It’s unavoidable but unsightly just the same: you set up your dining room for a celebratory feast, and those extra chairs you’ve put out to accommodate the number of guests stick out like a sore thumb.
Here are some great tips to help integrate those chairs with the rest of your dining room décor for this New Year’s and future celebrations;
Last Minute Slip Covers
If your dining chairs aren’t too overpowering (large, tall, solid leather back) you can integrate them with additional chairs by throwing some sheer fabric over them. A subtle tulle like this $3.99-a-yard find (left), looks great strewn and tied over a traditional folding chair (the ideal extra chair, available for rent at virtually every party supplies company.) You can fasten the fabric in the back with a plain tack, a bow detail or add to it a thematic trinket, if you're so inclined.
Throws and Sashes
If your dining chairs have a ladder and/or tall back, a good way to tie them to the extra chairs is to use a simple sash or throw, such as the one pictured here (left), styled by Samantha Pynn of Pure Design. Simply weave the fabric through the ladder back or hang it over a solid back and tie ribbon around it to fasten in place. Try both techniques to see which works best with your extra chairs.
See all of Samantha Pynn's ideas for a holiday table set-up, easily adaptable for dinner parties throughout the year.
Decals
Decals are everywhere! These décor stickers from Blik (right), are by far the easiest option to tie together a collection of different chairs, but may not work with every type of chair (also, because you have to order them online, they won't make it in time for this New Year’s, but in plenty time for your next party!) If your dining chairs are solid in colour and have a solid back, then these are a great option. Alternatively, you can use only solid-back plastic folding chairs (if you wish to rent or have a stack of them available) and make a smart design statement by dressing them up with these regal chair-back decals.
If you have any other suggestions, please share!
Related: Remarkable Rebirth of a Dining Chair, Sophisticated Paper Wall Decals