When churches need to replace their seating, they have two options: pews or church chairs. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s crucial for churches to weigh this decision carefully, as seating can be a significant investment. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of pews and chairs to see which one is best for your church.

Interesting Pews History

One reason churches choose pews is because of their interesting and unique history. These antique church chairs were used in different ways throughout history, and they weren’t common in early churches.

Initially, members had to pay to rent private pews in the church. They were viewed as symbols of social status. Wealthy parishioners sat at the front of the church, while less fortunate members sat at the back. Eventually, the practice of renting pews was banned, and open seating was instituted. 

Pews are still viewed as the traditional seating for churches, and they encourage members to worship closely together.

For many years, pews were the most practical option for church seating. Today, sanctuaries have more options, including church chairs. Church chairs offer more flexibility when it comes to seating layouts, but pews also have advantages. Let’s compare the two to see which is better for church seating.

Which Is Better for Church Seats: Pews or Church Chairs?

Are pews better than church chairs, or are chairs the best option for churches? Comparing pews vs chairs in the church can help you determine which one is best for your sanctuary.

Cons And Pros For Church Chairs

Many modern churches are choosing high-quality church seating chairs instead of pews. Chairs have many benefits for churches, but there are some drawbacks that must also be considered.

So, what’s the advantage of church chairs?

• Flexible layout options. Churches can configure their seating however they want. 
• Add or remove seats as needed. For example, if the church is hosting a bible study or a special event, more seats can be added or removed as necessary. Seats can also be stored away to leave more space for the event.
• More design options. Seats can come in a variety of sizes and frame and seat designs. This allows churches to choose options that reflect the theme of the sanctuary.
• Comfortable. Individual chairs are often more comfortable than pews because they have cushioned seating. 
• Easy to replace. When a chair is no longer safe to use, churches can simply buy a new one to replace it rather than having to replace a whole pew.

While there are many advantages of church chairs, there are also some drawbacks to consider. These include:

• Non-traditional. Chairs aren’t the traditional seating option for churches. Sanctuaries with a rich history may wish to stick with pews to keep a traditional look.
• Storage space. Chairs that are not in use will need to be stored away. Churches will need to have storage space for their chairs. Small sanctuaries may not have this space.

Cons And Pros of Pews

Chair pews are still a popular choice for churches. Like chairs, they have many advantages and disadvantages. 

The benefits of pews are:

• Traditional choice. If your church wishes to maintain a traditional look, pews are the ideal option.
• Spacious. Pews offer plenty of seating space, and they can accommodate a large number of people.
• Long lifespan. In many cases, pews have a long lifespan because they are tedious and costly to replace. 

Pews can offer many benefits to churches that want a traditional seating option, but there are some cons that need to be considered.

• Difficult and costly to replace. Pews are designed to stay in place, and their large size makes them difficult to replace. Repairs can also be challenging and expensive.
• No flexibility. Pews cannot easily be moved, so they offer no flexibility when it comes to seating layout.
• Large. Pews are large and take up quite a bit of space in a church. 
• Not as comfortable. Modern pews are more comfortable than pews of the past, but they’re still not quite as comfortable as individual church chairs.

Final Thoughts

Church chairs and pews are both practical seating options for churches. The right one for your sanctuary will depend on your budget and the preferences of your church members. If you desire flexibility in your seating options and comfort, chairs are likely your best bet.