The conventional wisdom around dining chairs is that they should be the same, maybe even purchased as part of a set. Luckily, Venus Williams has never been scared to throw the rule book out the window.
She rejects dogma in favor of a mismatched approach to dining table seating for a stunning result in her sister Serena Williams's dining room, which she shared on her design firm's Instagram. In 2021, Venus's firm, VStarr, worked with Serena to transform her Florida Spanish-style home into a modern masterpiece, including the unique dining room. In addition to the dozens of pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, the most interesting feature is that rather than sticking only to wooden chairs, Venus uses both wooden and gray sherpa chairs (like these from Wayfair) around Serena's farmhouse dining table.
Furthermore, as interior design trends move towards more characterful, vintage interiors, we predict that Venus's idea will only grow in popularity in 2026. To explore, we curated an edit that makes it easy for you to recreate Venus's design, and spoke to experts on the rise of mismatched dining furniture. Let's start with a peek into Serena Williams' space.
Recreate Venus's Design at Home
The sculptural and contemporary reinvention of the farmhouse table brings timeless elegance to the home. Available in three sizes to fit any space.
Many designers say that bouclé fell from grace because its tiny loops started to feel like they were trying too hard. This shearling chair does the opposite. It's low-slung and absolutely unbothered. It’s even softer than it seems, with a pillowy cushion that makes it perfect for a dining room.
With its smooth lines, light wood finish and basket-work seat, this elegant dining chair mimics the silhouette of Serena Williams' and looks like a designer piece.
For the retro-lovers, this '70s-inspired, glass globe pendant is the perfect addition to any kitchen, and would look fantastic over a marble island.
With it's vintage-inspired umbrella-shaped shade and elegant brass details, this pendant light is the perfect addition to a cozy eat-in area. It blend timeless elegance with a subtle industrial flair – and it's the perfect size to illuminate a small seating area.
This painting that resembles the one in Serena's dining room is the perfect way to add an unexpected pop of red to your walls. It would be gorgeous beside a table or in a living room.
According to interior designers, the shift towards mismatched dining furniture fits in with the larger shift towards nostalgia in design we're seeing across the space.
Sam Deeble, Home Interiors Expert at Woods Furniture explains the dining room trend stating: 'Now more than ever, people are being more intentional with their home’s design and creating a space that resonates with their interior taste. Interior enthusiasts seek inspiration from the past to create a home filled with character and personality. Vintage interiors are favored for their nostalgic aesthetic and timeless appeal, as many look for a design that withstands trends.'
To replicate Venus's design, he advises: 'Follow a mix-and-match approach when creating a vintage dining room. A mismatched dining set provides an eclectic design that adds character and uniqueness. Unlike a uniform set, the combination of different chair shapes, colors, and materials creates the impression of pieces collected over time, emphasizing the antique feel of this aesthetic. A mismatched dining set adds authenticity to the vintage dining room.'
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