Tall wingback chairs and throne chairs are the decor chairs that turn a corner into the focal point: the couple's seats at the top table, the places of honour for the elders at a traditional wedding, a birthday chair at a 21st or the photo spot at a matric farewell. Tell us the event, the style and colour, how many and the date, and we pass it to independent decor and event hire firms who work in your area. They quote you directly. The request is free, with no obligation to accept any quote.
Throne chairs, wingback chairs and other decor chairs
Hire firms usually stock a few kinds:
- Throne chairs: very tall carved backs, often gold, silver or white frames with velvet or button-backed upholstery
- Wingback chairs: upholstered armchairs with side wings, in velvet, linen or leather look, calmer than a throne and good for a lounge corner
- Bridal or love seats: a two-seater in the same style for the couple
- Smaller decor chairs in gold or white to match Tiffany chairs at the main tables
Choosing the right wingback chairs for the event
For a white wedding, a pair of ivory or white thrones at the top table is the classic. At a lobola, umembeso or traditional wedding, families often seat the elders in a row of wingbacks or thrones facing the gathering, so count the parents, grandparents and senior aunts and uncles before you ask. For a 21st or a matric farewell, one bold chair in front of a backdrop makes the photo spot. Match the frame to the rest of the decor (gold with gold, silver with silver), and choose a fabric colour that will not clash with the dresses. Measure the platform or space: a throne can be well over a metre and a half tall and wider than a normal chair. Many firms will style the corner with a lounge set, a rug and a side table.
Delivery, care and outdoor use
These chairs are heavy and upholstered, so they are usually delivered by the firm, not collected in a bakkie, and are wrapped in blankets. Keep them indoors or under a marquee: rain, dust and direct sun mark velvet, and soft lawn swallows thin legs. Keep drinks, red wine, candle wax and confetti cannons away from the fabric, because cleaning and repairs are charged. Check the chairs for marks on delivery and photograph any damage.
What affects the price and what to ask
Thrones are priced per chair per event, usually higher than ordinary chairs because there are fewer of them and they need careful handling. Transport, set-up and styling add to the cost. Ask:
- Can I see photos of the exact chairs, not a catalogue picture?
- Is the platform, backdrop or side table included?
- What is the deposit, and how are stains handled?
What to include in your request
- The event and the date
- How many chairs, for whom
- Frame colour and fabric colour
- Indoors, under a tent or outside
- Whether you want the corner styled
Throne and Wingback Chair Hire for different events
- Families and home celebrations: a birthday chair at a 21st or a pair for a lobola at the family home
- Weddings and engagements: a pair of thrones at the top table and wingbacks for the elders of both families
- Funerals, memorials and unveilings: a dignified seat for the eldest family member at a memorial or unveiling
- Companies, conferences and functions: a seat of honour for a guest speaker or a retiring director at a gala
- Churches and faith gatherings: seats of honour for visiting clergy at a church anniversary or a revival
- Schools, colleges and universities: the photo spot chair at a matric farewell or seats for the head table
- Municipalities, clubs and communities: chairs for traditional leaders or the mayor at an imbizo or heritage day event
- Venues, caterers, decorators and planners: decorators and planners adding statement chairs to a styled reception or lounge
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire wingback chairs or throne chairs?
How many throne chairs do I need for a traditional wedding?
Can I buy wingback chairs instead of hiring them?
Can throne chairs be used outside?
Throne and Wingback 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