Most Comfortable Folding Chair (Find Your Perfect Folding Chair)
Sit in the folding chair for half an hour. How do you feel? Does your back hurt? Are you sliding forward? Is the chair too small? You decide.
Believe it or not – comfortable folding chairs EXIST. You just have to know what to look for.
Ah, folding chairs. A well-designed folding chair is one of the holy grails of furniture design.
So what are they suitable for? Folding chairs are arguably the best option for temporary seating on special occasions. Take big gatherings like weddings and conferences, for example.
But today, many of us rely on these temporary chairs when we have guests for house parties.
Product We Like
Mesh folding chairs offer the best comfort with a breathable plastic-mesh seat and back. You can’t go wrong with the MityLite Flex One Folding Chair. It is lightweight and a little bit wider than regular folding chairs.
- Strong enough to hold 1,000-pound
- Made of durable plastic mesh
- Extra wide seat. Ganging: Frame, Nylon Clip
- Conforms to your body shape
- 10-year warranty
Types of Folding Chairs: Most Comfortable Folding Chair
Type of Material
The first thing to consider when looking for a comfortable folding chair is the type of material used by manufacturers. Knowing the 4 basic types will help you in sorting out the comfortable chairs from the not-so-comfortable.
Here’s all you need to know.
1) Plastic Folding Chair
The plastic chair is the most common and also probably the cheapest type of folding chair in the market.
Yes, we’ve all heard that plastic folding chairs are flimsy and pliable.
AVOID plastic folding chairs. Or most of them.
Plastic chairs are the go-to type of many venues and event planners because they are easy to clean and can withstand a lot of wear and tear before noticeable signs of damage show.
Their stain-resistant and water-proof capabilities also make them a good choice for many people.
(Backyard bbq party, anyone? But please don’t put the plastic chair too close to a fire pit, so you don’t end up inhaling the fumes of burning plastic).
However, on the scale of comfort, they rank at a fair 3 out of 5.
Although they aren’t that uncomfortable at the start, sitting on hard plastic for a prolonged period isn’t ideal for anyone.
Plastic foldable chairs are lightweight, easy to use, store, and maintain. Plus they are very affordable. It makes sense for you to opt for this type of foldable chair because of the convenience and not for comfort.
2) Metal Folding Chair
The metal chair is the second most popular type of folding chair right after its more affordable cousin, the plastic folding chair.
These chairs are more durable in nature and can usually hold more weight than plastic chairs before eventually giving in.
Metal folding chairs are best for larger people who require extra support; the downside to prioritizing stability and durability is comfort.
As a rating, the metal foldable chairs rank lower than plastic with a low 2 out of 5 because metal chairs just do not offer any comfort at all.
Sometimes they are initially cold when you sit on them, but after a while, your body heat turns them warm, which also makes it very uncomfortable, especially if you’re required to stay seated for a while.
3) Padded Folding Chair
The padded chair is an upgrade from the plastic and metal folding chairs. What sets it apart is the padding added to the seat or on both the seat and the backrest.
This is a great option for many events that take more than a couple of hours to conclude, but they aren’t suggested for outdoor events where they can easily accumulate dirt or worse get exposed to the rain.
The padded seat and backrest of this type of chair get 4 out of 5 in the comfort rating.
It may take a little more effort to clean the cushioning (you can find replacement parts like cushions for folding chairs).
Cushioning adds some bulk, but it is definitely more comfortable than the usual plastic or metal folding chair.
4) Mesh Folding Chair
The mesh chair is the newest type of folding chair on the market and is probably the most expensive type as well.
This type of folding chair is very innovative and deserves all the attention it is getting.
They are considered the most comfortable type because of their unique design.
The mesh material is BREATHABLE, which means it is perfect for warm outdoor events where guests are prone to sweating. And, in the event of stains, mesh patio chairs are easy to clean.
At the same time, the mesh seats are moldable and contours the body perfectly while also giving enough support.
For comfort the mesh folding chair deserves a 5 out of 5 ratings, earning it the title of most comfortable folding chair available.
It is a bit more expensive than other options, but when you’re required to sit for long periods of time you cannot go wrong with a soft and breathable chair.
Mity-Lite Flex One is our favorite mesh chair. You can read our review by clicking here.
The Bottom Line
The problem with folding chairs is they are notoriously uncomfortable. Spending more than half an hour seated on a folding chair is a nightmare.
When you want the best of the best and the most comfortable folding chair, the mesh type is the way to go. It is worth spending extra to ensure that everyone is comfortable and supported in all the right places.
