Why Comfort Matters in Worship Spaces

When it comes to creating meaningful worship experiences, every detail counts—including the seating. Comfortable chairs do more than fill a sanctuary; they foster focus, engagement, and a deeper connection to the service.

Comfort Supports Spiritual Engagement

Uncomfortable seating can be a distraction, causing restless shifting and pulling attention away from worship. On the other hand, well-designed chairs promote relaxation and allow congregants to immerse themselves in prayer, reflection, and fellowship without discomfort.

People of all ages and preferences like sitting on comfortable furniture. However, different age groups and generations place higher value on comfort at church.

Let’s take a look at how different generations value seating comfort.

What type of seating do Seniors like at church?

Seniors (Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation, born between 1928-1964) may have aches and pains that get worse when they must sit on hard, unforgiving wooden chairs or benches. Many may stop participating in church services due to discomfort. Although many seniors like the look of wooden church benches, they don’t like the discomfort associated with them. Seniors benefit from having church chairs with comfortable cushions.

Seniors may need armrests to help them rise from the chair, and they may no longer be able to kneel in church. If you have seniors in your congregation, church chairs are a good choice. Consider having several short rows of chairs where seniors using walkers or canes won’t have to scoot around people’s legs to get out of the row.

What kind of chairs do Millennials & Gen X like at church?

The middle-aged (Generation X and Millennials, born between 1965-1996) are the most likely of any age group to have children attending church with them. Their church seating preferences are mixed. Some parents of large families prefer church benches, since it’s easier to pack in lots of people on a bench. However, other parents find that squabbling children are easier to manage if they all have their own chairs.

Individual church attenders in this age group will appreciate the personal space that church chairs give them. Some people in this age group may also have sore backs and necks from hunching over computers and phones, and will appreciate having cushioned, ergonomic seating.

Do young adults prefer pews or chairs at church?

Young adults (Generation Z, born between 1997-2009) have the lowest church attendance of any generation. Connected to technology all their lives, this age group will feel more comfortable in a church environment that uses technology to build engagement (offering digital hymnals, for instance, or networking with other church members on social media). They also like their personal space and may feel uncomfortable sharing a church pew with someone they don’t know.

Young adults tend to eschew traditional church environments that underline distinctions between class or social structure, such as having hard wooden pews for the congregation and velvet-cushioned and ornately decorated priest’s chairs for the clergy. Equitable seating for all is the way to go for this age group.

The Bertolini Difference: Quality and Ergonomic Design

Bertolini Impressions Church Chairs are crafted with premium materials and ergonomic designs tailored to meet the needs of worship settings. Each chair features a variety of upgrades that make this chair the best on the market.

Bertolini’s Impressions Chairs set a new standard for church seating thanks to the following features.

• Ergo-V Backrest: Offering superior lumbar support, our award-winning Ergo-V backrest provides ergonomic support and reduces fatigue during long church services.
• Padded Seats with Plush, Cold-Cured Foam: The seat cushion is custom-molded at our factory with cold-cured MDI foam, delivering long-lasting comfort. In fact, we’re so confident in our Impressions Chair foam that we offer a 25-year warranty on the foam and frame.
• Durable Frames: Built from precision-welded, American-made steel, Impressions chair frames offer durability, strength, and longevity. Frames are finished with a powder coating that makes the metal resistant to damage from moisture, scratches, and stains.
• Patented FormFlex™ Seat Base: Offering unmatched comfort, this semi-flexible, plastic seat base allows people to sink into the seat comfortably while still offering contoured support.
• Custom Fabric Options: You can choose from hundreds of fabric options (plus several frame finishes) to match your new chairs to your sanctuary’s aesthetic.

Bertolini versus Other Church Chairs

Bertolini Impressions Chairs stand out from the competition because they are:

• Fully manufactured in the USA, ensuring strict quality control.
• Built with welded frames, not bolted, for superior durability.
• Designed with cold-cured, MDI seat foam that outlasts traditional cushioning.

Finding the right seating for a church requires thought and consideration. Some churches may choose benches, while others opt for the more modern church chairs. The best choice for your congregation may depend on the style and traditions of your house of worship and the needs of your congregants themselves. If you’re considering church chairs for your house of worship, consider Bertolini for seating that offers comfort, quality, and a lasting impression.

Products Featured in This Post

Impressions Church Chair

Millennia Church Chair

Essentials Church Chair