If you are responsible for specifying or purchasing fixed seating for an auditorium there are several factors you need to consider before making a purchase decision. Whilst you may have a particular style of seat in mind and can search for different seats and suppliers online, it’s always preferable if you can test the comfort and quality of the seating yourself.
Fixed seating is a high value purchase and most reputable suppliers will be happy to visit you on site and bring a sample chair for you to assess. Whatever type of venue you are responsible for – whether it’s a lecture theatre in a university, a sports arena, theatre or cinema – when patrons are in your auditorium they will spend the majority of their time sitting down. It’s also likely that they will be sat for several hours at a time so it’s important that they are comfortable. If they find your seats uncomfortable this will reflect negatively on your venue as a whole and could prevent them from choosing to return.
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Upholstered seats with exposed wooden backs
help maintain the original character in a theatre
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Space Planning & Layout of Fixed Seating
Whether you’re furnishing a new build venue or replacing fixed seating in an existing building, before choosing a particular seat you need to determine how many seats you need to fit into the space. You need to ensure you offer sufficient leg room and adequate spacing, and that you incorporate the appropriate number of walkways and exits to comply with current regulations. You also need to consider disabled access and provision of space for wheelchair users. Many fixed seating suppliers will offer a space planning service and can produce layout drawings for you if required.
Tiered Flooring
Most larger auditoriums will have a tiered floor to maximise capacity and ensure the audience has the best sightlines. If you also need to replace the flooring in your venue it can often make sense to look for a supplier who can manufacture both the seating and the flooring as this can be the most cost effective option and also ensures the installation process runs smoothly.
Fixed Seating Specification
For maximum comfort in a cinema you may want to offer seats with higher backs so patrons can rest their heads, however in a lecture theatre where the audience needs to remain alert, the opposite may be preferable.Most UK manufacturers of fixed seating will be able to adapt their seats to your specifications so whether you want your seats fixed or flip up, if you require arms, writing tablets, fixed desks or cup holders, ensure you discuss your exact requirements so they can price accordingly.
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| Lecture theatre seating with beech effect writing desks and co-ordinating seat bases |
Refurbishment of Fixed Seating
Sometimes it can make more sense to simply have your seats refurbished rather than replace them – this will usually be a cheaper option and can often revive your seats to look like new again. If you have a listed building it may be your only option so seek out a manufacturer who has experience in this capacity and understands the complexities of the regulations.
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| Original seating restored and refurbished in a traditional theatre |
About Evertaut
Evertaut is a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of fixed seating and tiered flooring for auditoriums. The company’s seats can be found in theatres, cinemas, lecture theatres, stadiums, conference centres and sporting venues across the country. Evertaut also specialises in fixed seating refurbishment and can reupholster and renovate old seats to give many more years of usage.
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