Beyond the Chiavari Chair

Bargain: Instead of traditional ballroom chairs, go rustic with twiggy folding seats. Made of sturdy bamboo with rattan-wrapped corners, these chairs offer a touch of the exotic—and at less than $10 each ($8.95 at Party Rental Ltd., or $6 from Something Different Party Rental, they’re a steal.Mid-Price: For sleek, modern seating, Taylor Creative Props offers the classic Bellini chair in a new glossy finish. Available in red, white, and black for $25 each, the chairs have graced recent events for Swarovski and the Guggenheim Museum.

Splurge: An over-the-top design might call for a customized chair. Something Different Party Rental offers a dining chair that can be reupholstered in any fabric so the seating can match the rest of the decor. The chairs start at $100 each (in white vinyl, as shown); custom covers run an additional $50 per chair, plus the cost of fabric. The simple wooden frames come in dark mahogany or painted silver.