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Little space but lots of friends? These space-saving chairs ensure everyone gets a seat at the table without cluttering your home
The best spare seating doesn't look temporary. As stylist and House Beautiful columnist Emily Henson explains, a stack of well-chosen stools or design-led folding chairs can double as everyday furniture while remaining ready for guests at a moment's notice.
‘For extra seating, I have a stack of wooden stools that tuck in a corner for most of the year, being used as impromptu stepladders or side tables in a pinch. When I entertain, I top them with comfy seat pads,' she explains.
Our round-up of folding chairs, pouffes and nesting and stacking stools do exactly that – they’re practical, stylish and easy to store away when not in use. Shop 7 of the best.
Available in four colours, this cushioned stacking stool proves practical seating needn't compromise on style. The painted wooden frame and plush velvet-upholstered seat create a premium, design-led look that feels far more expensive than it is.
Lightweight and easy to move around, it's ideal for accommodating extra guests at a moment's notice, while the stackable design makes storage effortless when not in use.
| Size | H 44.5cm X W 36.5cm X D 36.5cm |
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Sleek and simple, this set of two folding chairs bring a touch of Scandinavian style to any room. Crafted from solid beech with a beech veneer seat and available in a natural or walnut finish, they fold flat for easy storage when not in use. It's great for rooms that need to work for everyday living and hosting extra guests.
| Size | H45 cm x L38.5 cm x D39 cm |
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This versatile three-in-one solution pairs a bench with two nesting stools, providing ample seating for guests. Available in taupe and chalky white, this set is ideal for minimalists wanting to create a calm, refined look.
| Size | Bench Dimensions: H53cm W121cm D43cm Stool Dimensions: H40cm W51cm D42.5cm |
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With petal-shaped legs and in a range of vibrant colours, these stacking stools are brilliant for rooms struggling to fit guests. Sturdy, durable legs and a plush bouclé seat mean they're sure to last and impress!
| Size | H46cm x Ø44cm |
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For cosier, more intimate gatherings, opt for this comfortable pouffe. Its bright, playful patchwork design will help friends and family feel right at home. It doubles as a footstool or side table too, so it's never just for hosting.
| Size | H35x x W58cm x D58cm |
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This collapsable stool is easy to tuck away – with its simple criss-cross folding design, there’s no hassle. The seat is slightly curved for comfort and the frame includes a footrest. It's durable thanks to its solid oak wood material and is designed for both occasional and everyday use.
| Size | H 64cm X W 39cm X D 34cm |
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This pine wood stool is a bold, sculptural piece that feels more like a design choice than just extra seating. In a range of bright colours just in time for summer, this stacking stool sits lower to the ground, emulating a warm, intimate atmosphere. It also works brilliantly as a side table.
| Height: 45 cm Seat diameter: 34 cm | H 45cm Seat Diameter 34cm |
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