Folding chairs provide versatility for various occasions, with easy folding and storage that relies on portable and lightweight designs. They’re the ideal way to add extra capacity to both indoor and outdoor gatherings, or to bring your own comfortable seating to the beach or a long sporting event.
There’s a folding chair to fit every situation, and that includes matching your own home decor and sense of style. Austin, Texas-based interior designer Ashley Mecham recommends thinking about where you plan on using your folding chairs before you start shopping, "Factoring in your style and your home's style.” She advises that, "Plenty of options will allow you to add in additional seating while blending in with your home's aesthetic."
With folding chairs, you can add extra seating on the fly in your home, office, at events, and both indoors and outdoors. We researched folding chairs for durable construction materials, comfortable designs, portability, and ease of storage to find the best options for any situation.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Rocking:
Best for the Beach:
Best for Sports:
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What We Like
Durable construction
High weight capacity
Indoor/outdoor design
What We Don't Like
Not sold individually
When it comes to folding chairs, this option from Emma + Oliver is hard to beat. Made of weatherproof thermoplastic resin with padded vinyl seats, this exceedingly durable and easy-to-clean chair set can be used both indoors and outside. Each chair weighs just 9 pounds and boasts an almost unheard-of 1,000-pound capacity.
Not only do they fold up flat, but they can also be stacked. These folding chairs come in sets of two or four in your choice of chic black, red mahogany, or a simple white finish. They come fully assembled, and thanks to the thermoplastic construction, you'll never need to repaint them, either.
We love that they don't scratch hardwood floors and stand sturdily on grass due to the chairs' wide base, making them perfect for switching between dinner parties and outdoor gatherings. Plus, they are super comfortable compared to competitors, so you'll actually want to use them.
Dimensions: 17.5 x 18 x 30.75 inches | Material: Polypropylene resin | Weight: 36 lbs | Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs
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What We Like
Sleek design
Lightweight
Sold individually and in sets
What We Don't Like
Relatively short seat
When you think of metal folding chairs, you probably imagine a somewhat drab design—but Flash Furniture's Hercules Series is a horse of a different color. Available in cherry red, dove gray, sophisticated beige, or glossy black, these wallet-friendly chairs are sleek and presentable.
They're made of 18-gauge steel with riveted components and double-braced legs for ultimate support and durability. Each chair is just 8 pounds and can support up to 225 pounds of weight. Just note that the chair seat is a bit shorter than typical on folding chairs, so these may not be the best fit for larger adults.
Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 30.5 inches | Material: Steel | Weight: 8 lbs | Weight Capacity: 225 lbs
Best Design
LeisureMod Lawrence Acrylic Folding Chair
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What We Like
Unique, midcentury modern-inspired look
Easy to carry
Folds completely flat
What We Don't Like
Not the most comfortable
Evoking the midcentury modern designs of Giancarlo Piretti, this acrylic folding chair has an eye-catching look that would pair well with a variety of different aesthetics. Whether your space leans modern or minimal, this chair is available in enough color options to make it a versatile addition to your work, living, or entertaining spaces.
Ideal for both entertaining and daily use, these chairs fold completely flat, making storage a breeze. The seat and backrest are both made with sturdy acrylic, and the modern chrome frame is sturdy and built to last. Just note that these seats might not be the comfiest for long-term use, though you can always add a cushion for extra comfort.
Dimensions: 18.5 x 19 x 30 inches | Material: Acrylic, chrome | Weight: Not listed | Weight Capacity: Not listed
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What We Like
Comfortable for long periods
Easy to fold
Come with wheels
What We Don't Like
Don't fold completely flat
Whether you work in a shared office space or in your bedroom, collapsible seating options are always good to have. The Hathco*ck Padded Office Chairs from Symple Stuff come in a set of two and each chair is designed to collapse horizontally, so you can nest them together when not in use. They boast a super-sturdy metal frame with a ventilated mesh back and a comfy padded seat. Each chair has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and comes in your choice of two finishes—titanium or black.
The sophisticated appearance and versatile design make these folding chairs a perfect choice for desks, conference rooms, and card tables. Just note that if you're looking for something that's fully collapsible, this isn't the best choice.
