Comparing Bertolini Impressions vs. Essentials Church Chair

Bertolini is a renowned name in church seating known for quality and comfort. When choosing between the Bertolini Impressions Church Chair and the Bertolini Essentials Church Chair, there are a few key factors to consider. Let’s explore the pros and cons of these two popular options.

Impressions Chair vs. Essentials Chair

	Impressions Chair	Essentials Chair
Cost	$$$	$
Comfort	★★★★★ Superior	★★★ Good
Customization	★★★★★ Superior	★★ Moderate
Durability	★★★★★ Superior	★★★★ Excellent
Ease of Care	★★★★★ Superior	★★★★★ Superior

Comfort

As churches move away from the stiff, traditional wooden benches of past eras, comfortable seating has become an important benefit that churchgoers seek. People would rather attend a church with comfortable seating than one that triggers backaches and discomfort.  

The ergonomic design of the Impressions Chair makes it the top choice for those prioritizing comfort. It features our patented FormFlex™ seat base and a custom molded, cold-cured MDI foam seat and backrest for incredible comfort.  

The Essentials Chair, while prioritizing cost over comfort, is still very comfortable compared to other brands on the market. The Essentials Chair has a plush foam backrest and a dual-density foam seat with a plywood seat base. 

Customization Options

A big difference between the Impressions chair and the Essentials chair is the level of customization available. The Impressions Chair boasts over 600 fabric options, allowing churches to create a unique and personalized seating solution.  

In contrast, the Essentials Church Chair has a more limited selection of fabrics (30 options), which may not be ideal for those looking for a specific look or style. The Impressions also has more frame finish options, including upgrade options like Champagne and Vintage Gold, while the Essentials Chair comes in just eight color options. 

Cost

When comparing the Impressions and the Essentials chairs side by side, the price point is one of the first things that stands out. The Essentials Chair is our most budget-friendly option, making it attractive for churches looking to save on costs.

On the other hand, the Impressions Chair (while a bit pricier) offers unparalleled comfort and durability that’s unmatched in the industry. The Impressions Chair pricing starts at $94 per chair, while the Essentials Chair starts at $67 per chair. Add-ons like coffee cup holders and premium fabrics will increase the cost of both chair models.

Durability and Longevity

Both the Impressions Chair and the Essentials Chair are built to last when it comes to durability. However, the Impressions Chair is known for its exceptional quality and longevity, making it a sound investment for churches looking for seating options that will stand the test of time.

While still a durable choice, the Essentials Chair may not be as durable as its counterpart. The Impressions Chair has a 25-year warranty, while the Essentials Chair has a 20-year warranty. So, while both Bertolini chairs offer outstanding longevity and value in church furnishings, the Impressions Chair takes first place in durability.

Ease of Maintenance

Both chairs are easy to clean and maintain. The fabric you select will have an impact on overall durability. For the easiest care and the best stain resistance, we recommend that you select a 100% polyolefin fabric, or a fabric treated with Nanotex®, iClean™, or Crypton®. For more information on fabric durability, talk to a Bertolini Sales Representative.

Both chairs feature powder-coated steel frames that are not only durable and strong but also stain-resistant. The Impressions and Essentials Chairs are available in a range of curated commercial fabric options that will last for many years. For more information about cleaning upholstered church chairs, check out our Care and Maintenance Tips.

The Final Take

In conclusion, both the Bertolini Impressions Church Chair and the Bertolini Essentials Church Chair have pros and cons. While the Essentials Chair may be a more cost-effective option, the Impressions Chair’s unmatched comfort and customization options make it a top choice for many churches. Ultimately, the decision between the two chairs will come down to your church’s specific needs and budget.

Products Featured in This Post

Impressions Church Chair

Millennia Church Chair

Essentials Quick Ship Chair

In-stock colors!