Good Bones: Mina Starsiak Adds Character To A Dining Room With These Chairs

Adding character to a home doesn't necessarily mean filling it with bold colors and funky furniture, although there are plenty of ways to approach maximalism successfully if that's your style. In Season 4, Episode 6 of "Good Bones" on HGTV titled "Nothin's Easy on Easy Street," Mina Starsiak took a more subtle approach to add character to a client's light and cozy dining room with a classic option: ladder-back chairs.

This style of chair is certainly nothing new. By definition, this form of seating lives up to its name by featuring two sturdy upright back pieces connected by slats, resembling a ladder. While this kind of chair is widely considered utilitarian, that won't keep it from adding structure and interest to any space. The standard design of ladder-back chairs may define the basic concept, but there are so many variations in seat material, wood grain or paint, and size that allow this humble chair style to add character to your room.

In the "Good Bones" episode, Mina Starsiak made the most of a small space by using two types of seating. Under the windows, a long, built-in bench was installed to combine form and function. This bench is the perfect multifunctional piece because it doubles as storage as well as offering seating for one side of the dining area. Opposite the farmhouse-style table, she used ladder-back chairs to complete the eat-in kitchen area. Rather than selecting rush or cane seats, those fortunate enough to dine in this beautiful space will enjoy the padded, upholstered base. The striped fabric on the chairs' seats added character to the space with color and visual texture without interfering with the calm vibe.

The ladder-back chairs not only added interest to this dining room, but this style is also particularly useful in rooms where space is at a premium. In this layout, the cooking and dining areas are divided by a walkway linking the living room to a small hallway. That means big, bulky chairs could inhibit the natural flow of the space. The slim, upright style of ladder-back chairs provide the perfect amount of character while keeping the space functional.

Whether you like bold and vibrant styles or something a little more subtle, the great thing about ladder-back chairs is their flexibility for almost any space. For those who like the light, airy look, like the home featured in this episode of "Good Bones," a light wood stain, white wash, or paint can help blend your chairs with your existing decor. And, since they have a compact design, you might be able to fit a few extra chairs around the perfect dining table for your space.

For those all about dynamic hues and patterns, have some fun mixing and matching. Want a violet chair frame with leopard print upholstery? There's nothing stopping you. Need a chair in every color? Why not? Some version of this classic design has been made for centuries, so you're likely to find some for a bargain price at your local thrift store. Grab some paint or stain along with some interesting fabric and change them from standard to one (or several!) of a kind.