Dimensions: 22 x 24.75 x 36 inches | Material: Metal, fabric | Weight: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
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What We Like
Spring-action rocking mechanism
Smooth folding and rocking
Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
Relatively heavy
If you're partial to rocking chairs, check out the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker. Featuring a powder-coated steel frame and nylon-coated feet, this chair weighs just over 12 pounds and has a 250-pound capacity. The seat, padded armrests, and built-in drink holder are made of weather-resistant fabric, making it ideal for year-long use.
A patented spring-action mechanism offers smooth rocking on various outdoor terrains, and the brand's Eazy-Fold Technology makes for effortless folding and unfolding. This portable rocking chair also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Just note that while it's a breeze to open, close, and enjoy, it is heavier than many of the other folding chairs on our list.
Dimensions: 25 x 24 x 34.8 inches | Material: Steel, mesh | Weight: 12 lbs | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
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What We Like
Indoor/outdoor design
Lightweight
High weight capacity
What We Don't Like
Not sold individually
Made of durable plastic with 18-gauge steel frames, these folding chairs from Inbox Zero are long-lasting and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. They weigh only 7 pounds each and can support up to 650 pounds of weight, making them the hardiest chairs on our list with the highest weight capacity.
Non-marring caps on the legs help protect your floors from scuffs and scratches. We also like that you can buy these chairs in sets of two or 10 and choose from black, brown, or white, offering options for a wide range of needs and color preferences. However, if you're only looking for a single chair, note that this Inbox Zero product is only available in a set of two or more.
Dimensions: 17.5 x 18 x 31.5 inches | Material: Steel, thermoplastic | Weight: 7 lbs | Weight Capacity: 650 lbs
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What We Like
Lightweight
Durable design
Comes with carrying bag
What We Don't Like
Fabric can tear over time
Heading to the sands? You might consider packing a Nice C Beach Folding Chair. You can buy it individually or in a set of two, each weighing just over 6 pounds with its own carrying bag. Designed specifically for the beach, this folding chair can handle extra outdoor challenges like sand, water, and even salty, moist air like a pro, without leaving you worried about potential damage.
Thanks to a heavy-duty steel frame and sink-resistant leg caps, this low-profile folding chair can support up to 300 pounds of weight. The breathable seat and cup holder are both made of an industrial-grade polyester mesh, which promises to keep you cool and comfy as you watch the waves. Though the fabric can develop wear and ultimately tear over time, this is most likely to happen after prolonged sun exposure.
Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 23 inches | Material: Steel, nylon | Weight: 6.2 lbs | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
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What We Like
Durable steel frame
Built-in cooler
Includes carrying bag
What We Don't Like
No head and neck support
You'll be glad to have a Coleman Cooler Quad with you on your next camping trip. This portable folding chair has a heavy-duty steel frame, plus a cushioned seat and backrest with weather-resistant polyester upholstery. With features that go above and beyond your standard setup, we love that it's both easier to carry than your average folding chair and able to carry food and drinks.
The roomy seat measures 24 inches wide and 18 inches from the ground and can support up to 325 pounds of weight. As its name suggests, the Cooler Quad has a built-in chiller for up to four cans, plus side pockets and a mesh cup holder. While we don't love that this chair lacks head and neck support, it's a minor drawback; after all, most folding chairs are relatively slim in terms of cushioning and comfort overall.
Dimensions: 24 x 18.1 inches | Material: Polyester, steel | Weight: 8 lbs | Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
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What We Like
Built-in canopy
UPF 50+ protection
Carrying strap
What We Don't Like
Relatively heavy
Limited color options
You can never have too much sun protection when hanging out at the beach, lake, park, or soccer field. That's why we love the Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair from SwimWays. The patented canopy boasts an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 to safeguard you from the sun's rays. If you're looking to carry shade anywhere you bring your folding chair, this is the perfect combination product.
We like that you can pull the canopy of this chair down and lock it when you need cover, or draw it back when you want to go shade-free. What's more, the canopy doubles as a carrying case and has a built-in shoulder strap for maximum portability. At almost 12 pounds, the Kelsyus is on the heavier side, but it can support up to 250 pounds of weight.
Dimensions: 37 x 24 x 58 inches | Material: Steel, polyester | Weight: 11.24 lbs | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
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Final Verdict
When it comes to seamless, simple folding functionality and convenience, our best overall pick, the Emma + Oliver Resin Folding Chair, is a standout. It'll collapse down to a slim size and stac if you own multiple in need of storage, and we love the overall construction. If you'd like a more wallet-friendly options, the Flash Furniture Hercules Series Double Braced Metal Folding Chair that we recommend as our best budget pick is sleekly designed, lightweight, and available individually or in a set of multiple chairs.
