How to choose the best folding chairs for your venue

Folding chairs are a great form of seating that can be used at all kinds of events, whether it’s a formal attire wedding reception or a drop-in poetry reading session. But not all folding chairs are made the same, and some might be better suited to your event and venue than others.

Reaching the best decision when it comes to seating arrangements can make or break an event – so keep reading to find out which choice is right for you.

Types of folding chair

The different types of folding chair available are defined by their materials. Some are made of plastic, some of wood and others of metal. Additionally, some have upholstered, padded seats and backs, while others don’t. Let’s look at some of the advantages of each type of folding chair.

• Plastic folding chairs

Plastic folding chairs are great for outdoor events – even in the rain. Any rainwater or spillages can be wiped off with a cloth, making them hygienic and easy to clean. They’re also lightweight and easy to transport – and they come in different shapes and colours so you can pick one that suits the rest of your venue.

• Wooden folding chairs

Wooden folding chairs are sturdy and able to withstand the inevitable wear and tear of busy venues. They’re also popular due to their natural aesthetic, especially for outdoor events and rustic venues. Like all folding chairs, they’re easily stored away when you don’t need them, making them ideal for venues in need of overflow seating arrangements.

• Metal folding chairs

With frames made entirely from metal poles, metal folding chairs are highly durable – you won’t have to replace them frequently. They’re also designed to be simple to set up and take down, making quick event changes as easy as possible. Like their plastic counterparts, metal folding chairs are wipe-clean and hygienic – ideal for use in catered events such as weddings or as overflow seating for eateries.

How to choose seating for an event

With so much variety on offer, it can be hard to choose the right seating for your venue or event. There are a lot of things to consider when making your choice – so let’s look at some of the most important considerations for event seating.

Setting: indoor or outdoor seating?

Firstly, you need to think about where your event will take place. Is it going to be indoors? If it’s outdoors, will it be under a cover or out in the open? For outdoor events, your seating needs to be suitable for the weather. Wooden chairs look good in the sunshine, but if it rains they can stay damp for hours. Metal and plastic folding chairs, on the other hand, can be wiped dry instantly.

It’s also worth considering where your folding chairs will be stored. It might be best to store them close to your venue of choice for ease of transportation. If that’s not possible, then a chair trolley could be useful to help you transport your seating into storage as quickly as possible. Consider the route as well – any stairs or steps will likely slow things down.

Materials: what are folding chairs made of?

Another thing to consider is the material of your folding chairs. If your venue uses lots of natural wood and plant-based materials, then wooden folding chairs might fit in better with that aesthetic. On the other hand, plastic and metal folding chairs come in multiple different colours and styles, so it’s worth looking into what’s available to see what suits your venue.

Venue size: standard folding chair sizes

Folding chairs are typically more compact than regular chairs as they’re designed to save space. By using folding chairs, you could potentially fit more guests into a space without making it difficult to move around the venue. As you might expect, folding chairs also save space when it comes to storage and transport, folding away and stacking to make the most of whatever space you have available.

Comfort: are folding chairs comfortable?

If your event lasts longer than an hour, you’ll probably want to go the extra mile to make sure everyone in attendance is comfortable in their seats. The good news is that padded folding chairs are purpose built to be as comfy as possible without compromising on the other benefits folding chairs are known for.

Where to buy folding chairs

Here at Ningbo, we’re experts at providing event furniture to suit any occasion. Want some advice on which to choose? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, why not take a look at our range of folding chairs and start planning for your next event? If there’s something you want that we don’t already stock, let us know and we’ll give you a quote to provide it.