When most people think of church seats, they think of pews. But modern churches are rethinking their seating options. While pews are still a popular option, church chairs are quickly becoming a popular option.

What type of seat is the right one for your church?

Types of Church Seating: Chairs vs Benches

There are two main types of seating in churches: chairs and benches. Each offers their own advantages and disadvantages which should be carefully considered before making a decision.

Church chairs

Church chairs are available in a variety of sizes and styles to meet the needs of your congregation. Chairs are commonly used in the design of modern church seats. They offer many advantages, but there are also some disadvantages that should be taken into account.

The advantages of chairs

One of the biggest advantages of using chairs instead of benches is flexibility. The chairs are movable. You are free to change your seating arrangement each week if you wish.

They are also easy to store, allowing you to quickly and easily create more space in your church. If you want to host an event, you can remove the chairs, add chairs, or even transport your chairs outside if you need to.

Because the chairs are padded and padded, they are also more comfortable than traditional benches. They are also a great option for wide church seating.

Regarding the capacity, the chairs also have the upper hand. They can provide up to 20% more spaces and make your service more accessible to people with disabilities.

Finally, church chairs tend to be the most cost effective option for seating.

The disadvantages of chairs

While there are many benefits to seating, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.

Some practitioners prefer the old-fashioned benches. They like to sit near family members or friends.

Chairs can also experience more wear and tear than benches because they are constantly being moved, stored and stacked.

Benches

Pews are a traditional form of church seating. They are long benches arranged in rows and separated by a central aisle.

The advantages of benches

Benches have certain advantages. When it comes to appearances, they usually have the advantage over chairs. As a rule, the benches are made of wood and made by hand. Some have intricate carvings and designs that make them a true work of art.

In addition to their attractive appearance, the benches also offer a “traditional” form of seating which some congregations prefer.

They are spacious and allow limbs to stretch. In addition, they do not suffer from the same wear and tear of the individual seats.

The disadvantages of benches

While pews have many advantages, they also have several disadvantages, which is why many churches are turning to chairs instead.

A major downside is that you are limited in terms of design and mobility. Once a bench is in place, it becomes a permanent part of the church. You can’t just stack them and store them after serving.

Their permanence can not only be a disadvantage when a church needs more space, but it can also make repairs more difficult and costly.

Because they are made from wood, the benches are limited in terms of colors, styles, and designs.

In addition, many practitioners do not like having to sit so close to others. They prefer to have their own chairs and their own personal space.

What type of seat is right for your church?

Ultimately, the choice of seats will be a personal decision. The needs and wants of your congregation should be kept in mind when deciding to use chairs or benches for your church.

Growth

If your congregation grows, you may find that church chairs are the optimal solution. They allow you to accommodate additional seats quickly and easily.

Mobility

Maybe your congregation is new and you are planning to move to a new location in the near future. Chairs also make the most sense in this scenario. They allow you to bring your seats with you to your new location. Benches, in this case, would be a high risk investment because they are permanent structures.

Layout

The amount of space you have and the layout of your sanctuary will also determine whether chairs or benches are the best option.

• If you are using the space for multiple purposes, you might find that chairs are the best option. The chairs can easily be stacked and moved to make room for events or activities.
• If you have a large meeting space, your congregation may prefer the benches.

Cost

Another concern is the budget. The cost of the chairs is much lower than the cost of installing the benches. Maintenance and repairs are also inferior compared to benches, which are stationary and difficult to repair.

The allocation of places in the church is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Weigh the pros and cons of each option to see which one is best for your church.

Do the members of your church prefer pews or church seats?

Daniel Scott story

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