The Best Folding Chairs That Allow You To Sit Just About Anywhere

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Following Jul 6, 2023, 04:20pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Folding chairs might not be associated with elegance, but they’re capable of things that most other seating options could never do. Highly portable and relatively affordable, the best folding chairs can provide a comfortable, convenient place to sit down and relax wherever you are—at a backyard cookout, a crowded dinner party or the beach. Also, today’s folding chairs are significantly sleeker and more stable than the wobbly, unattractive versions of years past, and some are even chic.

While folding chairs might not be the most beautiful, comfortable seats, their utility is unmatched, . . .

[+] as these portable chairs allow you to sit just about anywhere. Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers In other words, you’re bound to find a set of folding chairs that checks all of your unique boxes. “Folding chairs come in all sorts of styles and colors, so you can choose ones that match your decor or add a pop of color to your space,” says David Lindley, CEO of By Design .

“If you’re short on storage space, there are even folding chairs that are designed to stack on top of each other, so they take up less room. ” If you’re looking for folding chairs to pull out when guests visit, there are a variety of metal and plastic options that can easily be stored in a closet or garage. For those seeking seats to bring outdoors, there are many lightweight camping chairs that fold up into compact, portable forms that are perfect for the beach or sporting events.

Some souped-up chairs even have convenient features likes cup holders or canopies to block the sun. Ahead, here are the best folding chairs to ensure you always have a comfortable seat at the ready. Best Folding Chairs Overall: HDX Flex-One Folding Chair Best Budget Folding Chairs: Mainstays Steel Folding Chair Best Plastic Folding Chairs: IKEA NISSE Folding Chair Best Wooden Folding Chairs: Winsome Robin Folding Teak Chair Best-Designed Folding Chairs: Joss and Main Donner Rattan Folding Dining Chair Best Padded Folding Chairs: Flash Furniture HERCULES Series Folding Chair Best Canopy Folding Chairs: Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair Best Folding Chairs For Camping: YETI Trailhead Camp Chair Best Folding Chairs For The Beach: RIO Beach Lace-Up Folding Beach Chair Best Folding Chairs Overall A Large, Comfortable Seat With A High Weight Limit The Home Depot HDX Flex-One Folding Chair Buy From The Home Depot Material: 18-gauge steel and stain-resistant polypropylene | Chair weight: 10 pounds | Weight capacity: 600 pounds The HDX Flex-One Folding Chair is among the most thoughtfully constructed seats out there, making it our number-one pick overall.

Featuring an extra-wide seat and a breathable mesh-like surface that flexes for improved comfort, this ergonomic chair is unbeatable in terms of both comfort and durability. Built around a durable steel frame, it also boasts an impressive 600-pound weight capacity, so anyone (and maybe even their kid) can sit in it. And if you suspect your chair is defective, no sweat—the brand backs the product with a 10-year warranty.

Pros: Higher than average weight capacity Flexible seat and back surfaces for improved comfort Extra wide seat 10-year warranty Cons: Slightly stiff to open and close Best Budget Folding Chairs A Classic, Stackable Option For Large Events Walmart Mainstays Steel Folding Chair Buy From Walmart Material: Steel | Chair weight: Not listed | Weight capacity: Not listed If you don’t mind its utilitarian appearance, the stackable Mainstays Steel Folding Chair is notably affordable and portable, making it ideal if you’re looking for a chair to pull out when you’re hosting and need extra seats. Because it’s made from steel with a durable powder-coated finish, it’s not the most cushy option out there, though the contoured seat increases the comfort level. You also don’t have to worry about the chair scratching your floors, as the bottom of its legs are covered by rubber pads—a thoughtful touch.

Pros: Low price per chair Fully metal construction Chairs stack for easy storage Cons: Weight limit isn’t specified Best Plastic Folding Chairs A Cute, Lightweight Seat That Hangs For Easy Storage IKEA NISSE Folding Chair Buy From IKEA Material: Steel and polypropylene | Chair weight: 8 pounds | Weight capacity: 220 pounds Though it might not be quite as durable as a metal option, the IKEA NISSE Folding Chair is a lightweight, affordable option to keep around the house, especially if you only need it once in a while. This chair has a steel frame and polypropylene seat/back and weighs just 8 pounds, making it easy to move around as needed. Plus, the back of the chair has a slot that allows you to hang it on the wall for more convenient storage; thanks to this feature, you can effortlessly mount the chair in a closet or garage when it’s not in use.

Pros: Lightweight Fairly inexpensive Can be hung on the wall for easy storage Cons: Plastic material may crack over time Best Wooden Folding Chairs A Lightweight Teak Model For A More Upscale Aesthetic Amazon Winsome Robin Folding Set Teak Chair (Set Of 4) Buy From Amazon Material: Solid teak | Chair weight: 8. 4 pounds | Weight capacity: 170 pounds Wooden chairs are generally a bit more attractive than metal or plastic ones, so it should come as no surprise that the Winsome Robin Folding Teak Chair is a popular choice for special occasions like weddings or dinner parties. Made from solid teak, this cute chair comes in four finishes to match your decor.

Despite being made from wood, it’s light enough to move around easily. Just keep in mind that its weight capacity is lower than other options (it can only support up to 170 pounds), and it’s not designed to be left outside in the elements. While teak is naturally weather-resistant, if you want the chair to hold up over time, it’s essential to bring it inside after the party is over.

Pros: Crafted from solid wood Available in multiple finishes to match your decor Lightweight Cons: Lower than average weight limit Shouldn’t be left outdoors Best-Designed Folding Chairs An Attractive Wooden Option With A Wide, Padded Seat Wayfair Joss and Main Donner Folding Chair Buy From Wayfair Material: Solid wood and linen upholstery | Chair weight: 14. 11 pounds | Weight capacity: 275 pounds Just from looking at it, you might not even be able to tell that the Joss and Main Donner Chair folds up. It resembles a regular dining chair, featuring a stylish rattan back and comfortable padded seat with linen upholstery.

