Planning an Accessible Seating Layout for Your Event

Accessible seating works best when it's planned into the layout from the start rather than squeezed in once the room is set. Councils, churches, care homes and conference organisers all deal with this regularly, and the same basic principles apply across venues.

Wheelchair bays

• Allow at least 900mm width and 1400mm depth per wheelchair space, more if guests need to turn
• Position bays at the end of rows or beside a companion seat, not in the middle of a row where exit is harder
• Spread bays across different parts of the room rather than grouping them all at the back

Companion and high-back seating

• Reserve an adjacent chair for a companion or carer next to each wheelchair space
• Padded, high-back conference chairs suit guests who need more support than a standard folding chair, particularly for longer sessions

Aisle widths

• Main aisles should allow at least 1200mm for wheelchair and mobility aid access
• Cross-aisles between blocks of seating should be at least 900mm

Working it into your order

Tell us your accessibility requirements when you request a quote and we'll help plan chair quantities and spacing around them, alongside our general capacity guide.

Browse our chair hire range or get in touch to plan an accessible layout.

More community & accessible venue guides

• Village hall power load guide
• Panto & amateur theatre seating hire
• Church & Community Hall Hire hub