission style, furniture pieces, mission furniture, darker colors, decorative items, designer lamps, framed artwork