Chiavari chairs have been the standard for elegant events for over a century, and they still book out first every wedding season. If you’re considering them for your event, here’s what actually matters — the finishes, how to choose the right one, what they cost to rent, and when to book — without the fluff.
Why Chiavari Chairs Endure
The design dates to 1807, when a cabinetmaker in the coastal town of Chiavari, Italy reworked a heavier French chair into something lighter and more graceful. It became an icon of American events after the Kennedy wedding in 1953 seated hundreds of guests in them. The appeal is in the shape: the bamboo-turned legs and slim spindle back make a statement while staying visually light, so the chair dresses up a room without cluttering it — and it photographs beautifully. You’ll find our gold Chiavari on the chair rentals page at $7 with the cushion included.
Finishes and Colors
Chiavari chairs come in a range of finishes, each with a natural home:
- Gold — the wedding-reception classic; warm and a little luxe, and the one we stock.
- Silver — reads modern and corporate.
- White — a blank canvas that glows in daylight; popular for beach and garden weddings.
- Black — sharp and formal, at home at black-tie events.
- Mahogany / natural wood — warm tones for rustic and vintage looks.
Check our current chair catalog for the finishes we have available, and pair them with matching cushions and linens to tie the look together.
Choosing the Right Chiavari for Your Event
A few practical filters make the choice easy:
- Indoors: any finish works — match it to your venue and palette.
- Outdoors: favor resin or aluminum Chiavari, which shrug off sun and the occasional sprinkle better than wood.
- Theme: gold and mahogany for classic and rustic; silver and black for modern and corporate; white for airy, light-filled settings.
- Comfort: Chiavari chairs are genuinely comfortable for a long dinner, and with the cushion included, they hold up through a full reception.
Cushions and Decoration
Every Chiavari we rent comes with a cushion included — no extra charge. Beyond that, chair decor like sashes, bows, or florals usually comes from your decorator or florist rather than the rental. If you do dress the chairs, focus on the high-impact spots — the ceremony aisle and the sweetheart table — rather than every seat. Guests won’t notice undecorated chairs in the back, and your budget will thank you.
What Chiavari Chair Rentals Cost
At Opus, gold Chiavari chairs rent for $7 each with the cushion included, and there’s no order minimum — rent a dozen or several hundred. Delivery and setup are charged separately (Chiavari are delivery-only, not will-call). Two easy ways to keep it efficient: book early to lock in peak-season availability, and bundle the chairs with your tables and other rentals on one delivery.
When to Book
Chiavari is the first style to sell out in peak season, so book as soon as your venue is set:
- Peak season (spring and fall) weddings: several months ahead
- Corporate events: 1–2 months ahead
- Last-minute: sometimes possible, but color and quantity get limited
Spacing and Setup
To keep guests comfortable, plan the spacing:
- Dining: 24–30 inches per chair
- Ceremony: 22–24 inches per chair
- Per table: 8–10 chairs at a 60″ round, 10–12 at a 72″ round, and 4 per side plus one at each end of an 8-foot rectangle
Leave about two feet behind seated guests so servers can move — a small detail that keeps dinner service smooth.
Book Your Chiavari Chairs
Chiavari chairs set an elegant tone the moment guests walk in, and at $7 with the cushion included, they’re one of the best value upgrades you can make. Opus rents them across greater Los Angeles — see the full chair lineup, or if you need tables too, our table and chair rentals page covers pairing and combined pricing. Call (213) 373-1730 or visit our contact page to reserve your date.