Back in Brady Bunch days, a matched bed and nightstand were as compulsory as same-color shoes and handbags. Today’s more relaxed styles let you experiment with furniture pairings to see what works best. Rules are loose: For instance, if wood grains and colors aren’t a close match, try a stark contrast instead. Consider mixing glass or metal pieces with woods. Or go for matching colors in different textures. Just don’t try to fill a whole room with competing “stars” (Marsha Brady and Susan Partridge in the same show? Never!) Aim for a visual balance and look forward to a happy ending.

One way to pair styles is by combining cultural similarities. This rattan headboard works well with the bamboo design on our Asian-inspired nightstand.

Found a jewel but you’re not sure it’s a fit? Try it! A colorful, exotic piece like our hand-painted Leianya Chest might just be the perfect complement to a simple metal headboard.

Study up on styles. For example, wicker and painted wood are often used together to create a cozy, cottage look.

This woven rattan headboard and pinewood chest feature vastly different silhouettes and materials, but their rich warm tones keep things copacetic.

Tie things together with texture. Combine different scales of similar patterns, like this natural sea grass headboard and nightstand with woven rattan inset.

Different silhouettes create different moods. Pairing the straight, clean lines of our rope headboard and painted chest evokes a sense of serenity and order.

Visual weight is the heaviness and size of an object as perceived by the eye. The spare lines of our headboard paired with the reflective mirrored chest keep this look light & airy.

Have fun! Sometimes you just need to throw away the rule book and go with what looks good to you. Personal style is all about creativity.