Estimated Price Ranges for Various Chair Styles

More Expensive –> Discount Prices

• Leather Tub Chairs.  By far the most expensive type of chair and best avoided if you are looking for a cheap chair. Designer prices for chairs like these can easily reach four figure and beyond. Prices start at $300 and up.
• Leather Faced Tub Chairs. A leather faced tub chair is surprisingly much cheaper than a full leather alternative. Prices range from $200-300.
• Cloth and Fabric Tub Chairs. This is a very wide category and prices range accordingly.  However some guidelines can be issued; microfiber and other specialty fabric tub chairs will tend to be the most expensive with cotton or linen tub chairs being toward the bottom of the range.
• Microfiber Tub Chairs. Microfiber is a great compromise for those looking for a discount tub chair. Microfiber is comparatively cheap, is highly stain resistant and wears well.  It is not the absolute cheapest of the range however and expect prices to be in the range of $250-350.
• Chenille Tub Chairs. Chenille is a very popular fabric as its soft feel complements the comfortable nature of a tub chair perfectly. Prices range from $200-300 but beware that some types of chenille wear very easily, especially at the front of the seat and the bottom of the back rest.  Ask the vendor for information about fabric types.
• Faux Suede Tub Chairs. Can be very inexpensive and look good when purchased.  Again wear can be an issue, but if the chair is not expected to receive heavy use then these can be a real bargain.  Prices range from $150-250.
• Faux Leather Tub Chairs. Another bargain item, but beware lack of breathability in the seat material and possible early cracking in the surface.  Look to see how long the guarantee is and buy accordingly.
• Plastic Tub Chairs. I have to admit a bias here.  Tub chairs are designed to be comfortable and a hard plastic chair is not my idea of comfort. Still, this type of chair is inexpensive and so you can expect to pay $100-200 for one.

Note:  If you are looking for cheap tub chairs then it is best to avoid designer tub chairs as a designer name will normally multiply these estimated prices by a factor of 3-5x.

Contacting Manufacturers Direct

Purchase of a chair from a factory outlet, or other source direct from the manufacturer, will often present an opportunity for significant saving over what is available from local shops and even some online outlets. The reason that this is the case is that furniture has what the trade calls a high label price, but the volume of sales can be low. Shops incur significant expenses in rent of floor space and so on to maintain a warehouse. These factors mean that shop prices are often much higher than the price of the item direct from a manufacturer. The down side to buying direct is that often many factory outlets do not have the same level of customer service, either at purchase time or later if anything goes wrong.

Final Note

Folding chairs and table do not agree that furniture should ever be purchased solely on price.  The dealer that offers  “tub chairs cheap” will not tell you that buying discount today can often cost more in the long run.  Better to buy a quality second hand item than buy a discount chair new.

For example, tub chair leather upholstery on budget items is often low grade and this means it will require extensive treatment to look acceptable. Unfortunately these chemical treatments often cause it to age rapidly. Buying cheaply on day of purchase often ends up costing more in the long run. The wise purchase decision is always based on build quality and therefore this article is presented for informational purposes only.

Cheap Tub Chairs - Folding Chairs and Table

Reproduction Furniture for the Masses

To be clear, I am not here referring to reproduction furniture. The desire to own antique furniture is a common one for many people.  As time progresses and the scarcity and therefore the price of genuine antiques continue to rise more and more people will seek a relative bargain in a reproduction item. With modern construction techniques and machine tools a reproduction piece of furniture can be made for a fraction of the cost that it would have been in the period it was originally made in.

Retro Chair Chic?

What I am talking about are the type of chairs seen in many (often bad) science fiction movies from the late 60’s and early 70’s and some of the “mom and pop” type television shows of the 50’s. Particularly with reference to the shows of the 50’s there is an atmosphere of endless optimism and happiness in living what is often referred to as “The American Dream.” The science fiction shows are of a similar nature in that they tend to offer a vision of a Utopian future in which (most of) humanities problems have been solved. It is the “selling the dream” factor contained in these shows that allows people to drift back to an idealised happier time.

Retro Chairs – Were They Ever Comfortable?

