Advertising Seats and Their Types: A Guide to Functional Marketing

What are the types of advertising seats?

Among promotional seating, classic foldable deckchairs and chairs clearly take the lead. Another major group consists of inflatable seats in various shapes and designs. We can also point to lightweight foam or polystyrene cubes, as well as seats filled with granules—popularly known as bean bags or sako bags. Finally, we must mention seating made from plastic or OSB boards, as well as upholstered furniture.

The key differentiators are, quite obviously, the construction and the material used. The types of raw materials involved affect both the price and the intended use. Some advertising seats are meant for stationary use—as a permanent element of a company’s interior design—while others are designed for mobility, allowing them to be easily set up anywhere outside the office. We will take these four aspects—construction, material, price, and mobility—into account when comparing these types.

Advertising Deckchairs

Promotional deckchairs with logos are the undisputed leaders in this category. It’s no surprise; they are relatively inexpensive (starting from approx. €30 net), while offering a large and easy-to-design advertising surface.

You can choose from different construction types—metal frames (usually aluminum) and wooden frames (most often beechwood). For promotional purposes, lightweight, foldable beach-style deckchairs are typically used because they are easy to transport. A deckchair can also be equipped with armrests or even designed as a double-seater.

Deckchairs are a very “grateful” product for advertising, as it is incredibly simple to expand the promotional area. All you need is an extra piece of fabric at the back: a shorter one called a valance, or a longer one that connects the top and bottom rails of the deckchair.

Foldable Advertising Chairs

Virtually any chair can become an advertising medium: from office armchairs to conference chairs and director’s chairs. All it takes is the right branding. However, in the advertising world, lightweight, foldable, and budget-friendly solutions are naturally the most popular.

Wooden or aluminum director’s chairs are perfect for events. they successfully replace traditional deckchairs while providing a more formal seating position, ideal for networking and business conversations. Even when the chair is occupied, the backrest allows your slogan or graphics to remain visible. Both metal (aluminum) and wooden versions are widely available on the market.

Another practical and simple option is the foldable wooden chair. It somewhat resembles a director’s chair but unfolds like a deckchair and lacks armrests. It is an economical, easy-to-transport alternative, typically crafted from durable beechwood.

The most budget-friendly option is the foldable stool—a simple seat with a fabric top. It’s reminiscent of classic camping chairs which, thanks to their compact size when folded, are incredibly portable. However, keep in mind that the advertisement on such a stool is only visible when it is unoccupied.

Inflatable Advertising Seats

While wooden or aluminum chairs and deckchairs have been around for ages, inflatable advertising seats are a relatively new option. They were designed specifically for promotional activities and are rarely seen in private use. This is largely due to the price, which is comparable to upholstered furniture. For custom-printed inflatable seats, prices typically start around €170 – €200 net for the smallest models.

Pneumatic seats consist of an internal foil structure—a type of airtight bladder—and an outer cover, usually made of polyester fabric, which serves as a perfect backdrop for your brand. Inflatable furniture is exceptionally lightweight, quick to set up, and easy to transport. Once deflated, they take up very little space, meaning you can fit a set of comfortable seats even in a small passenger car.

There are many shapes available on the market: spacious sofas, armchairs, U-shaped seats, as well as cubes and bar stools (high stools). They are surprisingly rigid for inflatable objects, offering great comfort. The inflatable stools are particularly impressive; they look like upholstered cylinders and come in various heights.

Foam or Polystyrene Seating – Cubes, Cuboids, and Cylinders

The third group of advertising seats consists of lightweight products made from foam or polystyrene. They feature practical covers made of tent-grade polyester or eco-leather, which are usually removable and easy to replace. These seats come in many shapes—most commonly cubes, cuboids, and cylinders—but can also be shaped like a specific product, such as a gummy bear. They are popularly known as soft foam cubes or hard polystyrene cubes.

Their undeniable advantage is their lightness and the ability to undergo a quick “metamorphosis” by swapping covers. The downside is that they take up quite a bit of space during transport. Prices for these products range from roughly €60 to €200, depending on the size and filling (polystyrene options tend to be slightly cheaper).

Granule-filled Seating (Bean Bags)

These are synonymous with relaxation, making them a perfect fit for branded chillout zones. These are essentially massive bags filled with polystyrene granules (or regranulate) that hold their shape surprisingly well. Contrary to some concerns, promotional bean bags and armchairs designed this way provide excellent back support and high seating comfort.

They are available in various shapes, and virtually their entire surface can be used for advertising. Bean bag sacks are particularly effective at mimicking the look of oversized packaging—such as a giant bag of chips, candy, or even a sack of fertilizer. These advertising media fall into the mid-range price category, typically costing between €65 and €130.

Plastic or OSB Cubes and Cuboids

This is a diverse group, but we’ve decided to categorize them together. Their common feature is a rigid yet foldable internal structure covered with a promotional fabric. This frame can be made from various materials, such as plastic. A great example here is the proprietary Flatcube—a foldable cube made from 100% recycled plastic.

Another variation is the storage cube, which is a type of foldable chest with a comfortable seat on top. Depending on the manufacturer, the structure consists of wooden panels, OSB, or HDF boards. When unfolded, these cubes create a practical storage space, and when collapsed, they take up very little room.

Comparison Table: Advertising Seating Types

Choose a Proven Manufacturer of Advertising Seating

Advertising seats are more than just functional event equipment—they are an eye-catching way to promote your brand. Choosing the right type depends on the nature of your event, your budget, and the level of mobility you require.

Foldable deckchairs and chairs are excellent as lightweight, budget-friendly solutions, especially for outdoor settings. Inflatable furniture offers a striking, modern look while being incredibly easy to transport. Foam or polystyrene cubes, along with granule-filled bean bags, provide comfortable seating with large branding areas, making them ideal for chillout zones. Meanwhile, plastic and OSB structures combine functionality with the benefit of quick assembly. Finally, upholstered furniture is the perfect fit for elegant, more formal arrangements.

Not sure which seating will work best for your brand? Contact us today! Our experts will provide professional advice and a free quote.