What to look for in a Church Chair – Things we have learnt!

24 May 2011

Finding the right Church Chairs is a really important decision to make . Not only are the chairs in your church more than likely going to be around for a long time, but church seating is a big financial commitment and corporate decision for most churches. We have learnt in our 10 years of supplying furniture that there are some key things you should look for when choosing church chairs that will last.

Comfortable chairs 

A comfortable chair is key, good cushioning and lumbar support will make it more comfortable when sitting for long periods of time. Consistent foam in the chair seat and back will mean the foam will last longer and retain it’s shape. Things like the shape of the foam at the front of the chair ie waterfall rolls can create greater support for those using the church seating.

Chair Fabrics to Last

Fabrics are also key in finding a church chair that suits the décor of the building along with creating a mood or atmosphere. Many interior designers and architects get involved in this stage of the process for some churches, particularly if the building is a refurbishment or a new project. Often the church seating or furniture is the focal point of the design. Choose a fabric for the chair that is commercial grade with a high level of double rubs for longevity.

Linkable Chairs

A good church chair also has the right dimensions. It should be wide for comfortable seating particularly as church chairs are generally linked together. Interlocked or linked church chairs are popular due to the fire regulations set on the seating of many public venues. Ganged chairs in a church can also create the illusion of a pew type seating arrangement and thus wider chairs are perfect for this purpose. The height of the chair is also important particularly in a church that doesn’t have tiered flooring in which case auditorium seating would be more appropriate. Lower church chairs make it easier for people to see and also are less akin to dining seating. You may wish to look into church seats with adaptations such as a church chair with arms for example, for those in your congregation that may find getting out of their seating a little more difficult.

Flexibility in Chair Arrangement

Flexibility is key. A number of churches use their halls, auditoriums or sanctuarys as multipurpose venues. For these types of arrangements, Church Chairs need to be easy to move, stackable and relatively lightweight while still being sturdy. Stackable church chairs are highly valuable when needing to set up and pack down frequently. If your church requires this type of flexibility then individual stacking chairs rather than forms or pews are by far the most space saving and practical option. A church chair trolley is also handy in these situations to be able to roll stacks of chairs to various locations within the church. Make sure you consider the necessary requirements on your space when looking at purchasing seating for your church.

Church Seating with Warranty

Your decision to buy church chairs often takes time, consultation and resources. Make sure that your chairs come with a warranty to ensure your peace of mind. Learn more about Church Chairs or find out more about our church seating projects.