A folding chair is a light, portable chair that folds flat, and can be stored in a stack, row, or on a cart.
Folding chairs are generally used for seating in areas where permanent seating is not possible or practical. This includes outdoor and indoor events such as funerals, college graduations, religious services, and sporting events and competitions. They are often used as weapons in professional wrestling.
Folding chairs are also used in the home for any situation requiring extra seating. This includes parties, card games, and temporary seating at the dinner table.
Some folding chairs are rocking chairs as well.
Folding chairs were already being used in Viking Sweden, Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The frame was mostly made of wood, and seldom made of metal. The wood was inlaid with artistic carvings, gilded, and decorated with ivory. In Northern Europe, the remains of more than 18 folding chairs are known dating back to the Nordic Bronze Age such as the Daensen folding chair.
The folding chair became especially widespread during the Middle Ages. It was treasured as a liturgical furniture piece. Since the 15th and 16th centuries the folding chair has mostly had arm and head rests. Of course, newer chairs which are often found in functions and events are also called folding chairs. The folding chairs were very easy to use and bring to different places such as parties or family gatherings.