Chivari’s Collection of Folding Tables and Banquet Tables

Throughout history, tables have been central to how we gather to dine, to celebrate, and to do business. While ornate banquet halls and long trestle tables often take center stage in historical paintings and period films, the unsung hero of adaptable hospitality has always been the folding table. These versatile workhorses have evolved over centuries from ancient Egypt to today’s high-end weddings and corporate galas, and Chivari is proud to offer one of the most advanced and diverse collections of folding and banquet tables available in the event industry today.

A Brief History of the Folding Table

The story of the folding table stretches back over 3,000 years. Early examples of collapsible furniture have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, where portability and elegance coexisted in pieces crafted for nobility. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and we see the rise of banqueting traditions across Europe, where temporary trestle-style tables were assembled for grand feasts and ceremonies. These early banquet tables were often long, raised platforms with designated seating for status and ritual, laying the foundation for what we now recognize as formal dining events.

As craftsmanship spread and tools improved, folding tables became more common in Europe and colonial America, with portable writing desks and game tables gaining popularity in the Victorian era. But the modern folding table we know today, lightweight, easy to store, and built for frequent use, didn’t fully arrive until the mid-20th century. Durham Manufacturing introduced a standard metal folding table in the 1940s. In 1951, Boris Cohen and Joseph Pucci patented a compact design that revolutionized portability, and by the 1960s, brands like Samsonite and Falco were making folding tables household staples. In the 1990s and 2000s, Lifetime Products brought blow-molded plastic tabletops into the mainstream, emphasizing affordability and weather resistance.

Chivari builds upon this rich legacy with a product line that combines time-tested design principles with next-generation engineering.

The Chivari Difference: Reinventing the Modern Folding and Banquet Table

Chivari’s folding and banquet table collection represents both timeless utility and modern refinement. Designed for the rigors of the rental and hospitality industry, these tables prioritize strength, appearance, and ease of use.

Superior Materials and Craftsmanship

Each table starts with a premium-grade plywood core, chosen for its natural strength and long-term durability. Unlike plastic alternatives, real wood withstands years of wear and can be refinished, extending the table’s lifespan well beyond the industry average. Chivari also offers reinforced tabletops featuring its proprietary CornerMax™ edge — a rounded, fortified perimeter designed to reduce damage from impacts while eliminating sharp edges that pose a risk to guests and staff alike.

Supporting the tabletop are 15-gauge commercial-grade steel legs, finished in a black powder coating to resist rust and corrosion. These legs fold flat and lock securely, offering both fast setup and compact storage.

Shapes and Sizes for Every Scenario

Chivari’s extensive collection of folding tables includes a variety of shapes and dimensions to suit any occasion:

• Rectangular banquet tables in multiple widths and lengths (4’, 6’, 8’), perfect for seated dinners or buffet service
• Round banquet tables in 48”, 60”, and 72” diameters, essential for weddings and conferences
• Square tables for casual or lounge settings
• Cocktail-height tables that add versatility for receptions or bar areas
• Narrow training tables ideal for corporate events, classrooms, or seminars
• Kids' tables to help you cater to all of your guests

And, since Chivari is the Home of the Steel Skeleton, providing incomparable strength and durability, most banquet tables are offered with a steel skeleton option, greatly extending the life of your investment and your return on capital. Whether you’re outfitting a 500-guest ballroom or a small networking lunch, Chivari offers options that scale to your needs.

Practical Innovation for Event Professionals

Chivari understands that efficiency is just as important as aesthetics. That’s why every folding table is engineered for quick assembly, stable performance, and easy transport.

For large-scale operators, Chivari provides dollies, storage racks, and stacking systems to streamline warehouse management and logistics. Optional custom-sized quilted moving blankets protect tables during transport, preserving the finish and reducing repair costs over time.

In addition, tables can be paired with linen-free covers or polyester spandex wraps, eliminating the need for costly linens while elevating the look of your setup.

Complete Seating Table Solutions

Chivari’s table collections are designed to work seamlessly with its celebrated line of event chairs and benches. From classic Chiavari chairs to folding poly and resin chairs, and stackable banquet chairs, planners can easily coordinate every element of their seating arrangement. This eliminates mismatched inventory and simplifies ordering — saving time while enhancing event cohesion.

Long-Term Value ROI

What sets Chivari apart is not just style or strength, but sustainability and smart investment. These tables are built to last for years, not seasons. Their solid wood cores allow for refinishing, bolt-through construction enables part replacement, and protective accessories reduce wear and tear.

For rental companies and venue operators, this means lower lifetime costs, higher booking potential, and increased client satisfaction, all while minimizing waste.

Sustainability with Style

Chivari is committed to delivering affordably luxurious products that respect both the planet and your bottom line. By using renewable wood sources, recyclable materials, and modular designs that extend usability, Chivari continues to raise the bar for responsible manufacturing in the event industry.

From ancient banquets to modern galas, the folding and banquet table has remained essential, evolving with the times while maintaining its role at the heart of every gathering. Chivari’s extensive collection honors this legacy while meeting the demands of today’s fast-paced, style-conscious event world.

With unmatched quality, smart engineering, and comprehensive support accessories, Chivari's folding and banquet tables are more than furniture, they’re a foundation for unforgettable experiences.