I am so thankful I married someone who enjoys having people over as much as I do! Chris and I’s calendar is always full of company coming in and out…sometimes I literally get the guest room sheets cleaned and back on the bed just before someone else arrives. It’s so fun!

We also love hosting events in our home as well. Wedding showers, baby showers, surprise birthday parties, etc.
So needless to say it can get a little crowded in our living room at times. We have an open floor plan in our kitchen/living/dining room, so that helps out a ton, but sometimes there are just not enough places for everyone to find a comfortable seat! So I am always on the lookout for ways to add seating to our home without messing up the décor or flow of the space.
Here are a few super simple ideas that have worked for me, so I hope they can help you as well!
- Replace a few dining chairs with a bench.
This is a great way to squeeze (literally) in a few more people around your table.

We have 4 dining chairs and then a bench on one side and depending on the size of the people (I’m mainly talking age here…kids vs adults. Not fat vs skinny. ha), we can sometimes fit 4-5 on that side of the table! It’s also a really cute look to add to your dining room.
2. Find random chairs at yardsales/thrift stores and repurpose them.
This is my latest addiction. I LOVE old chairs. I usually look for chairs with an interesting shape or design on them. Something that will add to my décor, but also add functionality.
I can place these around the dining room table, or in different corners of the living room.
3. Find an open space in your living room and add a bench.
Can you tell I like benches? But I bought a cute bench to paint and sell, but once I set it in front of my bay window I fell in love! Not only is it super cute and I can add pillows and different things on it, it has also come in very handy when we had a big family come stay with us as well as a bridal shower!
If having people in your home is close to your heart but you don’t live in the Biltmore, seating can sometimes be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be ugly or difficult. Let’s just say “YES” to the cute and practical. Keep it simple but beautiful!
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