Church Furniture

Kneelers & Chairs

Kneelers and chairs furnish the parts of a church that pews do not: the sanctuary step for a wedding couple, an adoration chapel, a cry room, an overflow space or a hall used for Mass. A prie-dieu is a single kneeler with an armrest, here in beech wood with velvet or on a wrought iron base, about 32 in high. Folding kneelers store in a closet. Stacking church chairs add a book rack, and pew cushions pad hard benches.

A pastor furnishing a sanctuary should pick a prie-dieu that matches the altar furniture; the Holyart beech and velvet piece or the Religious Supply Center iron-based kneeler both serve weddings and adoration. For funerals, vigils and portable confessionals, the Christian Brands folding kneeler sets up and stores quickly. Halls and chapels without pews use stacking chairs such as the HERCULES 21 in model. Pew cushions at 60 in cover a standard short pew.

5 kneelers & chairs

Each kneeler, chair and cushion below is listed with its dimensions, material, finish and storage features.

Side by side

The specifications the makers publish, in one table.

Questions before you order

What height and width should a prie-dieu be?

A standard prie-dieu stands about 32 in high at the armrest and 20 in wide for one person. Double kneelers for a bride and groom are about 40 in wide. Check that the kneeling pad height suits the sanctuary step where it will sit.

How many church chairs does a hall need?

Count the seats the space must hold at its largest liturgy and add a margin of about ten percent. A 21 in wide chair with ganging brackets lets rows be set at even spacing. Stacking chairs also need a storage area when the hall is cleared.

Will a 60 in pew cushion fit a parish's pews?

Measure the seat length and depth before ordering. The HOMBYS cushions are 60 by 15 in and 2.4 in thick, which fits a short pew or a chapel bench; longer pews need two or more cushions laid end to end. Allow 24 to 48 hours for the foam to expand.

How are kneelers and cushions cleaned?

Vacuum velvet and fabric pads with an upholstery attachment and spot clean with a damp cloth. The HOMBYS corduroy covers are removable and machine washable; the foam insert stays out of the washer. Wipe wood frames and iron bases with a dry cloth.