When furnishing a home, choosing pieces isn’t simply a matter of whether you like them or not, though it would be nice if decorating were that straightforward. You have to consider material, color, silhouette, style, and price. Then there’s scale. Finding furniture that’s appropriately sized for your space isn’t always as easy (or as budget-friendly)…
Dining room credenzas, bookcases, media consoles, bedroom dressers, and storage cabinets are often among the most expensive pieces in a home. If you’re struggling to fill a long wall or anchor a large space, consider this designer-approved trick: Buy two of the same piece and place them side-by-side. This simple solution adds substantial storage and visual weight where you need it most, all while potentially saving you money.
Why the Side-By-Side Furniture Solution Works
Instead of investing in one extra-long sideboard, dresser, or media console, purchasing two smaller-scale pieces often costs less and offers more flexibility. When placed directly next to each other, the repetition creates symmetry that feels intentional and elevated. The eye will read the pair as a single, expansive piece rather than two separate units.
This trick works especially well in dining rooms and living rooms, where elongated furniture helps ground the space and balance other large-scale elements. Choosing clean-lined designs with flat sides is key, so they sit flush together to give the illusion of a continuous unit.
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It’s Functional and Flexible
Beyond the aesthetics, the functionality of doubling up is a major win. Two pieces often provide more usable storage than one long cabinet, offering better organization through additional drawers and compartments. This allows you to group items more efficiently, such as keeping table linens and cocktail glasses in a dining room credenza or electronics and board games in a media console.
For a seamless look, lean on styling. Treat the two pieces as one unit, ignoring the seam. Center your artwork, mirror, or television across the full width of the arrangement and style the surface with balance in mind. Consider placing matching lamps at either end for symmetry, or arranging a single long tray along the center to physically and visually connect the pieces.
A new console — or two — can benefit from a personal touch. Swap out the existing hardware for pulls with patina or character to add age and charm on a budget. This small upgrade instantly unifies the pair in a one-of-a-kind way.
