Ghost chairs are clear polycarbonate chairs with an acrylic look, and they suit modern weddings, product launches, bridal showers and lounge areas where you want the room, the linen and the flowers to show. Hire firms stock armless and armchair styles, and clear bar stools to match. The catch is scratches, so they need careful handling. Send your numbers, style and venue once, and independent hire firms near you quote you directly. If you were looking to buy, ask a firm too. The request is free, with no obligation.
Ghost chairs: styles you can hire
- Armless dining chairs with an oval or square back, the most common hire style
- Clear armchairs for a top table, a lounge or a photo corner
- Clear Tiffany chairs, which mix the spindle back with the see-through look
- Clear bar stools for cocktail bars and high tables
Some firms carry tinted clear chairs; ask if colour matters. Styles differ between firms, so ask for a photo of the exact chair, and check the numbers they hold in one style: a mixed set of oval and square backs looks untidy along one table.
Where clear chairs work best
Clear chairs make a room look less crowded, so they suit small venues, glass rooms and coloured linen. Pair them with floor-length tablecloths in a strong colour, or with mirrored or white tables. They show everything underneath, so a cluttered floor or cable runs will show too. Allow about 55 cm a chair; a 1.8 m round takes 10. Mix clear chairs with gold throne chairs for a couple, or put a few in a lounge area.
Delivery, scratches and sun
Ghost chairs usually come stacked with protective sleeves or cloth between them. Check every chair against the light with the driver: scratches, cracks and cloudy marks show, and you don't want to pay for old damage. Clean with a soft damp cloth only, never a scourer. Outside, clear chairs heat up in strong sun and show dust and fingerprints; they look best indoors. Restack them with the sleeves to avoid scratches on the way back.
What affects the price
Ghost chairs cost more to hire than plastic chairs, as the stock costs more and marks easily. The style, quantity, transport and set-up all affect the price, and the damage deposit may be higher. Ask each firm:
- How are scratches assessed, and what does a damaged chair cost?
- Is cleaning included, and are the chairs wrapped for transport?
- Do you have matching clear stools, tables or seat pads?
What to include in your request
- Number of chairs and the style
- Armless or with arms
- Venue, indoors or outside
- Table and linen colours
- Clear bar stools or tables to match
Ghost Chair Hire for different events
- Families and home celebrations: a bridal shower, a baby shower or a 21st with a modern pastel theme
- Weddings and engagements: a modern reception where coloured linen and flowers show through the chairs
- Funerals, memorials and unveilings: clear chairs for the family at an indoor memorial in a small chapel
- Companies, conferences and functions: a product launch, a cocktail function or a VIP lounge at a conference
- Churches and faith gatherings: a church wedding reception or an anniversary dinner in a fellowship hall
- Schools, colleges and universities: a matric farewell with a glam theme or a graduation cocktail evening
- Municipalities, clubs and communities: a charity gala, an awards evening or a fashion show front row
- Venues, caterers, decorators and planners: clear chair stock for decorators styling modern weddings and showers
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire ghost chairs?
Can I buy ghost chairs instead of hiring them?
Do ghost chairs scratch easily?
Are ghost chairs comfortable for a long dinner?
Ghost Chair Hire by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg