Often times we have a six-person or eight-person dining table in our homes for those few times of the year that our table is full of loved ones and extended family gathered around the table. But unless you have a big immediate family, more often than not, those extra chairs don't get used on a daily basis. Rather than having them collect dust around the table, here are a few other ways you can use them…

1. Use it as a plant stand. Elevate a simple potted plant and give it height by placing a medium to large plant on a chair. Your eyes are instantly more drawn to the plant at that height than if it sat on the ground.

2. Create a gift "table" for parties. Often people set up another table or large surface to collect gifts when hosting a shower or birthday party. Instead, line up a few of your extra chairs to hold those kind gestures.

3. Turn it into a side table. Whether it holds books or offers a place to tuck bins underneath, a chair is basically like a side table that can be used wherever an extra surface is needed!

Sources: gold dining chair from Target, mint chair from CB2, blush chair from Urban Outfitters, white chair from Sunbeam vintage; top three rugs by Aelfie, last rug from Target. Pom Pom bin by Pehr.

{Photos by Casey Brodley, styling by Julia Wester}