How to Choose the Right Auditorium Chair for Your Space

Selecting the right auditorium chair may seem like a daunting job, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. With more options, designs, and features to choose from, we understand how the process can seem overwhelming. If you take a step back, ask yourself two simple questions, you will find that selecting the right auditorium chair can be a relatively simple process.

As manufacturers of auditorium seating, we understand how important it is to choose the right chair for your space. In this article, we will discuss how auditorium seating can be evaluated based on two criteria: what design or aesthetic do you want to achieve? What is your budget for new auditorium seats?

What design or aesthetic do you want to achieve?

Having a clear picture and outline of how you want your space to look, will help narrow down seating choices. When you have a certain design in mind, choosing an auditorium seat becomes a lot easier. You can begin to choose a chair based on the aesthetic you are after. We realize design aesthetics can be very personal. However, it usually boils down to what you want the theater or auditorium to feel like. Modern and contemporary? Art Deco? Or more traditional like an old English theater?

What is your budget for new auditorium seats?

There are several questions you should answer when it comes to budget:

1. For renovation projects, what will you do with the old seating?

   Normally you will need to pay to remove existing chairs before installing new ones and refurbishing old seats can be quite expensive.

2. Is Union Labor a requirement for removing and installing seats?

   The type of contractor that you select to remove or install your seat may have a significant impact on your budget. Will you be hiring a Union contractor or open market contractor?

3. When will you be installing new seats?

   Timing may have a significant cost implication, especially if you are asking for removal and installation during off-hours, night times, or weekends.

4. Where are your seats produced or manufactured from?

   On the very low end of the cost spectrum, under $150 per seat, many manufacturers import the entire seat, or key components, from low-cost countries in South East Asia or China.

5. What options do you want to include on your seats?

   While the initial seat cost might be lower than a domestically sourced chair, there are larger issues at hand that nobody tells you about during the buying process:

   • Leadtime – how long before I get my new seats?
   • Color and fabric selections – why can’t I specify a fabric that I like? It seems that I can only order from a small set of colorways and has to be domestically sourced.
   • If one of my chairs is damaged – how long will it take to receive replacement parts?
   • How long will it take to service a broken chair?

As you can see, selecting the right auditorium chair is based on two primary criteria: design and budget. A reliable fixed seating manufacturer will be able to guide you through this process and help you make the right decision that fits your budget.

Sedia Systems is the leading global manufacturer of lecture hall and auditorium furniture. We offer the widest range of fixed seating for the education, corporate, healthcare, government, and public assembly markets.

If you are looking for a manufacturer for your next fixed seating project and have questions regarding auditorium seating or anything else, contact us directly or leave a comment below.