Today of course we live in a different world.  While there is no “Red Menace” to live in fear of, the new enemy is the spectre of international terrorism, as so forcefully brought to public consciousness in the events surrounding 9/11. It is perhaps because of this atmosphere of fear and dread that so many people are drawn to the styles of furniture common in the past. We are not talking here about the desire for convivial conversation around a coffee table, but rather the drive for modern and fashionable furniture.

I am of course referring to plastic tub chairs, plastic collapsible chairs, hideous plastic swivel chairs in colors that would make a color blind painter blush and so on. The reality is that plastic and other none breathable chair fabric choices have never made for a comfortable chair, but sometimes when you dream, it takes a while to wake up.

Retro Chairs – Is Retro the New Black? - Folding Chairs and Table

How to Clean a Fabric Tub Chair

Preventative Cleaning

Regular vacuuming of fabric tub chairs will extend their lifespan considerably. Trapped dust and grit in between fibres can cause premature wear. Vacuum with a hose type cleaner with a narrow nozzle set on a furniture/curtains setting.  Make sure to compress the padded areas of a fabric chair to allow the nozzle full access into any areas where dirt can accumulate.

Other Stain Prevention Measures

Modern fabric tub chairs are often pre-treated with stain and mildew repellents, but it can be a good idea to periodically renew these coatings as they wear off over time.

Scotchguard make a range of cleaning products and their fabric protector is one of the best on the market.

Removing Stains from Fabric Tub Chairs

Important: Identify the Manufacturers Cleaning Instructions

Somewhere on your chair, probably underneath the seat, should be a label classifying your furniture into one of four categories. This cleaning code is issued by the manufacturer to help you avoid damage to your chair – make sure you follow them.

The Furniture Cleaning Codes are:

• W – Spot clean with a water-based cleaner.
• S – Spot clean only with a mild non water based solvent cleaner.
• WS – Spot clean with water based cleaner or with a solvent based cleaner.
• X – Clean only by light brushing or vacuum.

Removing the Stain

Act quickly and do not let the stain dry out as it may become permanent.

1.       Use the side of a blunt edged spoon to remove any excess material remaining on the fabric.  If the stain is liquid then tip any pooled liquid off the chair immediately, making sure to collect it correctly and not allow it to further stain carpets etc.

2.       Test the fabric for color fastness and compatibility with your cleaning product by trying it out on a hidden area of the chair – usually the underside of the seat. Use a white cloth to apply the cleaner and look for color transfer onto the cloth, fabric shrinkage on the chair and dark rings of color pigment forming around the area of the application.  Any of these signs means that the chair fabric is incompatible with your cleaner and you should discontinue its use. (Ideally this testing should be carried out before a stain occurs to allow time for drying.)

3.       If the stain is on a removable part of the chair, such as a cushion, then place a clean white cloth under the stain area. This will help remove the stain as the cleaning fluid will help wick the stain away into this cloth.

4.       Place some cleaning fluid onto a clean white cloth and apply it to the edges of the stain first. Gently work in towards the center of the stain. Blot at the stain.  Do not rub the fabric as this will spread the stain and may cause wear on the fabric. A rubbing action sometimes splits open the fibres of the fabric and allows the stain to enter them. A stain in split fibres can often be permanent.

5.       Dry the damp area quickly.  Use of a fan is helpful, but not essential. Avoid heat sources as these will likely “set” the stain and could be a fire risk.

6.       Don’t make a stain worse. Small stains can be relatively easy to remove with a damp cloth as the stain will wick up into the cloth. Application of excess cleaning fluid will only ensure that the stain spreads.

Although fabric chairs are a cheaper alternative to their leather cousins there is no reason why, if properly cared for, they should not last for many years. For specific stain removal advice please view our related articles elsewhere on this site. Prevention is always better than cure, so remember to leave the cups on the coffee table!

Quality Cleaning Products

Here are a selection of stain removal and cleaning products for fabric available from Amazon.

How to Clean a Fabric Tub Chair - Folding Chairs and Table

Cloth upholstery was long considered less hard wearing than natural leather, but with advances in cloth manufacture and the advent of new microfiber coverings this is no longer the case. Once the decision has been made to buy a fabric tub chair, the only real question relates to the choice between microfiber vs cloth.

