We bought something like this 10 or 12 years ago for constant use. We NEVER put them up, they are not rusted nor do they need painting! They have held up remarkably well. From Sam's: https://www.samsclub.com/sams/stack-mesh-chairs/prod20611987.ip?xid=plp:product:1:34

They stack for storage.

I've had these for years.

For me, I like outdoor chairs that have arms. The folding bistro chairs are nice but uncomfortable after awhile, a person (me) can't sit back and relax. I once bought a small metal table with the folding chairs, they had wooden slats for the seats. Actually held up for years outside being put away for the winter of course.

I wouldn't leave these out for weeks, but I bought these IKEA folding chairs for exactly the same purpose and just love them. I've actually got 20, they fold up for storage into a small profile, are light and surprisingly comfortable. I keep mine tucked into the garage when not in use-the price can't be beat either.

i'd recommend aluminum chairs. Steel will eventually rust over time.

These chairs from Lowes are similar to the ones Annette posted. The stores offer them in other colors. I have had similar on the waterfront where they take a beating and they have held up well and are easy to clean. Since the seat is a mesh there is no build up of pollen or dust. The weight is easy to handle. After a couple of years the paint at the bottom edge of the legs peels and there is some rust. I have scraped off the rust and hit the area with spray paint. Mine are out all summer.

I like the ones Martha posted from Sams Club. I have tried them in the store and they are comfortable.

The ones from Sam's are like ones I've sat in around so many pools, but they leave a waffle imprint on your seat and thighs. I would not like them for events where I want to sit and visit with folks a while unless you use cushions -- and that's more to buy and store. For very occasional use, you might be okay with no cushions.

The folding, no arm chairs look very uncomfortable to me, seat, back and lack of arms. They can work to put a lot of people around tables -- I've been at a number of banquets that use something not that different. They wouldn't be my pick and I sure wouldn't buy them without being able to sit on one.

I couldn't find them online, but Target, Home Depot, Lowe's and others have sling chairs similar to the ones Annette posted. That would be my choice. If they aren't being shipped to you, you can probably get them for about $20 each or less. Slings usually last 2-5 years (depending on quality) of regular out in the elements use, so they should last a long time if stored most of the time. I prefer slings and wood -- wood is too expensive to be stored away.

lascaux -- we don't have a pool and so don't have that problem with our chairs. If you're fully clothed, you're fine! LOL!

Thank you all for your suggestions! I am looking through them and continuing to hunt for the perfect solution.

To clarify - comfort is not a priority, lol. While I don't want anyone to be sitting on a bed of nails, I also feel like most seats are fine for temporary use. For those who require a more comfortable seat, there is always the real patio furniture. But these are more for people to sit down for an occasional gathering. I have sat in many a bistro chair while dining outside at restaurants, so I know it is fine for short term seating.

Meanwhile, aesthetics really are a priority. I have had the ugly plastic chairs. I would really like, while also getting something easier to clean, to purchase something more attractive this go round. I do plan on keeping them long term, and I think most outdoor finishes, outside of plastic, should be able to stand up to a what amounts to a few weeks outside a year. Especially because the majority of the time they will be stored in a conditioned shed.

I will definitely not use cushions or padding or anything similar. My environment is very humid, and outdoor fabrics get disgusting.

Keep the suggestions rolling in - y'all definitely have me looking at things I didn't even know were out there.

Old-school nylon web chairs? Check the weigh limit on the chairs you buy. The limit on these is 190 lbs. Oh, never mind, just saw your comment about aesthetics. These won't do it.

folding web chair

What about chairs intended for use at outdoor restaurants? Great selection here; not all fold or stack, but I imagine many do. There are a lot of aluminum choices.
http://www.outdoorrestaurantfurniture4sale.com/outdoor-aluminum-restaurant-chairs.html

I have six of the same chairs happy2be posted from Lowes, about $20 each, they stack AND are comfortable. We have had them for 8 winters on our covered Florida lanai and have had no need to touch up the paint.

Martha, I'm not sure where you are, but in Texas summers, we are likely to be wearing shorts it we are outside for any length of time, so you still get waffle legs. I've sat in many of those chairs and lived to tell about it. I just don't think I'll ever be buying any.

We have these, from Pier 1. I love them. They stack, are light, and are super cute IMO. They come in multiple colors: blue, green, red, yellow

http://www.pier1.com/del-rey-citron-stacking-chair/2664571.html?cgid=outdoor-dining-chairs#nav=tile&icid=cat_outdoor-subcat_outdoor_dining_furniture-subcat_tile_outdoor_dining_chairs&start=1