I often get asked how I accommodate more guests when it looks like I only have four dining chairs and two Togo sofas in the living room.
So how do I make it work?
I’ve got “hidden” chairs tucked away — multi-purpose pieces I can easily pull out when needed. Stylish when stowed, practical when in use.
In this photo, one of my trusty Ikea chairs moonlights as a pedestal beside the TV console — doubling up as space for my decor until it’s time to seat another guest.
This beautiful sculptural stool from Taobao pulls double duty as a lighting pedestal on the other side of my TV console.
To the untrained eye, it might even pass for a designer floor lamp (or so I like to think) — with a Philips Hue wireless light perfectly propped on top.
Another amazing Taobao find: this oddly shaped chair doubles up as my go-to snack zone.
Its quirky form makes it versatile without screaming, “Hey! I’m a chair — sit here only!”
Perfect for low-key lounging, occasional snacking, and blending right in.
And who could forget my ultimate favourite piece of furniture — arguably the most useful thing in my home.
While it’s primarily a step ladder, the warm bamboo finish makes it aesthetic enough to blend in anywhere.
This one also moonlights as a dining chair when I need an extra seat — and it’s just the right height too!
Another wonderful Ikea solution: this chair usually lives by the entryway as my go-to spot for putting on shoes — but when guests come over, it seamlessly joins the dining table as an extra seat.
Bonus points for the hidden storage below. Always a win.
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Chairs that do more than just be chairs are the best kind of solution for smaller spaces — even better when they look good too.
What about you? Got any creative ways you repurpose chairs when they’re not in use? I’d love to hear them!