Folding chairs are the key to holding amazing events that don’t require hours of hard labor to set up or vast amounts of space to store between events. They are a handy solution because of their versatility and how easy they are to move around and store.
Our folding chair guide explains everything you need to know about folding chairs so you can choose the perfect chairs for your business or venue.
The Benefits of Folding Chairs for Large Venues
A fleet of folding chairs can benefit your venues and staff in six ways.
- Space saving
- Easily movable
- Cost saving
- Versatility
- Sturdy
- Easily cleanable
Folding chairs are the most convenient form of seating for any business or event venue. A fleet of folding chairs, ready to accommodate guests at a moment’s notice, can benefit you in six ways.
1. Space saving
Folding chairs do exactly what their name says: they fold up when not in use. This means you can store hundreds of chairs in a relatively small space. That leaves more open floor space in your venue.
2. Easily movable
Folding chairs are lightweight, so you can quickly transport them. No need to worry about dragging around heavy, cumbersome furniture that takes hours to arrange and organize. With moving dollies or carts, it’s even easier to set up for new events in record time.
3. Cost saving
Folding chairs cost far less than non-folding chairs. You’ll also save money on storage because folding chairs don’t take up as much space.
4. Versatility
Folding chairs can work for any event. They will look professional in a business setting but could also fit the aesthetic of a rustic wedding or vibrant party on the patio.
5. Sturdy
Folding chairs are made to collapse so you can store them, but they’re also made with strength and durability in mind. They’ll support guests of all shapes and sizes and last for many years if cared for properly.
6. Easily cleanable
Folding chairs are made of lightweight materials that are easy to clean. Wood, plastic, metal, and even upholstered folding chairs are easy to spray off with a hose or wipe down with a damp cloth.
What Should I Look for in a Folding Chair?
Before buying any folding chairs for your business, consider your needs and space. Measure out how much space you have designated for storing the chairs. This will help you determine the quantity and size of chairs you can purchase.
Next, it’s time to look at style. At MityLite, you have several options for fabrics, frame colors, and designs. Select chairs that are simple enough to fit the aesthetic of many different events, from weddings to intimate parties to funerals. Pick a style that will complement your venue’s existing decor.
Last to consider is where your chairs are normally used. If they’re often outside, you will need them to be waterproof and made of lighter materials so they can easily be moved outdoors. When you decide how many chairs you need and what they will be used for, you can pick the perfect set.
The Four Main Types of Folding Chairs
There are many different types of folding chairs on the market, each with its own unique colors, fabrics, and designs. In general, though, there are four main folding chair categories.
- Plastic: Usually very lightweight, making them the easiest to move around
- Upholstered: Often the most comfortable, with seats and backrests made with fabric and cushions, or with mesh fabric seats and backs
- Metal: Usually sturdy and can last many years if not used outdoors, but are also the most uncomfortable folding chairs
- Wood: Very popular and attractive, so they are often used at weddings or formal parties
Other chair specifications to consider
All four main types of folding chairs can have other individual folding chair parts that make them unique or especially convenient. These include:
- A folding mechanism: The hinges that allow a chair to bend need to be sturdy but also quick and easy to move.
- Cross braces: Look for a chair with bars connecting the chair legs, since this makes the chair more stable and less wiggly.
- Floor glides: Check out the bottom of the chair legs to see what kind of floor glides are used. You want durable (yet still replaceable) floor glides so that your chairs don’t damage your flooring.
- Ganging links: These links are clips on the side of chairs that allow you to attach them together, so chairs don’t tip over or become uneven.
Folding Chair Storage
One of the biggest considerations to make before purchasing chairs is how you plan to store them. For this, it can be helpful to consider a chair’s folded footprint (how thin the chair becomes when it’s folded up). Folding chairs come with several convenient storage options.
- Standing: If you just have a few chairs to store, you can stand up folded chairs and lean them against a wall in a closet or backroom.
- Stacking: For larger spaces, you can lay the chairs down and stack chairs on top of each other.
- Hanging Racks: Hanging racks allow you to hang a large number of chairs on a wheeled rack for compact storage
- Carts: Moveable carts allow you to easily transport chairs and store many of them in one spot
Maintaining Folding Chairs
Folding chairs need to be ready for events at a moment’s notice. You want your chairs clean and in the best physical condition at all times. To keep them in tip-top condition, you need to properly maintain the chairs.
Cleaning
After every event, take the time to wash your chairs. With most folding chairs you can use a damp cloth to wipe the seat, seat back, and legs to clean off any dirt or food accumulated during an event.
If the chairs need more extensive cleaning, you can easily wash off non-upholstered chairs with a pressurized hose.
Routine quality checks
You should inspect all your chairs periodically for scratches, dents, and grime. Remove damaged chairs that won’t look good among the rest.
You’ll always have a set ready for any planned or last-minute event by properly cleaning and caring for your folding chairs.
Get Folding Chairs for Your Venue from MityLite
Finding folding chairs for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. At MityLite, we have a variety of options, so you can always find the perfect chairs for your space. Choose your chairs and perhaps a storage cart to solve all your storage headaches.
