There was a time when church sanctuary furnishings for patrons and parishioners were limited to long, straight pews. While many churches still use pews, there is a growing trend toward customizing seating solutions to the type of worship services and congregation a church has. Here’s more info on choosing the right seating for your congregants:
How Permanent Should Your Seats Be?
What was once important to a church is not necessarily the top priority for today’s churches. Having a designated room for worship alone is no longer a necessity in modern churches and synagogues, meaning seating doesn’t necessarily have to be permanent.
Some churches love the flexibility of seats that can be put out for the congregation on meeting days and taken up to allow for the use of the space by other groups and events during the rest of the week. Choose your seats according to how permanent you need them to be. If choosing moveable chairs, look for seating that is:
- Lightweight
- Stackable or collapsible
- Stable enough for larger adults
Consider Comfort
Comfort is important for church seating. Some services may last several hours and be comprised mostly of listening to speakers or music, meaning congregants need to get comfortable so they can pay attention. Even if your congregation rarely sits down, having comfortable seating for those who need it is crucial.
Look for some of the following features for comfortable seats:
- Added foam, cushions, or other additional softness and support
- Thick seat pads or cushions
- Curved backing on chairs
- Durable fabrics that won’t wear out or become thin or lumpy over time
Talk to your nearest church furniture suppliers about your options. You’ll find that today’s church furniture suppliers stock far more than they might have a generation ago, with tons of choices geared toward keeping your congregant comfortable and engaged. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s probably available; ask your furnishings retailer for more information.
