Church chair seating design has transformed throughout history. Today, seating is more focused on comfort and personal space above all else. If your sanctuary is updating its interior, now is the perfect time to embrace modernity with these design trends.
The Rise of Modern Church Sanctuary Chair Designs: A Brief History
Today, chairs for church sanctuary services are comfortable, ergonomically designed and aesthetically pleasing. But church chairs haven’t always been this way.
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, churches with pews or chairs charged rent for anyone wanting the privilege of sitting during service. Only affluent individuals and those with high social standing could afford church chair rents.
In the late 1800s, church seating changed as social barriers were torn down. More churches began adding seating for all congregation members. Renovations were arduous and lengthy.
From here, church seating evolved. Pew seating was the standard for most churches until relatively recently, when chairs emerged as the most common seating option.
Today, individual church chairs are becoming the norm. Churchgoers prefer seating that gives them personal space and is comfortable enough to sit for long periods of time. The more comfortable the chairs, the more focused members could be on worship.
With a better understanding of how church seating has evolved throughout history, sanctuaries can fully embrace modernity and incorporate chairs that match the congregation’s style.
How to Incorporate Modern Church Sanctuary Chair Trends with Your Congregation’s Style
When embracing modernity with sanctuary seating, church chair seating design will play a big role in the decision-making process. One growing trend is incorporating chairs that match the congregation’s style.
Many churches are still choosing neutral decor and chair colors, but others are stepping outside of their comfort zones to add chairs that match their church’s interior and existing furniture.
To follow this trend:
- Consider purchasing your church chairs at the same time that you are purchasing other furniture. For example, if you are a church sanctuary with tables and chairs, then buy both your chairs and tables at the same time. Taking this approach will allow you to buy items with similar aesthetics, and it also ensures that your furniture ages at the same time.
- Consider the church’s permanent features, like its windows or the shape of the building. Use these features as inspiration when choosing your church chairs to find styles and colors that match.
Choosing chairs that match the church’s style ensures that your seating remains timeless and relevant in the years to come.
Ergonomic Church Sanctuary Chair Designs for Comfort and Functionality
Another modern design trend in sanctuary seating is ergonomics. Comfort and functionality are top priorities for churches today.
For example, the top-selling church chairs by ComforTek feature:
- Specially designed backrests for added lumbar support and comfort.
- Waterfall cushions for better ergonomics and comfort, even when sitting for long periods.
- Cold-cured foam for exceptional comfort and cushion resiliency.
Ergonomic features add to the comfort and functionality of church chairs. This is one design trend that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Materials and Color Schemes for Modern Church Sanctuary Chairs
A growing trend in modern sanctuary chairs is a focus on:
- Using sustainable and eco-friendly materials
- Neutral colors for upholstery
- Minimalistic designs
More churches are opting for sustainable fabrics and materials when investing in new church chairs. Today, manufacturers offer affordable options that are eco-friendly and durable. Sanctuaries can reduce their environmental impact while still ensuring that their investment is a long-lasting one.
Neutral colors are also the standard choice for sanctuaries today. Gray, sandstone, brown, black, red and deep blue hues are the most popular choices because they complement most modern interiors.
When it comes to design, churches also prefer the minimalistic approach. Simple but classic church shapes and designs ensure that their seating looks great for years to come.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking to modernize your church sanctuary with tables and chairs, these trends can help you create a space where members feel comfortable and welcomed. Focus on ergonomics and neutral colors to keep your members happy. But don’t forget to choose chairs that complement your church’s style. Finding the right mix of design elements is the key to choosing effective seating your congregation members will appreciate.