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 V2 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 Church Chair front 45 angle

Impressions Chair

Essentials V2 front 45 angle

Essentials V2 Chair

Cost

$$$
More expensive

$

Less expensive

Comfort

★★★★★
Superior

★★★
Good

Customization

★★★★★
Superior


Low

Durability

★★★★★
Superior

★★
Good

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. Put simply, almost everyone would rather attend a church with comfortable seating than one with uncomfortable benches that trigger backaches, headaches, 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 V2 Chair has a standard foam backrest and foam seat, with a plywood seat base.

rows of church chairs

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 V2 Church Chair is not customizable; it is upholstered in a durable fabric made of 100% polyolefin in a Fossil color (grey/black), which may not be ideal for those looking for a specific look or style.

The Impressions also has many frame finish options, including upgrade options like Champagne and Vintage Gold. The Essentials V2 Chair comes only with a black chair frame.

church chairs facing the front of a worship hall

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 V2 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 V2 Chair starts at $67 per chair. Add-ons like coffee cup holders and premium fabrics will increase the cost of the Impressions Chair.

Price tag with images of chairs in the background

Durability and Longevity

Both the Impressions Chair and the Essentials V2 Chair are built to last for many years. However, the Impressions Chair is built to the highest standards of durability and features a 25-year warranty.

“[Bertolini chairs] have proven to be durable and comfortable and easy to move when necessary. To say they are well-built is quite an understatement.”

While still a durable choice, the Essentials V2 Chair is built for the cost-conscious customer and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Ease of Maintenance

The Impressions and Essentials V2 Chairs are available in fabrics that will last for many years. Both chairs are easy to clean and maintain.

If you are choosing the Impressions Church Chair, 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. For more information about cleaning upholstered church chairs, check out our Care and Maintenance Tips.

close up of church chairs

The Final Take

In conclusion, both the Bertolini Impressions Church Chair and the Bertolini Essentials V2 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.

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Meet the Author

Kristin Cooke

Senior Content Specialist

Kristin Cooke has a bachelor’s degree in English and over 20 years of experience in writing, marketing, and product research. Over the years, she’s written for several furniture companies, from luxury to commercial. Her work has been featured in PCMag, Shoshone News Press, Forbes, Ashland Town News, and Space.com.