What to Look for in a Folding Chair
Use
When you first start looking for folding chairs, the intended use should be your first consideration. You may want to prioritize aesthetics to match your decor for folding chairs that will be used for overflow seating in your home, but it’s also important to think about how much space you have for storage, and how easy it is to fold and stack a particular model. Our best overall pick, the Emma + Oliver Resin Folding Chair, folds flat with one easy motion and stacks well for storage.
For camping, beach adventures, and sporting events, prioritize easy folding and storage, lightweight materials for easier transport, and softer seating materials for comfort. Our best canopy pick, the SwimWays Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair, comes with a convenient carrying bag, it’s super comfortable for long lounging sessions, and even provides protection from the sun.
Material
Construction materials have a big impact on the durability and longevity of folding chairs, whether or not you can use them outdoors, and how comfortable they are to use for extended periods of time. "If you want to use folding chairs in outdoor settings, make sure the material is rated for outdoor use," says Mecham. "If your region requires additional weather protection, features like water resistance or insect resistance are important to check for." Our best overall pick, the Emma + Oliver Resin Folding Chair, is made from a durable polypropylene resin that’s waterproof and weather resistant, so they work just as well outdoors as indoors.
Here are some common folding chair materials to look out for:
- Polypropylene: This recyclable thermoplastic material is lightweight, durable, and resistant to stains and spills, so it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It tends to break down in direct sunlight, so these chairs need to be stored indoors or under cover.
- Polyethylene: This affordable thermoplastic is lightweight and isn’t as stiff as polypropylene, and it tends to fade when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Steel: Chairs made from steel are strong and durable, so they’re suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. They can be susceptible to rust though, and they aren’t very comfortable without padding.
- Aluminum: This commonly used metal is much lighter than steel, but it isn’t as sturdy. It isn’t prone to rust like steel, but it’s weaker, can’t hold as much weight, and is easier to bend.
- Acrylic: This material is lightweight, durable, and transparent, which gives it a striking appearance when it’s used to make furniture. It isn’t as robust as metal or wood, but it’s weather resistant and can stand up to both sunlight exposure and moisture.
- Wood: This basic material is heavy, and wood folding chairs are usually intended for indoor use, so they aren’t as portable as other options.They are durable and can offer similar comfort to standard wood chairs.
Size
Size is also an important consideration, so be sure to check the overall dimensions for both the folded and unfolded positions. This will help you figure out how many folding chairs you can fit in your space and how much room you need to store them.
The average dining chair is about 17 inches wide and 17 inches deep with a seat height of roughly 19 inches. Folding chairs are often a little smaller than average, though you'll also find options with wider or deeper seats.
Weight
When shopping around for folding chairs, there are two weights you should look for: the product weight and the weight capacity. Most options are between 6 and 13 pounds. If you're bringing a folding chair on the go, a lighter option may be best.
"Checking the weight capacity on folding chairs is also important—making sure it's durable and can stand up to repeated use for years to come," says Mecham. The capacity of most chairs is between 225 to 300 pounds, but you'll also find some that support up to 1,000 pounds.
Portability and Storage
Folding chairs are so useful because you can deploy them wherever and whenever they’re needed, which is why it’s so important to consider both portability and storage. They need to be lightweight for easy portability, and folding chairs that are designed for use outdoors at the beach, camping, and sporting events should also have a carrying case, like our best for the beach pick, the Nice C Low Beach Folding Chair.
For easy storage, think about where you’ll be storing your chairs and how much space you have. You’ll find the most flexibility in folding chairs like our best overall pick, the Emma + Oliver Resin Folding Chair that fold up flat and also stack, since they provide two options for storage. If you don’t need to stack your folding chairs, the Flash Furniture Hercules Series Double Braced Metal Folding Chair that we recommend as the best budget option fold flat for efficient storage.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Jeremy Laukkonen is a writer for The Spruce, with a special interest in smart home technology, appliances, and home improvement.For this roundup, he looked at dozens of folding chairs from a broad range of brands and retailers. Laukkonen reviewed various types, combed through ratings and reviews, researched critical features, and considered the key specs, portability, and usage of each product.
Our Experts:
- Ashley Mecham, an Autin, Texas-based interior designer
