Upholstered Folding Chairs

Buy the best upholstered folding chairs selected and recommended by interior designers. By Eliza Bush.

Portable, easy to stow, and more elegant than plastic or purely wooden chairs, upholstered folding chairs provide both functionality and style. With a padded component added into the mix, these chairs are also more comfortable to sit on especially if you have guests over. While some are made of wood, some are framed in steel, which is ideal for both interior and exterior use. With these choices from our design experts, you can find upholstered folding chairs that match your needs and aesthetics.

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Upholstered Folding Chairs

Buying Guide


Folding chairs are one of the earliest sitting furniture in the world. Their history dates back to the 13th century B.C. when they were used extensively in Mediterranean homes and beaches. In the US, a patent for folding chair was obtained as early as in 1855.

From those days to these, the humble folding chair has transcended millennia of changing furniture trends and styles to emerge as one of the most sustainable chair types in history. Its contemporary avatar is nothing less than a style statement, available in a milieu of designs for diverse uses.

If you are shopping for folding chairs, we are happy to help! Read on to know about the different aspects that should help you make the right choice.

Whether for home, porch or garden, work-desk or workplace, a folding chair has many types to check out.

The Basic Type

This is your chair if you want no-frills, proven comfort. Basic folding chairs are usually made from wood, plastic, metal, or combination materials. They have a flat seat and backrest with no armrests, and no seat padding either.

The seat height is between 17" to 19". So, with straight legs resting flat on the floor, there is no pressure, tension, or stress on your knee joints. And the flat seat divides the weight equally between the upper and lower body, so there is no excess pressure on the torso. Unless you lean frequently and unnecessarily, you are not likely to develop a hunch sitting on these chairs.

Finally, the backrest, angled at about 450 with the seat, provides optimum support to your spine. Effectively, what you are choosing is a modest but very efficient chair with a 9/10 ranking. And where can you use them? Just about anywhere!

Padded

The only difference between the basic and padded chairs is the seat cushion. Earlier, foam and organic materials such as cotton and coir were used for padding, but now memory foam is the most widely used material. It is durable, retains its cushioning property without deforming, it is weather and climate-resistant, skin-friendly, and neither too cushy nor too hard. 

Shop this chair if you want to add sitting comfort to the basic type. Again, its utility is wide-ranging. Padded chairs usually have a footrest at a convenient height.

Upholstered

This is a value-addition to the folding chair that offers cosmetic appeal and enhanced comfort. The common materials are:

  • Vinyl– inexpensive but easy to maintain;
  • Leather – compensates for its price with classy elegance;
  • Artificial leather (faux leather) for a cost-effective yet rich look;
  • Synthetic fiber such as polyester for durability and user-friendliness;
  • Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, canvas, and denim. They will look good and be good to your sensitive skin around the torso.

High-back

Most high-back chairs support the entire spine. As such, they are full-back chairs. They also have armrests. From improvised basic type to high-end chairs, they come in a wide range. Their materials are also more varied, and so are their uses:

  • leather and wooden high-backs for interiors and porches
  • PVC, polypropylene, or paneled wooden chairs for living and dining areas
  • waterproof synthetic materials for toddlers.

Benefits include ideal sitting posture that avoids hunching, total support to the spine, and easy, relaxed shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. You can use high-back chairs at work, while dining, relaxing, entertaining guests, and even for outdoor use such as lounging.

Armchairs

Ah! The quaint and quiet "my time" moments of relaxation, reflection, and unwinding -- those are the times folding armchairs are made for. You slip into one by the pool, at the beach, garden or lounge, music room, or your breakout zone at work. Then chill. Your folding armchair is designed to offer you temporary nirvana

Sounds endearing? Then go for one. The material could be plastic, metal frame or sheet-metal with canvas, leather, or one of the endless fabric options. Reclining or not, it's your choice. If you prefer a reclining design, make sure that your feet are not dangling; that's not advisable for blood circulation.

Portable

These are essentially light-weight chairs meant to carry with you wherever you go. Their design is basic but functional, and the body is not only foldable but also collapsible, so that the chairs stack up in a neat pile without occupying much space. They are very useful for outdoor use such as camping and safaris. Also ideal for a garden party, barbeque, or socializing in your lounge

Being light-weight, these chairs are usually made of metal armatures or slim wooden panels. Seat and backrest are flat, of wooden or coated sheet-metal plate.

