Smart BuysThe best folding chairs for NYC apartments—just in time for holiday guests to arrive Got guests coming to dine at your place over the holidays, but nowhere for them to sit? Time to invest in some folding chairs. While the very words may conjure up images of ugly, utilitarian metal chairs reminiscent of a suburban PTA meeting, there are plenty of models out there that don't sacrifice style for utility. Plus, any furniture that folds (and is easily stored away) is a New Yorker's dream.BUDGETThese Flex One Folding Chairs (four for $78) are wider-than-your-average folding chairs, which means they may feel more comfortable, plus the mesh back means that they're breathable (so no sweaty backs come summertime). A New Yorker who entertains a lot told us these are the (only) way to go.Leave it to Ikea to create a seriously affordable chair that's also designed well. One Brick editor (cough, me, cough) has these particular Gunde folding chairs ($7.50 apiece), six of which fit nicely in our (decently sized) hallway closet.
These aren't the most comfortable seats in the world, but they do the trick for the length of a holiday meal. MID-RANGENew York City-based boutique Gracious Home's Manhattan Folding Chairs ($55.98) are made of steel and leather upholstery, which makes them more comfortable and durable than your average folding chair. They come in a bunch of different colors, but the design above is the most economical.This Crate and Barrel Spare Black Folding Wood Dining Chair ($42) is sleek enough that it would likely go with most tables and chairs (great if you're going for a seamless aesthetic). It also comes in white and gray and is both foldable and stackable.According to one New Yorker (and mother) who entertains nearly weekly, the Cosco Oversized Upholstered Metal Folding Chair (29.99) "is super comfortable, the opening in the back is small enough that my kids don't fall through, and the cushion is higher than our regular dining chairs," making for very comfortable eating.HIGH ENDAnthropologie carries several Terai Folding Chairs ($150 to $198 apiece) with beautiful handmade upholstery (in different patterns) and wood frames with a natural finish.
Sure, they're pricey, but they're just about the prettiest folding chairs we've seen. We don't think we'd ever stash them away if we had them.Just win the lottery and having people over to celebrate? We suggest buying these MK99200 folding chairs from Design Within Reach ($880; chair cushion: $155). Created by Danish designer Mogens Koch, they pay homage to the classic director's chair, and are made of solid Danish beech wood and canvas. These are seriously in a class of their own.Assuming you want your folding chairs to take up as little space as possible when they're not being used, it's hard to do better than the Flux Chair ($149), which is made from durable plastic and folds down like origami into a flat square. It's available in a bunch of bright shades, too. The design is unusual, sure, but that may just suit your fancy.These Ballard Designs St. Germain folding chairs ($109) are perfect if you're looking for folding chairs that don't look temporary. They're sturdy, plus they're only 13 inches wide, so if you're hoping to squeeze a lot of people into a small space, these could be good options.
These Frontgate Shield-Back folding chairs ($199 for two) look the most like formal dining chairs, so if your style is more formal/old-fashioned, these might be worth buying.If modern is more your style, may we recommend these? We're suckers for anything Lucite, so we love this chair from Gracious Home ($129), which is, unsurprisingly, one of the store's most popular.Related:The best vacuum cleaners for NYC apartmentsThe best high chairs for NYC apartments About Best Sellers in Folding Chairs These lists, updated hourly, contain bestselling items. Here you can discover the best Folding Chairs in Amazon Best Sellers, and find the top 100 most popular Amazon Folding Chairs.If there's one thing we've learned from hosting big gatherings, it's that you should always be prepared with extra seating. And we're not talking about those crickety makeshift metal versions (clearly not made for the Uncle Earls of the world). Folding chairs have come a long way and they're more colorful and stylish than ever these days.
If you constantly find yourself hosting a crowd, investing in folding chairs is well worth the cost, which doesn't have to be much. From cheerful Pantone-inspired seats to modern plastic slatted ones, these chairs are sure to keep your guests not only comfortable, but also impressed. Flip through the slideshow below for our 12 favorites. Still anxious about entertaining? Find out how to avoid the most common hosting mistakes in this video... The Most Common Home Entertaining Mistake HuffPost Lifestyle is a daily newsletter that will make you happier and healthier — one email at a time.The humble folding chair has been elevated to new heights in these modern designs, making for a truly moveable feast. The frame to this 1932 design is offered in oil-treated beech, shown, or mahogany. Brass hardware and leather armrests add a luxe appeal. With a sturdy teak frame and all-weather mesh fabric lining the side panels and seat, this one is great for outdoors. The fabric comes in two colors: gray, shown, and sand.
Fashioned in ebony-stained maple with rich chocolate leather, this chair a throne-like quality, making for a commanding addition to a home office or library. This 1980s design takes its X form and name from a Roman folding chair, which has been re-imagined in black-stained beech with a leather backrest. A natural beech version is also offered. Metal and wood make for a striking combination on this handsome and tailored chair. It folds to a slim 2" for convenient storage. $408 for a set of two; Made of fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene, this streamlined seat is lightweight and comes in six hues, including green. It's also suitable for outdoor use. This iron chair, with its trellis pattern and dark rust-color finish, has a vintage look that feels fresh and sophisticated. Made of laser-cut aluminum, this petite chair cleverly folds along the middle to a superthin 1". Seven lacquer finishes are available, including red. This traditional French park chair, which dates from the late 19th century, is a perennial favorite.