Cloth and Microfiber Tub Chairs Compared

In terms of color and styles available, due to modern production and dyeing methods almost any color imaginable is available and some manufacturers will even go so far as to make a fabric chair that has been dyed and color matched to suit any existing home decor color scheme.

Of course, this degree of personalisation is not for everyone and does not come cheap.  For the rest of us, more mundane concerns are uppermost. So, in terms of color and styles available the choice between cloth and microfiber makes no difference.

Cost of Natural Fabric Tub Chairs vs Manmade Microfiber

Perhaps surprisingly microfiber upholstered tub chairs are very similar in cost to natural alternatives. Microfiber is cheaper to produce, but prices of both coverings are often similar. Price is more often defined by manufacturer or model styling.  In short, prices will vary widely and are not often any direct indication of the quality of the product.

Test the item before making your purchase and always haggle.  Be polite, truthful, fair and firm. Yes, even at IKEA!

Durability of Microfiber Compared to Natural Cloth

Microfiber definitely wears better than natural cotton coverings.  There are however treatments available that will increase the lifespan of a natural fabric upholstery.  Despite these possibilities microfiber still comes out on top.

Similarly, microfiber is naturally stain resistant but treatments are available to allow natural materials to compete. One of the downsides to these treatments is that they need to be reapplied over time.  Microfibre has stain resistance “built-in” so to speak.

Fire Risk and other Safety Concerns

Microfibre is usually made of polyester or polyamides, both of which are flammable and burn easily.  There are treatments that can be applied to reduce this risk, but it is a factor to bear in mind, especially if the chair is to be used by the elderly or infirm, smokers and so on. Inspect labels thoroughly if safety is a concern.  Many governments have national testing standards for fire safety.  Check which standards apply in your territory and look for the approval stickers or other markings.

On a lighter note, some people claim that microfiber causes very fine cuts on their skin, similar to a paper cut, but the evidence for this appears to be anecdotal.  It seems likely that this kind of problem is only possible if some form of high speed frictional contact occurs – hardly everyday use for a chair!

Conclusion

Comparing microfiber vs fabric tub chairs there are points to recommend either purchase. It depends very much on what you expect from the chair and need it for. Price should not be a significant factor as all fabric chairs of this type are relatively inexpensive. Look instead to build quality and style.

Fabric Tub Chairs - Folding Chairs and Table

Leather tub chairs can be extremely comfortable, hard wearing, stylish and last for many years if purchased wisely.  Leather is a durable material which ages well if the hide is of good quality and securely attached to the frame of the chair.

How can we tell a good leather tub chair from a bad one?

Price and Store Returns Policy

Remember that price is no indicator of quality. Where possible always physically inspect your purchase before parting with any cash.  If physical inspection is not possible, for instance if you buy off the internet, then make certain that the supplier offers a FULL money back guarantee.  A restocking fee might be acceptable if you are buying a custom made item, but for mass produced furniture it is unacceptable.  If a product is bad, an honest store should accept its return without issue.  Avoid stores that do not offer this service.

Indicators of a Quality Leather Tub Chair

Give the chair a reasonable physical test yourself.  Sit on it, lean back on it, push the sides of the arms in and out etc.  Do not be embarrassed to do this in the shop itself, even if the salesman is watching you.  While you may not regularly do this to your furniture at home you can be certain that children and guests will test it to destruction!  Get in there first.  If you are of small stature yourself, get a larger friend to perform tests for you.  After all, your furniture must be able to cater for anyone that might reasonably uses it.  Flimsy construction should not be tolerated.  If the chair flexes unduly now, when new, it will almost certainly not stand up to daily use.  It will likely end up costing you a lot more in the long run when it has to be replaced prematurely.

A tub chairs leather upholstery can vary widely.  Examine the quality of the leather itself as well as the stitching.  Top quality leather tub chairs will usually be made from “full hide” leather.  This is a term the trade use to describe leather that has not been split, buffed or had other treatments applied to it to improve its cosmetic appearance.  The reason why this is important is that full hide leather tub chairs will breathe better (so reducing effects of perspiration for the person sitting on the chair) and age well. A full hide leather chair will develop a patina over its surface with age, which only adds to its charm.  Top hide tub chairs are treated with more chemicals and tend to split and age with less grace. If in doubt about what type of leather your chair is made from, then ask.  It is your money after all.

