A folding chair isn't just for holiday get-togethers and alfresco dining. I'm all for being friendly, but I don't always fancy squishing up to someone on the sofa. Give a girl some space! The problem is, standard accent/dining chairs with static legs take up key real estate. So when I'm hosting I need functional furniture that can be folded away in a utility cupboard or my small garage.
No one will expect these to win the "most comfortable chair of the year" award, but when it comes to small space decorating ideas, these win on price, style, and shopper satisfaction. And in some cases, these so-called temporary picks might just make themselves at home.
Whether you want to jump on the acrylic TikTok trend, are in the market for something padded, or need a cute and colorful set — take a seat, because I've got you covered. Dreamin' about a deck chair? "Beach", please... I've got you.
9 of the best folding chairs for poppin' a squat
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The best outdoor folding chairs
Size (in): H29.52 x W16.33 x D18.5
Material: Acrylic/metal
Jumping on two trends at once, this folding chair epitomizes everything we loved about the ghost chair and acrylic home decor. This pick (under $50) is modern, waterproof, and chic AF.
The cheapest folding chairs for everyday use
Size (in): H30.75 x W17.38 x D17.38
Material: Polypropylene/Steel with polyester powder coating
What I love about this piece of furniture is that it's durable and design-led. It has all the charm of cane, without the maintenance of this delicate material. Use it inside around a small bistro table, or prop them up for guests that have popped in without warning.
The best folding beach chair
Size (in): H32 x W45 x L24.5
Material: Wood/polyester
Y'all saw what happened when checkered rugs blew up on TikTok. So, I'm confident that this solid wood folding chair will be a hit this year. It reclines to three different angles, meaning you can truly rest and relax with a margarita in hand.
The best fold-up chairs for comfort
Size (in): H31.5 x W23.5 x L22
Material: Premium PP material
Available in sage green, orange, grey and white, these modern seats make a statement. The curved backrest and armrests make this a comfortable design. The quirkiness will have friends and family asking where you've got them from!
The best lightweight folding chairs
Size (in): H38.5 x W18 x D3
Material: Metal
If these coral-colored folding chairs don't scream "hot girl summer," IDK what does. I love these summery seats for injecting personality into your interior scheme. These indoor-outdoor chairs may be light, but they can hold up to 300 lbs!
The best folding chairs for camping
Size (in): H24.6 x W21 x D26.5
Material: Polyester-wrapped rope/steel
Love camping? Then huddle round these pretty forest green chairs. Made from rope, this unique design is super travel-friendly and lightweight. They arrive fully assembled, so the only thing you'll need to worry about is pitching the tent and sorting your fireside snacks. Also comes in a Horseradish yellow to spice up your outdoor scheme.
The best padded folding chair
Size (in): H34.5 x W19.75 x D20.5
Material: Rattan cane/linen/wood/metal
If you're someone who eats TV dinners most of the time, you won't want (or need) to own heavy dining chairs. So these rattan cuties are revolutionary! They're caszh enough for informal seating, but impressive enough to convince Mom and Dad you're doing OK in life (though those care packages can stay on subscription).
The best folding chair for the beach
Size (in): H39.73 x W28.1 x D60.76
Material: Polyester/wood/aluminum
Consider this the Barbie Dreamhouse of folding chairs. This pink piece has got a cup holder for your iced coffee and a face pillow so you can lie comfortably on your front while catching some rays at the beach or in your courtyard.
The best Adirondack folding chair
Size (in): H36.6 x W20.3 x D34.6
Material: Plastic
Though a typical Adirondack chair may seem old-school, this brightly-colored choice is an exception. I personally love this Friends-style lilac option, but there are also cute pastel blue and chili red styles too.
How we chose these folding chairs
Rather than ordering one of each of these folding chairs, we (literally) sat long and hard scrolling through authentic customer reviews. Many of these chairs have at least a 4-star review and some of these have been spotted on social media.
With our interior design hats on, we've selected styles that are trending rn ie: acrylic, check pattern, and of course... pastel accents. Granted, we don't get it right 100% of the time, we've selected stores that have good exchange and returns policies too.
What to consider when buying a folding chair
Size/weight capacity: We appreciate that friends and family come in all shapes and sizes. To ensure that the seat is comfortable for all and that it can withstand around 300 lbs. My li'l nieces and nephews love to use me as a climbing frame (or as an impromptu seat), so if you're in a similar sitch, be sure it won't break!
Material: Get bang for your buck with a folding chair that's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Be warned that while some say that you can use them in your yard, you'll need to cover them after use to shelter them from the elements. Otherwise, they'll get moldy and rusty!
Color/style: No one wants chairs that look like they've been bought off your school janitor. So folding chairs are a great way to refresh your scheme. Look for cool hues and unique patterns that pop!
Armrests: While it isn't a dealbreaker, having an armrest seals the deal for R&R, IMO. Kudos if said lounger has a built-in cupholder for your Starbs or Stanley tumbler dupe.
Where to buy folding chairs?
There are so many places to buy stylish fold-out chairs — so there's no need to settle for mom's hand-me-downs or the lackluster local home improvement store. An advantage of buying online is that if you're traveling by car, you won't have to put the seats down and play Jenga with your newly-purchased furniture (not to mention RIP rearview and suspension).
- Ashley Furniture Store folding chairs
- Amazon folding chairs
- Bed, Bath and Beyond folding chairs
- Bloomingdale's folding chairs
- Crate & Barrel folding chairs
- IKEA folding chairs
- Joss and Main folding chairs
- Lowe's folding chairs
- Macy's folding chairs
- Raymour & Flanagan folding chairs
- Pottery Barn folding chairs
- Pottery Barn Teen folding chairs
- Target folding chairs
- The Home Depot folding chairs
- Urban Outfitters folding chairs
- Wayfair folding chairs
