Here's What You Need to Know About Chiavari Chairs

By Ross | 1 Entertainment on Oct 17 2021

Have you attended the wedding of a loved one recently? What about a swanky event with catered dining? If the answer is yes to either or both of those questions, then chances are you've already sat in a Chiavari chair at some point. It's becoming more and more seen (and used) at fancy events like weddings, award ceremonies, and even particularly high-end restaurants.

What Is a Chiavari Chair?

Contrary to popular belief, it's neither 'chavari' nor 'chivari'. C-h-i-a-v-a-r-i is the correct and proper spelling. It gets its name from the Italian city it came from. After the Economic Society of Chiavari's president asked cabinetmaker Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi to rework some chairs, he designed and built them. This was back in 1807.

Originally, the design involved a balloon-backed cherrywood chair. A Chiavari chair's most telling feature is its joints, which are bamboo-like and carved into its frame. The look of this furniture is synonymous with the very concept of class, sophistication, and elegance.

Pope Leo XIII got them as gifts in 1892; later on, Queen Victoria's palace used them as a means to furnish their grand dining halls. They became particularly trendy again back in 1953, after John and Jackie Kennedy's wedding reception, where they were used for the couple's 900 guests.

What Materials Go Into the Making of Chiavari Chairs?

When it comes to Chiavari chairs, there is more than one material available on the market. It all depends on your needs or wants, your preferences and how much your budget is. Take your pick from these materials:

Aluminium - Chiavari chairs that are made with aluminium are durable. They're also scratch-resistant. While the chair seat could possibly warp over time, there are ways to prevent this. A plywood-base cushion is a good place to start.

Weight Capacity: Up to 1,000 lbs

Resin - Chiavari chairs crafted through resin are very tough and long-lasting. They can resist high amounts of strain and intense impact. While they're generally the most sought-after in the market, their price range is very high. Its coloured nature means that any blemishes and scratches are concealed in plain sight.

Weight Capacity: Up to 1,000 lbs

Wood - People going for a more rustic, natural look take on wooden Chiavari chairs. They are excellent furnishings for old-fashioned and traditionally decorated venues. Events with a rather "old-world" or "classic" feel, like a wedding held in a farm or ranch, make use of this.

Weight Capacity: Between 450 up to 1,000 lbs, depending on how it is made

That said, the hardware of chairs that have already been pre-assembled are more heavy-duty than 'knockdown' chairs. The benefit of going with the latter is that it's cheaper, albeit less durable.

Conclusion

Chiavari chairs are incredibly popular with people who hold particularly upscale events or venues. They date back to Italy in the 1800s but got a huge boost when used for the John and Jackie Kennedy wedding reception in the '50s. Typical materials available for this piece of furniture are wood, aluminium, or resin.

Looking for a provider that offers Chiavari chairs for hire in London? Reach out to 1 Entertainment today! As the number one entertainment company in the United Kingdom, we’ve got you covered for everything you need, including wedding DJs, decoration, entertainment, and more.