Sold in two finish colors, this chair is worth the splurge if comfort is a top priority. In addition to the padded seat, the chairs is wider than many other folding models, making it comfortable for all body types (it can support up to 275 pounds). When you don’t need the extra seating, you can simply engage the chair’s metal folding mechanism to lift up the seat, creating a more compact form for storage.

Pros: Resembles a regular dining chair Wide, padded seat for comfort Crafted from high-quality materials Cons: Bulkier than other chairs when folded Best Padded Folding Chairs A Popular Metal Model With Cushioning On The Seat And Back Amazon Flash Furniture HERCULES Series Metal Folding Chair (Pack Of 2) Buy From Amazon Material: Steel | Chair weight: 11 pounds | Weight capacity: 300 pounds Folding chairs can be uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time—that is, unless you invest in set like this one from Flash Furniture, which offers ample foam cushioning on the seat and back to improve the experience. While the patterned fabric on the cushions has somewhat of an outdated appearance, you can’t beat these chairs when it comes to longterm comfort. (Also, the fabric comes in three colors, so you have options.

) Pros: Thick layer of foam on seat Rubber feet to protect floors Multiple colors available Cons: Outdated aesthetic Best Canopy Folding Chairs A Handy Outdoor Chair With Adjustable Covering Amazon Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair Buy From Amazon Material: Steel and polyester | Chair weight: 9 pounds | Weight capacity: 225 pounds Whether you’re camping, tailgating or spending the day at the beach, the Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair is a great lightweight option to bring along. Not only does this chair offer a comfortable place to sit, but it also comes with an adjustable canopy to provide protection from the sun. You can adjust the canopy’s height and angle to suit your needs, and it can also be removed when you don’t need it.

Simply put, this chair is designed for care-free lounging. Aside from the canopy, this camping chair—which is made from steel and rip-resistant polyester seat—is designed with two built-in cup holders and a mesh storage pouch. For easy transportation, the chair comes with a storage bag featuring a handy shoulder strap.

The design is available in three colors. Pros: Adjustable sun canopy Built-in cup holders and storage pouch Convenient carrying and storage bag Cons: Tips over easily if no one is sitting in it Best Folding Chairs For Camping A Splurge-Worthy Pick For Outdoor Excursions YETI YETI Trailhead Camp Chair Buy From YETI Material: Steel and FlexGrid fabric | Chair weight: 13. 3 pounds | Weight capacity: 500 pounds You’d be hard-pressed to find a more durable (and comfortable) camping chair than this option from YETI.

This wildly popular chair is extremely rugged, featuring a steel frame that can support up to 500 pounds, as well as comfortable FlexGrid fabric that eliminates pressure points. Plus, the material is UV-resistant, so it won’t fade or deteriorate over time, and the breathable fabric stays comfortable on hot days. In addition to its sturdy construction, the Trailhead Chair has a variety of useful features.

Its cup holder can be mounted to either side of the chair, leaving the armrests unencumbered, and it comes with a dual-strap carrying bag that can be worn as a backpack if you’re hiking out to a campsite. Pros: Sturdy with a high weight capacity Cup holder that doesn’t block arm rests UV-resistant materials for improved durability Cons: Notably more expensive than other camping chairs Best Folding Chairs For The Beach A Backpack-Style Pick Perfect For Reclining In The Sand Amazon Rio Beach Lace-Up Folding Backpack Chair Buy From Amazon Material: Rust-proof aluminum and polyester | Chair weight: 7. 54 pounds | Weight capacity: 240 pounds You can stay comfortable at the beach with the RIO Beach Lace-Up Folding Chair, which comes in three colors.

Designed for the beach, this lightweight option offers four reclining positions, making it easier than ever to work on your tan from the comfort of a chair. The frame of the chair is made from rust-proof aluminum, and the seat and back are a polyester fabric held up by a unique lace suspension, which conforms to your body to keep you comfortable all day. The chair includes a built-in cup holder off one of the armrests, as well as a large adjustable pillow and storage pouch on the seat’s back.

And once the whole thing’s folded up, you can wear the chair as a backpack, keeping your hands free for your other beach gear. Pros: Included backpack shoulder straps Four recline positions Lace-up suspension conforms to your body Cons: Tricky to fold up MORE FROM FORBES VETTED The Best Subscription Boxes For Kids, From Cooking To STEM Kits By Jenni Gritters Contributor The Best Alarm Clocks To Create A More Peaceful Sleep Routine By Rebecca R. Norris Contributor What Is The Best Material For A Folding Chair? There is no singular best folding material chair but rather a handful of quality materials that are best for specific uses.

For example, if you want something lightweight and budget-friendly, plastic chairs are generally the way to go. Metal chairs tend to be a bit sturdier and often have a higher weight capacity but they’re less portable, owing to their heavier weight. Or, if you’re looking for something more decorative, you may want to look for wooden chairs, which are often available with upholstered seats for added comfort.

How Can I Make A Folding Chair Look Prettier? If you end up going with utilitarian chairs, you may not love their plain appearance. To dress up your chairs a bit, consider adding cushions or covers—especially if they’re being used for a special event like a wedding. “There are tons of ready-made slipcovers for folding chairs available online,” says Peter Spalding, interior designer and co-founder of Daniel House Club .

“Loose slips can be a fun way to make things feel casual and summery, and more taut ones tend to heighten things. ” Follow me on Twitter . Check out my website .

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