Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Project Party

Planning a memorable event involves a multitude of decisions, and one of the most crucial aspects to consider is your table and chair hire. With a myriad of styles and options available, it can be quite a task to pinpoint the perfect furniture that aligns with your vision. This blog post aims to ease your decision-making process by presenting a comprehensive guide to 14 of the most popular styles and types of table and chair hires in today’s market. We delve into the advantages and drawbacks of each style, enabling you to make an informed choice that best complements your event.

Navigating the World of Table and Chair Hire

When embarking on your table and chair hire journey for your event or wedding, several factors warrant careful consideration for furniture hire:

• First and foremost, the style of tables and chairs you choose should resonate with your event’s theme. Are you leaning towards a formal or casual vibe? Do you envision an elegant, rustic, modern, or traditional setting?
• Next, the number of guests anticipated at your event plays a pivotal role in your table and chair hire decision. An accurate headcount ensures you acquire an adequate number of tables and chairs to comfortably accommodate all attendees.
• Finally, budgeting is another critical aspect of the table and chair hire process. It’s essential to delineate a budget upfront, considering that furniture hire can constitute a significant portion of your event expenses.

Having considered these aspects, you’re now equipped to explore the diverse world of table and chair hire options! Let’s dive in and discover the style that will make your event truly stand out. Here are 14 of the most popular table and chair styles that you can hire for your wedding or event:

Exquisite Table Options for Your Event

1. Classic Round Tables

Round tables, a timeless choice for table and chair hire, are frequently selected for weddings and events due to their intimate setting. These tables comfortably accommodate up to eight people, fostering a sense of closeness among guests. The circular design promotes easy conversation flow, as everyone at the table can easily make eye contact and engage with each other. This makes round tables an excellent choice for events where socializing is key, like networking events or family gatherings. Furthermore, their symmetrical shape lends itself well to balanced tablescapes and centrepieces, creating a visually appealing dining experience. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a corporate dinner, or a wedding, round tables provide an ideal setting for communal dining and conversation.

2. Elegant Rectangular Tables

Rectangular tables offer a more formal look, seating up to ten people comfortably. These tables are perfect for grand events like weddings or conferences where a more traditional setting is desired. Their linear design also makes them ideal for banquet-style settings, offering efficient food service and a visually appealing layout. With the potential for elaborate tablescapes running down the centre, rectangular tables provide a great opportunity to showcase your event’s theme or colour scheme. They also allow for clear demarcation of seating arrangements, which can be helpful in formal settings. From corporate events to upscale dinners, rectangular tables lend a sense of elegance and order to any occasion.

3. Casual Cocktail Tables

Cocktail tables strike a casual note, creating a relaxed atmosphere at your event. They’re perfect for serving hors d’oeuvres or drinks and ideal for social mixing. Comfortably seating up to four people, these tables provide just enough space for guests to place their drinks and small plates while still encouraging movement and interaction. Their height is also conducive to standing, allowing guests to easily move around and mingle. The casual vibe of cocktail tables makes them an excellent choice for less formal events like networking mixers or cocktail parties. They can also be used in conjunction with other table types to create different zones within your event space, such as a lounging area or a snack station.

4. Festive Bar Tables

Bar tables infuse an element of fun and festivity into your event. Capable of seating up to six people, these tables are excellent for parties where drinks are the main attraction. Their tall stature and compact design make them ideal for creating a bar-like atmosphere, encouraging guests to gather around and enjoy their drinks. Bar tables also provide a perfect spot for guests to rest their drinks while they socialize, dance, or partake in other activities. Consider these for your next birthday celebration or festive gathering, where guests can mingle and enjoy their drinks in a casual setting.

5. Long Banquet Tables

Banquet tables, a series of rectangular tables arranged in a long line, are becoming increasingly popular for their efficient use of space and striking visual impact. These tables can seat a large number of guests, making them an excellent choice for large-scale events like awards ceremonies or charity fundraisers. The linear arrangement also facilitates easy serving and clearing of dishes, making dining a smooth experience for your guests. Furthermore, the continuous line of a banquet setting provides a dramatic visual effect, making it a great choice if you’re looking to impress. With careful decoration, long banquet tables can become a stunning centrepiece of your event’s decor.

6. Rustic Farmhouse Tables

Farmhouse tables, with their rustic charm and sturdy design, are a great addition to any event aiming for a rustic or country vibe. Their robust structure and natural wood finish evoke a feeling of warmth and coziness, perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Farmhouse tables work well for outdoor events such as barn weddings or garden parties, providing a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, their large size and durability make them practical for serving hearty meals. Whether you’re hosting a countryside wedding or a family-style dinner, farmhouse tables can add a touch of rustic charm to your event.

7. Sophisticated Glass Tables

Glass tables add a touch of sophistication to any event. Their sleek design and transparent surface create an illusion of space, making them ideal for smaller venues or events with a modern, minimalist theme. The transparency of glass tables also allows for creative decoration options, such as placing lights or flowers underneath the tabletop for a stunning visual effect. These tables are perfect for modern-themed events or corporate gatherings where a sleek, contemporary look is desired. From cocktail parties to product launches, glass tables can lend a sense of elegance and style to your occasion.