Stitching used to construct quality furniture will be close spaced and uniform.  This helps to give the hide strength to resist tears and splits by distributing stresses evenly.  Loosely spaced, or worse, uneven stitching can cause a premature rip in the leather that can be expensive to repair.

Alternatives to Leather

Some people may love the look of a luxury leather tub chair, but are put off by the leather itself as it is an animal product.  If this is the case for yourself or your guests then there are plenty of options available.  A Faux leather (also known as fake leather, manmade leather or “Vegan” leather) is today a viable alternative and is often cheaper than its natural leather alternative.  Man made leather might not develop the same patina as the real thing, but no animals will be harmed in its production and often the cost is often much less.

With the information you have now received from this article go out and buy your new leather tub chair with confidence. May your purchase give you many years of service as a stylish addition to your home.

Leather Tub Chairs – Purchase Advice - Folding Chairs and Table

The classic tub chair has been around a very long time, but remains an enduring favourite in many a lounge or living room. The basic half barrel type construction of these tub seats makes them incredibly durable and strong, but allows them to be comfortable and reassuring too. Whether you are looking for a fabric tub chair or one of the more hard wearing leather tub chairs then you can still be assured that they will be a classy addition to your home. After all, they originated in the court of Louis XV of France and you cannot have a higher recommendation than royalty, now can you?

Retro Chic with a Plastic Tub Chair

This type of seating regained popularity in the 1960s when a number of iconic pictures of top models of the day were taken sitting in swivel tub chairs or in “space age” plastic chairs. Today, they offer a chance to recapture that look and play to the retro-chic market. If you are on a budget then these durable and cheap tub chairs might be a good option – especially for dining areas, rather than living rooms or lounge spaces.

However, while plastic tub chairs remain a popular seller, I cannot in good faith recommend them as they can be hard and uncomfortable to sit in for any length of time – consider the classic plastic chair of many fast food restaurants! A plastic chair is inappropriate for any restful lounge, but better for dining if expecting only a short stay. If you really need a plastic chair then a better and cheaper option might be a quality folding table and chairs set.

Giving up comfort goes against the whole spirit of what these seats are all about!

Natural Materials are a Great Upholstery Option

A far better idea is to buy a fabric tub chair or perhaps the best option is to go for leather. If leather is undesirable, then there are a number of excellent microfiber materials with which your chair could be upholstered.

Cloth upholstered tub chairs are perhaps the least hard wearing of the coverings available, but they are certainly comfortable and often cheaper than their leather covered cousins. Natural fabric tub chairs are a great option if you want to buy green and make a minimal impact on the planet. A fabric chair is also great for a bedroom, not just a lounge. Sympathetic furniture accessories like an Ottoman offer great storage too. The classic cloth covered chair is not recommended for dining areas, or lounge areas where strong coloured liquids could be spilled onto them.

Classic Black Leather Tub Chair

Another image that may come to mind when we think of these seats is a British style smoking room where the upper class would sit in a brown leather tub chair to play cards and discuss business.

Those days are very much behind us.

Today you are far more likely to see a classic black leather chair in a top restaurant or bistro although admittedly they will generally go for a variety of chair colours rather than basic brown or black.

Modern Microfibre Tub Chairs Give Excellent Color Options

Manmade fibres, such as microfibers give this type of seating a whole new lease of life. Plastic offers a selection of colours, but generally gives less comfort. A good microfiber tub chair allows you to have both choice of color and excellent comfort.

Microfibre is really easy to clean, in common with leather, but of course contains no animal products if that is important to you. It is also really hardwearing, which can be significant if you are buying chairs that you expect to see a lot of traffic.

As you can see there are a great number of choices available when buying a new furniture item for your home and I hope that this article has enabled you to be better informed while considering your options before buying your classic tub chair.

Classic Tub Chair - Folding Chairs and Table