1. Make Movable Seating
Remove the pews from their fixed positions and refurbish them as individual, movable seats. This allows flexibility in sanctuary seating arrangements for different events. You can outfit the pews with wheels or casters on the bottom to make them easier to rearrange.
2. Create Entryway Seating
Repurpose pews by placing them in entryways or lobby areas to serve as welcoming seating for guests before and after services. This also provides additional seating capacity outside the main sanctuary.
3. Use as Wall Décor
Give church pews new purpose as accent walls or room dividers. Stand a line of pews on-end and securely fasten them to the wall as architectural focal points. Or tip pews on their sides and position them to partition large areas into smaller nooks.
4. Fashion Storage Benches
Convert pews into storage benches by removing the seat backs and hollowing out the base to create an interior cavity for storing books, shoes, toys and more. Add cushions on top for comfortable seating.
5. Design Coat Racks
Lend church lobby areas a rustic touch by transforming pews into coat racks or cubbies. Stand pews on-end and mount hooks along the seat back to hang jackets, hats, umbrellas and bags.
6. Build Shelving
Remove the seatbacks and convert pews into shelving units. This works particularly well in church libraries, craft rooms and offices for storing books, supplies and decorative items.
7. Create Home Décor
Upcycle church pews by refinishing and repurposing them as furniture in private residences. Ideas include using pew seats as coffee tables or nightstands, or turning end pieces into unique lamp bases.
8. Fashion Kids Furniture
Size down pews to craft children’s furniture like beds, desks, or Growth Chart to track kids’ heights over the years. These creations work well in church nurseries, preschool classrooms and daycare areas.
9. Offer as Donation Gifts
Churches often have extra pews after renovations. Consider donating unneeded pews to charitable causes like homeless shelters, youth organizations or Habitat for Humanity for upcycling in their facilities. This spreads the gift of reused church furnishings.
With some imagination and DIY work, old church pews can be reinvented in many innovative ways. Breathing new life into unused pews reduces waste, preserves history and allows this church staple to continue serving the congregation and community. What unique ideas do you have for resurrecting church pews?
Frequently Asked Questions About Reinventing Church Pews
What are some good ways to upcycle church pews?
Some creative ways to upcycle old church pews include turning them into movable seating, entryway benches, wall decor, storage benches, coat racks, shelves, home furnishings, children’s furniture or donation gifts.
How do you make church pews into movable seats?
Detach the pews from their fixed floor positions, then refurbish and outfit them with wheels or casters on the bottom to make movable individual seats. This allows flexible sanctuary seating arrangements.
Can you turn church pews into shelving or storage units?
Yes, you can remove the seatbacks and hollow out the base to transform church pews into open shelving or enclosed storage benches perfect for supplies, gear or extra seating capacity.
What types of home décor can you make from old pews?
Creative home décor ideas for repurposed pews include using the seats as coffee tables or nightstands, turning end pieces into unique lamp bases, or standing pews on-end to use as room dividers.
How do you repurpose church pews for children’s use?
Size down and refinish pews to make kid-friendly furniture like beds, desks, or play tables. You can also create growth chart benches to mount on a wall and track children’s heights over time.
Can you donate unused church pews rather than throwing them away?
Absolutely! Connect with local charities like shelters, youth groups or Habitat for Humanity to donate unneeded pews for repurposing in their facilities. This sustains the pews’ lifespan.
What safety tips should you follow when reinventing church pews?
Use protective gear when refinishing. Make sure reinvented furniture is sturdy and stable. Anchor any mounted pews securely. Check for sharp edges, splinters and lead paint. And get professional help for electrical work.
Should you keep any pews in their original church positions?
It can be nice to leave a few pews untouched to preserve the sanctuary’s historic look. Evaluate how many are still needed for services and events, then reinvent the remaining unutilized pews.
Why remove old pews instead of just purchasing new seating?
Upcycling the existing pews reduces waste and cost. It preserves the church’s history and the pews’ sentimental value. New seating can be purchased later if more is still needed.
Conclusion
Reimagining tired church pews presents a creative opportunity to reduce waste while serving the evolving needs of congregations. Whether repurposed within the church walls or donated to community organizations, giving new life to well-worn pews allows these historic furnishings to continue their purpose in fresh, inventive ways. With some vision and DIY skills, church pews can be reinvented in countless functional and decorative applications that will preserve their legacy for years to come.
