There is something naturally balanced about a pair. Whether it’s two pieces of artwork hanging either side of a bed, a pair of chests flanking a fireplace or two beautiful lamps framing a console, using things in twos can bring a wonderful sense of balance and proportion to a room. At our Design Studio, we love interiors that are layered, colourful and full of unexpected details. Introducing pairs can help bring structure to a space, creating visual balance and allowing the eye to move comfortably around the room. But this certainly doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly symmetrical. The best pairings can be connected through shape, scale, colour or pattern without being identical.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the simplest ways to introduce a pair into a room. Two table lamps either side of a bed naturally frame the headboard and create a strong focal point, while a pair of floor lamps can bring height and balance to either end of a sofa.
Pairs can also be a useful way to bring together pieces that might otherwise feel unrelated. Two different bedside tables, for example, can suddenly feel connected when topped with matching lamps and shades. A colourful or patterned shade is also a lovely opportunity to introduce another fabric or colour into the scheme.
The Art of Two
Artwork is another great way to play with pairs. Rather than always placing one large piece centrally above a bed, try hanging two smaller works either side of the headboard.
They might be by the same artist or from the same collection, but they certainly don’t have to be. Similar frames, proportions or even a shared colour can be enough to create a relationship between the two. It’s a lovely way to achieve balance while bringing more character and individuality into a bedroom.
Take a Seat
A pair of chairs can instantly make a room feel more welcoming. Two armchairs opposite a sofa help define a seating area and encourage conversation, while a pair beside a fireplace creates a cosy spot within a larger room. This is also where we love to have fun with fabric. Identical chairs can be upholstered in contrasting patterns or different colourways, allowing each to have its own personality while their matching shapes maintain a sense of balance.
Framing a Space
Larger pieces of furniture can have an even greater impact when used in pairs. Two chests placed either side of a fireplace can anchor the room and create a strong sense of proportion around a central feature. However, what sits on top of them doesn’t need to match. One chest might hold a lamp and a stack of favourite books, while the other is dressed with flowers, ceramics or a piece of sculpture. The pair provides the structure, while these individual details stop the arrangement from feeling too formal.
The same idea can be used with bookcases either side of a doorway or fireplace, stools tucked beneath a console or planters framing an entrance.
The key is remembering that a pair doesn’t have to be a perfect match. Repetition gives a room rhythm and structure, but the differences are often what give it character.