In a space-challenged home, it makes sense to have furniture that is multifunctional, easy to move and — if at all possible — collapsible. Like folding chairs: When guests arrive, they come out of the closet, off the wall hooks or out from under the bed in a snap. It’s because of that functionality, said Michael K. Chen, a New York City architect who has designed numerous pint-size apartments, that he often uses folding chairs in his projects. He also has a few of his own. “The idea that you can just add a chair when you need it is really nice,” said Mr. Chen, who has designed a wide variety of transformable furniture for his clients, including sliding walls, built-in tables and Murphy beds. And when you have folding chairs that look great, he said, “It suggests that an additional effort is being made to be hospitable, and there’s something really lovely about that.” • Your first concern should be comfort: How does the chair feel to sit on? “Stability is incredibly important,” Mr. Chen said.

“If it doesn’t feel solid, there’s no pleasure in using it.” • Then try picking it up: How light is it? “The idea of the folding chair is that it’s impermanent and occasional,” Mr. Chen said. “So it needs to be mobile enough.” • Finally, think about where it will be used. Folding chairs come in a variety of styles, from laid-back loungers to upright dining chairs, so choose according to function. Leather Sling Butterfly Chair Tanned leather chair with folding black steel base | Pp512 Folding Chair PP Mobler wood-and-cane folding chair designed by Hans Wegner in 1949 | $6,500 at Wyeth: 212-243-3661 or wyeth.nyc Piana Chair Folding and stackable polypropylene and fiberglass chair by David Chipperfield | Curule Chair Wood-slat folding chair with leather backrest by Pierre Paulin | Hanger Chair Folding plywood chair with integrated storage hook by Philippe Malouin | Skip to main content Smart Buys The 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. used wheelchair for sale ukWhile 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. used office chairs san jose caPlus, any furniture that folds (and is easily stored away) is a New Yorker's dream.beauty parlour chairs price in india These 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). ikea chair bed dimensions

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. buy wrought iron chairsOne 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. table and chair rentals sfThese aren't the most comfortable seats in the world, but they do the trick for the length of a holiday meal.folding chairs new york city New 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.  bean bag chairs with cup holders

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). fold up chairs with umbrellaIt 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. Anthropologie 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.