Chair Options to Complete Your Setting

1. Timeless Tiffany Chairs

Tiffany chairs, known for their classic appeal and intricate design, are a popular choice for weddings and events for furniture hire. Their elegant structure and high backrest offer a comfortable seating option while also adding a touch of sophistication to your event’s decor. These chairs can be adorned with bows, flowers, or other accessories to match your event’s theme, making them extremely versatile in terms of styling. Available in a variety of colours and materials, from natural wood to clear acrylic, Tiffany chairs can seamlessly blend into any event setting, whether it’s a traditional wedding or an elegant dinner.

2. Sleek Chiavari Chairs

Chiavari chairs, with their sleek and elegant look, are another favoured option in the realm of event seating. Their minimal design and slender silhouette make them a great choice for events where space is a concern, as they can be easily arranged in tight setups without compromising comfort or style. Available in a variety of colours and finishes, from gold to mahogany, Chiavari chairs can effortlessly match your event’s theme. Their open-back design also allows for decorative elements to be added, such as ribbons or floral arrangements, offering an additional layer of customization.

3. Comfortable Cross Back Chairs

Cross-back chairs offer a blend of comfort and style, making them a popular choice for a range of events. Their unique design, featuring a crisscross pattern on the backrest, adds a touch of visual interest while also providing excellent support. These chairs are often made from solid wood, lending a rustic charm to your event decor. They work particularly well at outdoor or countryside events, such as garden weddings or barn receptions. Cross-back chairs can be paired with cushions for added comfort, or left bare to showcase their natural beauty.

4. Versatile Ghost Chairs

Ghost chairs, with their transparent design, offer a modern twist on traditional seating. Made from clear acrylic, these chairs have a barely-there appearance that can create a sense of space and openness. This makes them an excellent choice for smaller venues or events with a minimalist aesthetic. Despite their delicate look, ghost chairs are sturdy and comfortable, making them a practical choice as well. Their versatility extends to styling too, as they can fit into a variety of themes, from modern and chic to whimsical and romantic.

5. Classic Banquet Chairs

Banquet chairs are a classic choice for formal events. With their padded seats and high backs, they offer a comfortable seating solution for long events. These chairs are typically covered with fabric, which can be customized to match your event’s color scheme or theme. The covers also provide an opportunity for additional embellishments, such as bows, sashes, or brooches. Banquet chairs are a versatile option, suitable for a wide range of events from corporate functions to weddings. Their stackable design also makes them easy to set up and remove, adding to their appeal.

6. Rustic Wooden Benches

For a more casual and rustic vibe, consider wooden benches. These provide a communal seating option, encouraging interaction among guests. Benches work particularly well for outdoor events, such as garden parties or barn weddings, where they can blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. They can be dressed up with cushions or throws for added comfort and style or left bare to showcase their rustic charm. Wooden benches are not only a practical seating solution but also a great way to enhance your event’s aesthetic, especially if you’re aiming for a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

7. Stylish Lounge Chairs

Lounge chairs add a touch of luxury to your event. With their plush seats and high backs, these chairs offer the ultimate in comfort. They’re perfect for creating a cozy and intimate setting, whether it’s a cocktail party or a corporate event. Lounge chairs can be arranged in small groups to create conversation areas, or placed individually for a more spaced-out layout. Available in a range of styles, from modern to vintage, lounge chairs can be chosen to match your event’s theme. Whether covered in rich velvet or sleek leather, lounge chairs are sure to make a stylish statement at your event.

8. Robust Gladiator Chairs

Gladiator chairs bring a sense of grandeur and sophistication to your event. With their robust frame and striking design, these chairs offer both comfort and visual appeal. They’re perfect for creating a bold and elegant setting, whether it’s a wedding reception or a formal banquet. Gladiator chairs can be arranged in rows for a traditional layout, or placed around round tables for a more intimate setup. Available in a range of finishes, from rustic wood to polished metal, Gladiator chairs can be chosen to complement your event’s theme. Whether adorned with plush cushions or left in their simple elegance, Gladiator chairs are sure to make a powerful statement at your event.

Make Your Event Shine with the Perfect Table and Chair Hire

With a comprehensive understanding of the 15 most popular styles and types of tables and chairs now in your event planning toolkit, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision that will elevate your special occasion with furniture hire. The perfect table and chair hire can truly transform your event’s ambience, creating an environment that resonates with your theme and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Whether you’re leaning towards the classic elegance of Tiffany chairs for a wedding, the rustic charm of farmhouse tables for a countryside event, or the sleek sophistication of glass tables for a corporate gathering, each style has its unique appeal. Remember, the devil is in the details – don’t overlook the power of accessories. Tablecloths, table runners, and chair covers aren’t just utilitarian items, they’re the finishing touches that tie together your event’s aesthetic.

As you embark on this exciting journey of planning your event, keep in mind that the perfect table and chair hire is not just about functionality, but also about creating a harmonious visual symphony that enhances the overall experience for your guests.

We hope this detailed guide has provided you with valuable insights into the world of table and chair hire for various events. If you have any further queries or would like to delve deeper into a specific style, feel free to leave a comment below. We’re here to assist you on your journey to create an unforgettable event. Thank you for reading, and happy planning!