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Folding chairs and stools are the unsung heroes of modern homes and events. They are light, portable, and pop open in seconds — like having extra hands that fold away when you don’t need them. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, planning a backyard BBQ, or need extra seating for a workshop, a well-chosen folding chair saves space and stress.
UK stores vary from budget-friendly chains to higher-end department stores, so you’ll find everything from basic steel folding chairs to designer wooden folding stools. Popular retailers like IKEA UK, Argos, John Lewis, Dunelm, Wayfair UK, The Range, B&Q, Wilko, and Amazon UK stock a broad selection, blending price, quality, and style. Think of the options as a continuum: cheap and functional at one end, more comfortable and decorative at the other.
IKEA is a go-to for simple, space-saving designs. Their folding chairs often combine light frames with practical seat materials. Expect sleek looks, easy storage, and prices that won’t make you wince. Many models fold flat to about 1 to 2 inches thick so you can slip them behind a sofa or under a bed.
Argos tends to offer a wide range of budget and mid-range choices, from metal banquet chairs to padded folding seats. They often list weight capacities in pounds and give clear sizing so you can compare seat heights and folded depths before clicking buy. Argos is great when you want quick, inexpensive extras for parties or events.
John Lewis caters to shoppers who value finish and comfort. You’ll find padded folding chairs and designer stools that suit dining areas or spare bedrooms. These typically have higher load ratings and nicer upholstery, making them suitable for regular use rather than occasional events.
Dunelm blends homey fabrics with practical frames. Their folding stools and dining companions often come in fabric or faux-leather finishes and fold away neatly. If you’re styling a living space but need flexible seating, Dunelm is worth checking out.
Wayfair specialises in variety: lots of styles, quick filters, and full specification lists. Want wooden folding chairs with slatted backs? Or padded folding bar stools that reach 30 inches to a counter? Wayfair’s search tools make it easy to find specific seat heights and weights.
The Range is another practical option with a mix of garden folding chairs, indoor folding seats, and occasional stools. Their stock tends to cater to value-focused buyers who need durable seating that still looks decent for mid-sized gatherings.
B&Q is a good place for robust metal folding chairs and outdoor stool options. Their garden-focused range includes folding picnic seats and compact camping chairs meant to withstand the elements. They’re ideal if you want a no-nonsense solution for outside seating.
Wilko supplies budget-friendly folding stools and light chairs that work well for quick, casual use. These are often the cheapest options and perfect when you need a dozen seats for a one-off event without breaking the bank.
Amazon offers the widest assortment thanks to many brands and third-party sellers. You can easily compare load ratings in pounds, seat heights in inches, and customer reviews to find the best match. Prime shipping also helps when you need chairs quickly.
Not all folding seats are created equal. Knowing the main types helps you pick the right chair for the right job — and avoid a painful butt-in-chair situation later.
These are the reliable workhorses: steel frames, vinyl seats, and high load capacities, often rated for 220 to 330 pounds. They fold flat and stack easily, so they’re common at community centres, church halls, and banquets. Expect seat heights around 17 to 19 inches, which is standard for dining-level sitting.
If comfort matters — for long dinners, meetings, or gaming sessions — padded seats make a big difference. Upholstery ranges from fabric to faux leather. These chairs are heavier, usually weighing between 8 and 15 pounds each, but they’re worth it if guests will sit for an hour or more.
Wooden options add warmth and style. They often fold up into a slim, elegant silhouette and suit weddings or home dining. Wooden folding chairs typically have seat heights of 17 to 18 inches and can carry 200 to 300 pounds depending on construction.
Designed for portability, these chairs pack into carry bags and often feature cup holders or side pouches. They’re lighter — 2 to 6 pounds — and commonly rated to 150 to 300 pounds. Seat heights range widely, from low-profile 12-inch camping stools to tall camping chairs with 18-inch seats.
Bar-height folding stools are taller — usually 28 to 32 inches seat height — and fold for storage. These are ideal for kitchen islands or pop-up bars and often have footrests for comfort. Most are rated for 180 to 300 pounds.
Banquet chairs are designed to stack rather than fold flat. They’re found in event venues and often weigh 8 to 12 pounds with load capacities around 400 pounds for commercial-grade models. If you host recurring events, investing in stackable or commercial folding chairs is smart.
Choosing the right folding chair is more than picking a pretty frame. Here are factors I always check before I buy.
Always check the maximum weight in pounds. For home use, aim for a minimum of 220 pounds to cover most adults. If you’re buying for a venue or frequent use, opt for commercial chairs rated at 300 to 400 pounds.
Seat height should fit your table or intended use. Standard dining height is around 18 inches, while bar stools are 28 to 32 inches. Depth matters too — deeper seats give more comfort for longer sitting sessions. If possible, test a chair before buying, or compare seat depth and height in the product specs.
