Decorating for a Well-Balanced Meal

I have questions about arranging my dining room. Sometimes there are two different chairs at the ends of the table. Should the others all be alike? And how to hang the chandelier: Does it always go in the middle of the table, or could it be off to one side??

The so-called "Lord" and "Lady" chairs traditionally go at either end of a rectangular table, with family/guests arranged along the sides between them. It's a non-issue if you have a round table, of course: all the chairs can then match. Or, less formal and more fun, all the chairs can be different styles and/or colors.

My clever friend Sue once upholstered eight Parsons chairs in a rainbow of vibrant pastels, always a conversation-starter among her dinner guests.
On the other hand, there's a lot to be said for symmetry. Most of us respond positively to formal balance; it's calming and orderly and makes us feel that we're in control of our world, even if it's only under our own roofs.

The dining room we show here is mirror-image perfect, a soothing setting for quiet conversation and good food. Speaking of which, would it surprise you to learn that the furniture designer is also a renowned cook? This is the new River House Collection designed by Paula Deen for Universal Furniture (universalfurniture.com).

And never mind the dust-up that has been swirling around Paula of late: In her furniture designs, many inspired by her own home, she taps into a deep Southern tradition of calm and comfortable hospitality, especially around the dinner table. Life, like one's menu, should be well balanced.

Which brings us back to your question about chandeliers. If you are hanging one, it usually goes over the center of the table so everyone can see what's on their plate. Two or more hanging lights can be spaced down the length of the table, as they are in this dining room. How high should they be hung? Depends on the size of the light fixture.

Between 30 and 36 inches above the tabletop is the universally accepted measurement. Just be sure the fixture is high enough so no one bumps their head sitting down or getting up and low enough to shed light on what you're eating.