Guest Picks: 21 Seats That Work as Extras
Pull up one of these stylish chairs, stools or benches for added seating when guests come calling
I'm the founder and editor of Rooms and Words, a two-headed blogazine about all things design. I also contribute regularly to shelter magazines in Israel and love styling and decorating for my family and friends.
I'm the founder and editor of Rooms and Words, a two-headed blogazine... More »
If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for pretty and functional extra seating. I'm in just a family of three, but there's always a need for a place for guests to sit in the living room, or somewhere for a client, a spouse or even my son to sit while I work in the home office. Here are some picks that would be great for additional seats and would also look nice against a wall or shoved under a console when not in use. — Chedva from Rooms and Words
The great thing about stools with a unique shape and color is that even when they're not being used, they don't stand in the way. Rather, they look like modern sculptures.
I love the strong print here! This is a great option if your dining or living room has a stronger color scheme and you want a piece that would feel like an integral part of it. (No one has to know it has been tucked under the table until extra seating was needed!) It would also work great in a mudroom or at the foot of the bed.
Move this turquoise, modern and stackable chair from the home office to the dining room and vice versa. Or scatter a few in different colors throughout the house.
by Neiman Marcus
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The distinction between different kinds of furniture is getting more and more confused — and that's not a bad thing. Use this beautiful equestrian piece (don't you love the leather accents?) as a side table, stool, seat or however else you wish.
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by Jayson Home
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| The classic lines and shapely legs make this ottoman so perfect. It can be used as a coffee table substitute, as extra seating or just as something to hang out on. |
by Jayson Home
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Isn't this bar stool amazing? Push it to the kitchen island when a guest comes, and display it as art when not needed for seating.
This bench has a delicate beauty. It's also neutral and useful enough to blend in any room around the house when it's not needed as emergency extra seating.
by Ballard Designs
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Yes, it's not groundbreaking, but Chinese garden stools just look so good under a console! Plus, of course, they are so useful. I like this metal version because it's a nice update on the regular ceramic style.
by Ballard Designs
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How princess-like is this little vanity stool? With its swiveling superpowers, it doesn't have to be restricted to the dressing room. It would look wonderful in a shabby chic living room.
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| I love poufs! This one's shape and chevron print make it prominent and contemporary. |
With outdoor furniture looking more and more like it belongs indoors, dining chairs like these are a great option if you host a lot of dinner parties. You can store them outside in stacks, and when you bring the chairs in for guests, they won't look like they belong on the patio.
by Crate&Barrel
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This is another beautiful ottoman that you can use as a coffee table or extra seating.
Oh, the beauty of reclaimed wood! I can actually see this stool moonlighting as a planter stand. It would also look (and function) great in a kitchen.
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by fawn&forest
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| It took me a minute to realize this is a pouf. I love the lines, the colors, the idea. It's perfect as a sculpture or seating situation, and it looks extra comfortable. |
by Serena & Lily
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It doesn't get any better than a Moroccan leather pouf. They always look good, no matter where they are, as long as you don't under-stuff them.
This is such a pretty ottoman, and the great thing is that more than one person can sit on it. It's perfect for parties.
by Burke Decor
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This chair has so much personality. It doesn't really matter where it's situated (at the head of a dining table or resting against the wall) it's sure to command the room.
by Burke Decor
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What's more comfortable than a giant Fatboy pillow? This one with a Marimekko fabric will add tons of color and pattern to any room, and it's perfect for huddling together to watch a movie or even doing homework.
by Jan Showers
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This classic will work great as a host or hostess chair at a dinner party or as an occasional chair around the house.
by Ballard Designs
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Who says banquette benches are just for breakfast nooks? One with shapely lines and nailhead trim can be a chic and unexpected choice for extra seating in the living room, in the bedroom or even in a hall or corridor by a console.
Chair-plus-ottoman sets are smart buys because they look great together and don't command a lot of visual space. Plus, the ottoman can double as extra seating without altering your decor scheme.
Next: 12 Occasional Chairs for All Occasions
Next: 12 Occasional Chairs for All Occasions
Comments
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Many nice examples here. I'd only nix the vanity chair in a living room. Love the ottomans. Can't believe they still sell Marimekko fabrics; those designs are now 50 years old, and still going strong.
8 months ago · Like
roxy08 Love the Pedersen & Lennard bucket stool - the seat can be flipped over - and then you have a side table! http://www.pedersenlennard.co.za/products/seating/bucket-stool/ 
8 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on Oct. 7, 2012.
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