Reclining

These folding chairs are high-end extensions of the category. Since you recline and don't sit upright on them, the features to look for are spinal and lumbar support, and comfortable positioning of head so that you can read easily. Ideal head level will be about 5" higher than your feet level, so you can read or rest conveniently. 

These chairs often have a stretchable and flexible hammock or lounger type of coverings. Materials vary from leather to natural or synthetic fabrics. These folding chairs can also be cushioned extendable recliners. Usage is again wide-ranging. Pool-side, drawing room, porch, garden, outdoors, entertainment room…

Based on the above deliberations, the key features to consider are:

  • Comfort. Sit on the chair for at least ten minutes before short-listing your choices. If the chair passes this test, you can safely bet on its comfort factor. If the seat is not wooden or metal-sheet but canvas or leather, make sure that it won't sag after a while.
  • Aesthetics. Honestly, this is your domain. The only factor to be conscious about is that your folding chair should blend with different surroundings, décor, and ambiances. Remember, you will be taking your chair places, so it better be a chameleon that blends with various settings.
  • Light-weight and portability. Folding chairs are popular because of these twin features. You can lift the chair and move around a bit to check which one seems right for you.
  • Easy Stacking. When folded or collapsed, these chairs should stack well.
  • Dependable and durable folding mechanism. You can check the technical drawings and chat with the sales executive about the sturdiness of this feature. Maybe, they will even organize a demonstration for you!

Folding chairs have been around since millennia. From kings and pharaohs to presidents and pedestrians, they are everybody's favorites for good reason. Now that you are ready to buy yours, choose wisely, and sit happily ever after.

Best Ideas

Wooden upholstered folding chairs

Highly durable upholstered folding chairs made from a sturdy neutral finished wooden frame. The chair also has extra padding and comes with two-tone fabric upholstery for an incredible look. The pieces are easy to fold too so it should be easy to store them away when needed.

Folding chairs ebay

The beautiful, hand-carved upholstered folding chair has been restored with chalk paint. The lush colors of floristic motifs melt on the backrest and seat of the chair. The frame is made of black oak wood.

Club series upholstered seat and back folding chair with arms

Club Series Upholstered Seat and Back Folding Chair with Arms and Leg ...

Upholstered folding chairs 4

Wonderfully crafted folding chairs, which will enchant you with their intricate patterns, light wood construction, and comfortable upholstering. It is made from Indian rosewood and embroidered cotton.

Meco Innobella Destiny Mission Back Folding Chair - 4 Pack

Beautifully designed, this set of four chairs offers you the amazing combination of the strong, metal frame with the wooden back design in lively color and the thick yet soft padding on the seat, upholstered in a stunning material in chocolate finish.

Upholstered folding chairs 1

A chalkboard wall behind the dining table keeps little ones busy for hours. Click through for the full tour of this kid-friendly country cottage! |

Deluxe Fabric Padded Folding Chair (Set of 4)

Deluxe Fabric Padded Folding Chair (Set of 4)

A functional set for homes, offices and receptions. This Set of 4 Folding Chairs in Beige & Black Finish includes a scratch-resistant, tubular steel frame with non-marring legs, fabric upholstery and high-density foam padding.

Hathcock Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Hathcock Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Add extra seating to your office space with this set of two foldable rolling chairs that combine sleek urban design with ergonomic comfort. The folding chair set features a modular design with clips on the side for grouping. Lockable rolling casters on the legs offer easy mobility, and the padded seat and mesh backrest help you to keep your cool during meetings and collaborative work. With a quick open and closing mechanism, these chairs fold completely flat for compact storage when not in use.

$269.99

Meco Innobella Destiny X Back Folding Chair - 4 Pack

The design of this chair ideally combines functionality with comfort and style, since the four chairs offer plenty of seatings and with the folding feature are perfect for any household, while the rich, dark finish with the soft cushion on the seat bring true elegance and chic.

Metal folding chair wood upholstered folding chair furniture concepts

Metal Folding Chair, Wood Upholstered Folding Chair | Furniture Concepts

Esita Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Esita Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Combining modern and traditional styles with classic mission design elements makes this folding chair set the perfect addition to your transitional style home. The chair set features a unique folding mechanism that allows the chairs to fold in a more compact way for easier storage. Curved top and bottom railings on the seatback offer lumbar support for enhanced comfort, and the padded seat is upholstered in vinyl for easy maintenance.

