Congregations demand a comfortable space where they can come and worship. Gone are the days when members would happily stand around the room to worship. Pews are also becoming less popular as more churches are finding ways to make their space multi-use.
Now, it’s up to church leaders to buy church chairs that are:
- Comfortable
- Long-lasting
- Fit in your space
The buying guide below will help you find a church chair that works best for the most important members of your church.
What size church chair should you choose?
Sizing is one of the most challenging parts of choosing a chair. A chair may be comfortable, and a good choice for older members, but will it offer enough space for everyone? Wider chairs may reduce total indoor capacity, leaving some members without a place to worship.
Most chairs will come in the following sizes, which will fit varying occupancy requirements:
- 18.5-inch chairs are the smallest we recommend. These chairs are ideal when trying to fit as many members as possible in service. However, you’re also choosing a chair that may be less comfortable for taller users.
- 20.5-inch models are a good middle choice because the additional two inches will provide you with more comfort overall. And these chairs often come pre-assembled, so you can begin using them the moment that they’re delivered to your location.
- 21-inch options are ideal for maximizing comfort because they allow for additional space for your arms and legs. However, you’ll also take up more space with these chairs. For every 7 or so of these chairs, you could fit another 18.5″ chair.
Once you know the size and style of chair that you need, it’s time to think about delivery speed. Many churches are opening their doors, and they need to have seating for their guests as quickly as possible.
How fast do you need your new church chairs?
Time is of the essence for some congregations, and if speed is a top priority, you need to discuss your options with the seller. The seller will be able to answer the following questions:
- How much will it cost to buy X amount of chairs?
- Is there a discount for bulk orders?
- How fast can you deliver my chairs?
You may be able to have chairs customized, which will likely add to the delivery time a bit. Once you find a vendor that you’re confident will meet your specific needs, it’s time to consider the style of chair and any customization options that they may offer.
Style options or add-ons for your church chairs
Finally, you’ll want to spend a lot of time deciding on which chairs to choose. Church chairs can be exciting, and every congregation’s needs are different. Therefore, you’ll want to consider the following options and customizations when selecting chairs:
- Frame material. Some frames are made from wood; others are made from metal and plastic. Plastic will offer a lower price, but then you’ll have the issue of the potential chair breaking earlier. Wood or metal will provide the longest-lasting chair.
- Clips. Do the chairs come with ganging clips? These clips are easy to overlook, but they allow you to clip multiple chairs together. Chaining the chairs together allows you to keep rows neatly organized and requires less cleanup time when members leave.
- Fabric is also something to consider. The type of fabric should be long-lasting and less susceptible to ripping or staining. You’ll want to choose fabrics that have been tested for durability and longevity. Churchgoers can be rough on seating, causing random rips and tears in the chair’s material.
Of course, you’ll want to inquire with the seller about any additional options that may be available on their chairs. A popular option of late is chair pockets that allow members to store their bible in the chair, or you can provide them in each chair.
The idea of a pocket is a good one because it empowers you to read scripture with your congregation in a way that is fun and engaging.
When you find the right church chairs, you can be confident that they’ll provide your congregation with years – maybe decades – of use. It’s worth the time and effort to find chairs that are comfortable, durable, and a good investment.
