Jefferson Walnut Card Tables

One of a pair of my new Jefferson card tables, from the Monticello Collection (as are the chairs).

Not one but two of these card tables arrived the other day for the Entrance Hall of Merriman Park.  I love using pairs of things in my decorating schemes.  Even in my own 'real' house, glancing around the rooms, you will find pairs of demi-lune tables, pairs of sconces and pairs of candlesticks scattered here and there. 

Demi-lune tables flank the dining room window

One of the pair of demi-lune tables in the dining room, with its corresponding pair of (mismatched) busts.  I made a giant stamp to create the repeated, baroque  pattern on the back wall.

Sometimes, it doesn't even matter if the 'pairs' are an exact match.  A pair of mismatched chairs flanking the fireplace still looks balanced.

The oval mirror over the fireplace was my grandmother's --purchased almost a century ago from the Montgomery-Ward catalog!

Note the pair of candlesticks grouped side-by-side on the right side of the mantle: I once read in a decorating magazine that to do this was a huge no-no, but I think the set balances the grouping on the left side, don't you?  Also note the twin pair of light sconces, and the pair of lamps in the room's corners.  If you decorate in an 'eclectic' style, as I like to do, you'll find that a matching pair of anything will help unify things, and keep your setting from getting too busy.  That's my dearly-departed first Sheltie, Ella on the loveseat.  How we still miss her!

A pair of candlestick lamps flank the bar. Cocktails, anyone?

I am addicted to pairs and use them everywhere!  When selecting furniture for Merriman Park, I'll often pick up a set of two, just in case...you can always store one of the pairs in your dollhouse attic if you can't find a spot for the complete set!  (And you might need the second piece if you decide someday to redecorate or rearrange your miniature rooms). Try using pairs of items --either in your dollhouse, or in your real home.