$129.99

Laduke Plastic Folding Chair (Set of 6)

Laduke Plastic Folding Chair (Set of 6)

Perfect for craft rooms, classrooms, or conferences, this set of six low maintenance plastic folding chairs is the budget-friendly seating solution you need for group gatherings. With a sturdy metal frame and plastic seat and backrest, this chair is both lightweight yet durable enough to support up to 330 lbs. The seat features slight contours for maximum comfort while sitting; then you can simply lift the front of the seat for quick folding and storage.

Busse Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Busse Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Quality craftsmanship and durable materials give you storable chairs that offer the look and quality of permanent furniture. This two-chair set has neat, clean lines that match well with a variety of contemporary and modern décor styles. The high-strength locking mechanism and unique mortise and tenon joinery can support up to 250 lbs. per chair despite the lightweight design. With both a padded seat and backrest, this chair offers exceptional comfort without compromising on style.

$155.99

2300 Series Triple Strength Upholstered Folding Chair (Set of 4)

2300 Series Triple Strength Upholstered Folding Chair (Set of 4)

Simple and handy chair that can fold and hide. The perfect solution if you need extra chairs to a party or special occasion. The chair is very comfortable, has a padded cushions. The metal structure is very durable. The legs have a special caps that protects from scratching the floor.

Contoured Back Wood Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Contoured Back Wood Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Sleek and minimal, this folding chair set offers a beautiful portable seating option to coordinate with a range of different décor from modern-urban to transitional. Curved to fit the contours of your back and padded with thick vinyl-covered foam, this chair set is so comfortable you will never want to leave the table. The solid wood frame is finished in dark espresso for a stylish folding chair that looks like part of your dining set.

Laduke Capacity Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Laduke Capacity Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Whether you are hosting a family get-together or getting away for the weekend, this folding chair set is the ideal way to make sure everyone has a seat. Constructed with a durable resin frame that is weather-resistant and tough aluminum hardware, these chairs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With a thin, padded vinyl seat that is easy to clean, these chairs can fold completely flat for easy storage and transport.

Laduke Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

Laduke Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 2)

For large group gatherings, churches, banquets, or classrooms, versatile portable seating is a must, and these chairs offer the ideal blend of function and style. These padded vinyl-covered folding chairs are constructed from durable 18-gauge steel with a triple curved frame for added strength and stability. The padded seat is filled with flame-retardant foam to comply with safety regulations for non-residential use, and the legs feature rubber caps to prevent damage to floors.

Headley Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 4)

Headley Vinyl Padded Folding Chair (Set of 4)

Simplicity at its best. These chairs are created to be practical and comfortable with supportive features and durable design. A single hinge mechanism allows for quick folding, while the two tack double leg braces add stability to support a maximum weight of 250 lbs. Available in three neutral colors, this chair set is the perfect addition to your den or game room when seating is limited.

$128.69

Meco 4-Pack Deluxe Fabric Padded Folding Chair, Chicory Lace Frame and Motif Fabric Seat and Back

This type of product is a high quality chair that features a folding construction. It has got a durable and comfortable padded seat. The frame is made of tubular steel, so the product is resistant to damage, large weight and wear.

Set of 4 Triple Braced & Double Hinged Burgundy Fabric HERCULES™ Folding Chair - 2.5''Thick Seat [HF3-MC320AF-BG-GG]

Folding chair for residential and commercial premises. Seat is upholstered with polyester. Frame is made of metal and reinforced with solid supports. It folds flat for easy storage. It is very well appreciated by the customers.

Grey Fabric Upholstered Premium Folding Chair [HF-MC320AF-GRY-GG]

Folding chair in neutral form. Seat and back are covered with fabric. Metal frame is reinforced with solid supports. It folds flat for easy storage. It has anti slip pads prevent scratching the surface.

Cream folding chairs

Mountainlife Padded Folding Chair

Set of 4 Triple Braced & Double Hinged Gray Fabric HERCULES™ Folding Chair - 2.5''Thick Seat [HF3-MC320AF-GRY-GG]

This 4-piece set includes four triple braced and double hinged folding chairs. They have got a gray fabric upholstered back and seat, foam padded seat, steel construction and v-tip stability caps. They measures 18 inches wide, 19 inches deep and 30 inches high.

300 Series Fabric Upholstered Folding Chair

This folding chair in a gray finish features a tubular metal frame that holds two stretchers, and angled legs with non-marring caps. The seat and contoured back are upholstered in stylish red fabric, and padded for extra comfort.

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