In ancient cultures (those found in Greece, Egypt, Rome, and other Mediterranean lands), the folding chair was considered an important piece of household furniture and was often utilized in ceremonial rituals. For example, folding stools were commonly brought onto battlefields for commanding officers to sit upon and were light enough to carry from one battle location to another. Another example is the ecclesiastical throne (designed for religious rites) found in King Tutankhamun's throne, which was in actuality a highly ornate folding chair with a back support.

Today's folding chairs do not hold such high esteem, unless one takes into account the reverence commonly associated with a Hollywood director's chair. Modern folding chairs are lightweight and meant to solve seating problems in a variety of different venues. They can be placed at both indoor and outdoor events to create a temporary audience area or brought along on vacations for an instant beach or poolside view.

Types of Folding Chairs to Meet Your Needs

For large groups of people or outdoor audiences, the best type of folding chair is the typical plastic or metal one commonly used in cafeterias, meeting halls, and conference rooms. Plastic or powder-covered metal chairs are best for outside use, as they are more impervious to rain and snow. It is also good to find folding chairs that can be easily stacked by hand for easy storage.

For vacationers and sports enthusiasts, folding chairs made of light metal frames and fabric are best, as they are more comfortable and easier to carry than regular metal chairs. These can be purchased in a large assortment of different layouts and styles, from simple "single-seaters" to larger bench-like models able to fit up to four people at a time. Most folding chairs of this type are designed with multiple hinge points, making them able to be broken down into a compact and portable configuration.