Many chairs are designed with a flat backrest, which causes the lumbar to flatten while seated. This will help your congregation focus on the service rather than on their aching backs. With this new focus on comfort, it is important to be aware of some of the ergonomic features which can affect a chair's comfort. If the seat remains flat at the very front edge, or curves down only slightly, the edge can put pressure on the back of the knees. Lumbar Support The human spine is not really a straight line, but curved.

When simple wooden pews were the standard seating in most churches, comfort was not a high priority. Waterfall Seat Another important factor in comfort is the shape of the seat itself. The lower part of the spine is known as the lumbar region, and tends to curve outward slightly. When purchasing new seating for your church, look for chairs with a slightly contoured backrest and lumbar support. However, as we have learned more about ergonomics and how poor seating can actually lead to discomfort, churches have begun to invest in seating that will provide quality support and comfort to their parishioners.

A waterfall seat has a thick, rounded edge extending beyond the frame, reducing pressure and improving circulation in the legs.