Extra seating, not sure about you , but I’m always looking for more of it, especially as the holidays get closer. I’ll admit, I have been known to pull out the old card table and chairs in emergency situations. (I know you know what I’m talking about.) Since it’s been on my mind, I thought I give you all some tips on ways to easily add extra seating that you can use all year round. I plan on taking my own advice this year as well.
All of the photos above are examples of ottomans/chairs used near coffee tables. This is my favorite way to add extra seating. This can also be a really affordable option. Who hasn’t seen a couple of inexpensive chairs, ottomans or benches at your local thrift store just calling out for some love. There’s no rule that says that have to match either. I think the key here is the scale of the pieces. Do you see it? The pieces above are slightly smaller than the other pieces in the space. Be careful with scale and you will be able to pull off this look, add extra seating for your holiday party as well as a chic look to your space.
Don’t forget about the space in front of the fireplace. What a great place for guests to sit with a festive beverage and good conversation.
If your really tight on space, this is a great option. Add a bench to your entry. I love how this one doesn’t quite fit under the console. This extra seating option is always there when you need it, but not in the way every day. Pull it out when you need it, put it back when you don’t.
How do you add extra seating during the holidays? I hope I’ve given you a few options that you can use every day. Let’s make a promise to keep the old card table and chairs in the closet this year.
*photos via Thom Filicia
Thom certainly knows how to design a bang up room – those last few are my favorites. I love that look in the last image of the bench in the entry, and I also like the two small ottomans underneath the console in the entry – I think it’s a great idea. For our small little home, I always just pull the chairs from the dining room in for the time being. And yes, the occasional card table and chairs (eek!!)
This is a fantastic post!! I will be forwarding it on to a client! Thanks for putting it into great words, Lori!
I’m guilty of pulling in anything from the other rooms or the basement – ugh! Great stylish ideas and the perfect items to think about when you’re thrifting!
Those are all great ideas! I too am guilty of bringing out the card tables. I actually own 4 of them! the reason is- I have an annual Christmas Tea and need the extra table & chairs every year. I keep telling myself one day I’ll invest in those nice folding bamboo chairs from Ballards.
Great ideas Lori. I think we are all guilty of pulling out the card table and folding chairs on occasion, but ottoman’s are functional and pretty too. I love the last photo of the entry, I think the bench that is just a little too large to fit under the table adds a touch of the unexpected.
Great post! I so need some of this kind of help! 🙂
Are these all by Thom Filicia? The first two rooms are so similar. This post reminds me of what I thought of as genious small space design at The Venetian in Las Vegas. The designer used a huge square coffee table for an l shaped couch, and then tucked four smaller square ottomans under the coffee table. That hotel rooms could have easily sat 10 people!
Great ideas. Working with a client now and that’s what we did. We found 2 ottomans and we put them under a table. It works out great.