Know Your Chair Hire: Folding, Banqueting, Conference and Designer

With so many types of chairs for hire available on our website, choosing between them can seem daunting. This guide is designed to help you work out what you need and get to the right product.

Budget Chair Hire

If budget is the primary constraint, there is nothing wrong with wanting functional chairs that do the job without breaking the bank.

Our most affordable option is our folding chairs. These have plastic seats and metal legs, and fold flat for storage and movement. They are comfortable, suited to outdoor events and indoor use alike, and we stock them in the thousands, which means we can cater to even the largest outdoor events.

Banqueting Chair Hire

For functions where people are seated to eat, banqueting chairs are the right choice. Our banqueting chairs come in a range of colours to match overarching styles or themes.

The most commonly requested style is Chiavari based on an Italian design. These chairs are built for both elegance and strength, with every component designed to handle the stress placed on it. They are wooden, stackable and available in a limewash colourway for a natural look. These chairs are popular for summer weddings, and early ordering is recommended.

For other styles, our cross back chairs and wishbone chairs offer alternatives for more relaxed or rustic settings. Cross back chairs have become increasingly popular at barn and garden events. Wishbone chairs are based on Hans Wegner's classic mid-century design and suit contemporary reception layouts.

Our banqueting chairs with upholstered seats are suited to longer events where guests will be seated for two hours or more. The padded seat makes a practical difference over an extended dinner or awards ceremony.

Conference Chair Hire

Conferences and meetings often require delegates to sit for extended periods, so conference chairs need to be both strong and comfortable.

Our standard conference option is our black padded chair. These have metal legs and a generously padded foam seat, and are designed to look professional rather than decorative. They stack for easy storage and we carry large quantities, making them suitable for events of any size.

For a formal conference layout with rows of chairs and a central aisle, matching chair colour and style matters more than it does for cabaret or theatre-style layouts. Our black padded chairs are available in sufficient quantity to fill most conference halls without mixing styles.

Designer Chair Hire

At the top end of our range are our designer chairs, including pieces based on classic designs such as the Tolix chair by Xavier Pauchard and the Eames chair. We also stock rattan furniture for outdoor settings where a more natural look is needed.

Designer chairs are available in various colours, and can be used all in one colour or mixed. They work well for product launches, pop-up dining, brand activations and any event where the furniture is part of the visual identity rather than just somewhere to sit.

How Many Chairs Do You Need?

A straightforward seated dinner requires one chair per guest. Beyond that, consider the following:

• For events with a drinks reception before the meal, no additional chairs are needed in the reception area unless some guests have mobility needs. Standing receptions work without seating.
• For conference events with a stage top table, add chairs for the panel on top of delegate seating.
• For outdoor events with uncertain attendance, add 10 percent above your confirmed guest numbers to account for extras arriving.
• For ceremonies followed by receptions in a different room, chairs often need to move between spaces. Factor in time and staff for this if you are doing it on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chairs be used outdoors?
Folding chairs and most of our designer chairs can be used outdoors on hard or flat surfaces. Avoid placing chairs directly on wet grass where possible, chair feet can sink on soft ground and affect stability.

Do chairs come with cushions?
Chiavari chair cushion pads are available as a separate hire item and attach via tie strings. Conference and banqueting chairs come with upholstered seats as standard.

Can I mix chair styles?
Mixing styles is increasingly common at informal events, particularly for outdoor dining. If mixing, keep a consistent colour palette to tie the look together across the room.

How far in advance should I book?
For large quantities of any chair style, book at least three to four weeks ahead. Chiavari chairs and cross back chairs are particularly popular during wedding season (April to September) and sell out earlier in this period than at other times of year.

If you have specific questions about any of the chairs we hire, contact us via the live chat facility and our team will be glad to help.