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Choosing comfortable, supportive chairs for your church members has never been more important than now. In the US, almost 40% of citizens suffer from some form of back pain. Providing high-quality chairs for church services is vital if you want your congregation to enjoy their worship pain-free.
But how do you choose the right chairs for church sanctuary seating? Sanctuary chairs (or “pew chairs”) are available in many styles and sizes to suit your church. Due to the unique nature of church buildings, choosing the right chairs can become an unexpected challenge.
Let’s take a look at the challenges of choosing sanctuary chairs and how to find the best options for your church.
Why Sanctuary Seating Matters?
For many years, church pews have been a traditional symbol of love and respect. The sturdy wooden legs and seats have provided simple support to attendees in various church venues. However, the pain and discomfort associated with traditional stone or wooden pews is no longer a staple as churches make way for more modern seating arrangements.
Chairs for church sanctuary are the most common seating style within the church, providing an area of comfort during services. The chairs are often laid out in rows to accommodate large numbers of worshippers around the altar. The priest will conduct services and readings from the lectern which is found within the sanctuary area.
The sanctuary is arguably the most important area in the church, which is why it should include comfortable and adequate seating for visitors.
What Defines Suitable Sanctuary Seating?
A chair is often considered a sanctuary chair if it can be placed close to the altar in rows. However, with so many sanctuary chairs for sale, it can be difficult to decipher which style and material is the most suitable for your church. Sanctuary chairs can range from metal pew chairs to foldable styles and wooden varieties.
Dedicated church members want to attend services and meetings for long periods. Uncomfortable church pews and sanctuary chairs can often hamper their experience and shorten their visit. Suitable sanctuary seating should provide a comfortable place for a person to sit for a long time without back ache or soreness.
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When Issues Arise: Timing and Preemptive Identification
Making a list of requirements for your church is a helpful first step in identifying the perfect sanctuary seating. Every congregation has a different mixture of ages and abilities, and it is important to note the common issues that you experience in your venue. Taking note of accessibility requirements and other needs can be useful when choosing sanctuary seating.
Although it is impossible to find the ideal sanctuary seating chairs for every church member, there are some things you can consider when conducting research. You should take note of the following when buying sanctuary chairs:
- Space between aisles
- Local fire codes
- Arms or armless design
- Padding materials
- Fabric types
Selecting the ideal time for buying sanctuary chairs is also important to avoid unnecessary pressure during the buying stage. Try to avoid buying church chairs during busy periods and before large events.
Overcoming Challenges: Strategies and Solutions
Church leaders understand the importance of careful planning and research before purchasing furniture. The standard and style of sanctuary chairs can affect your church members’ experience significantly. If you select the wrong chairs, you could risk the comfort of your congregation and reduce the number of events held in your venue.
Consciously selecting sanctuary chairs that are the perfect fit for your church is a process that requires plenty of research and consultation with an expert in church furniture such as ComforTek. Speaking with a manufacturer can ease any worries you may have and prevent uninformed decisions. Many companies offer samples of their sanctuary chairs so you can test the materials and compare them to your church interior.
Many churches may also face financial challenges when switching from traditional pews to modern sanctuary chairs. Companies such as ComforTek offer convenient financing options to assist you with selecting the best sanctuary chairs for your needs without causing a financial burden.
Choose the Right Sanctuary Chairs
Finding the perfect sanctuary seating chairs for your church is simple with a knowledgeable manufacturer such as ComforTek and some additional information. Using the information in this helpful guide, you can make the right choice for your congregation and choose sanctuary chairs that fit your needs.