Think about where the chairs will live when not in use. Some fold into a slim 1 to 3 inches thick profile, while others still take up a few feet of shelf space. Measure your cupboard or storage spot in feet and inches so the chairs fit when folded.
Steel frames are tough and inexpensive, aluminium is lighter and resists rust, while hardwoods look stylish but can be heavier. For outdoor use, choose rust-resistant finishes and quick-drying fabrics. For everyday indoor use, padded seats and durable upholstery make a noticeable difference.
If you’ll be carrying chairs around, watch the chair weight in pounds. A 5-pound folding stool is easy to move; a 15-pound padded chair is not. Some designs include carry handles or straps which are small but handy touches.
Different chairs shine in different roles. Think of your chair like a tool in a toolbox — the right tool makes the job easy.
Choose padded or wooden folding chairs with about 18 inches seat height. Look for a seat depth that supports your thigh comfortably for dinners that run long.
Pick lightweight camping chairs that fold into a carry bag and include features like cup holders. Check the pounds rating and look for quick-dry fabrics if you expect damp grass or sudden rain.
Invest in durable steel or commercial-grade stacking chairs rated at 300 to 400 pounds. Consider linked seating and models that stack or fold for faster setup and takedown.
Folding chairs vary widely in price, so it helps to map out where to spend and where to save.
At the very low end you’ll find basic metal folding chairs and plastic stools. These are perfect for single-use events or when you need a dozen chairs fast. On average these weigh 5 to 10 pounds and usually carry 180 to 250 pounds safely.
Mid-range options — from stores like Argos, Dunelm, and The Range — often cost more but offer padded seats, sturdier frames, and nicer finishes. Expect better ergonomics and warranties that are worth the extra spend if you use them regularly.
Higher-end folding chairs from John Lewis, Wayfair’s premium brands, or speciality retailers can look like dining chairs and feel comfortable for everyday use. These typically cost more but are built to last and fit into decorated spaces without compromising style.
Folding chairs are low maintenance, but a little TLC extends their life. Here’s what I recommend.
Wipe metal frames with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry to avoid rust. For upholstered seats, vacuum regularly and spot-clean with upholstery cleaner. For outdoor chairs, rinse off mud and let them air dry completely to prevent mildew.
Loose bolts are the most common issue. Keep a small toolkit with an adjustable wrench and screwdriver to tighten connections. Replace worn rubber feet to protect floors and stop slipping; those bits are inexpensive and easy to swap.
Store folded chairs upright in a dry area. If you stack many, use protective padding between seats to prevent scratches and dents. For long-term outdoor storage, cover chairs or move them indoors to extend their life.
Little add-ons can turn a basic chair into a more comfortable and practical seat.
Add a cushion for extra comfort, especially for long events. Look for cushions with straps so they don’t slide off when people stand up. Cushions typically add 1 to 2 inches of seat height but make long sitting much more pleasant.
For weddings or special events, slip-on covers can transform inexpensive folding chairs into elegant seating that matches your decor. Covers also protect chairs from spills and scuffs.
If you move chairs often, consider wheeled trolleys or carry bags that hold several chairs. They save your back and speed up setup for events.
If you care about sustainability, look for chairs made from responsibly sourced wood or recycled metals. Some brands offer repair parts which reduce waste over time. Choosing a durable chair you’ll keep for years is often greener than repeatedly replacing cheap models.
Here’s a short snapshot to help you choose where to start your search:
- IKEA UK: minimalist, affordable, and space-saving designs.
- Argos: wide range, practical, and budget-friendly options.
- John Lewis: higher-end, comfortable, and stylish choices.
- Dunelm: cosy textiles and home-focused folding seats.
- Wayfair UK: vast selection with detailed filters.
- B&Q: sturdy garden and outdoor models.
- The Range: value-oriented mix for home and garden.
- Wilko: very budget-friendly for casual or one-off needs.
- Amazon UK: the broadest range with many brands and fast delivery options.
Before you click “buy,” run through this checklist: weight capacity in pounds, seat height in inches, folded depth in inches, frame material, upholstery type, chair weight in pounds for portability, and whether extra features (cup holders, cushions) matter to you. If you need a dozen chairs, measure storage space in feet and inches and try to buy models that nest or stack compactly.
Folding chairs and stools are simple solutions with surprisingly big benefits. From casual camping seats to elegant wooden folding chairs for a dining room extension, the right choice depends on how you’ll use them and where you’ll store them. UK retailers cover the full spectrum from budget to premium, so compare specs — load ratings in pounds, seat heights in inches, and folded sizes in inches — to find the best fit. With the right picks and a little maintenance, those extra seats will be ready whenever you need them.
