When it comes to selecting reception seating for your healthcare facility, consider very specific features to meet the needs of medical patients, visitors, and staff. The furniture in your waiting room can be just as important as the exam tables in your patient rooms, especially if you work in an emergency hospital or specialty medical facility. Stay on the lookout for products that work together holistically to improve the experience for patients, loved ones, and personnel. Make sure your reception area flows smoothly and consistently to provide a space where everyone in the room can feel safe and at ease.

Upholstery 

Infectious disease control is the number one priority that healthcare seating should provide. When selecting chairs for your medical waiting room, consider the upholstery and ask yourself the following questions:

• Will this upholstery be time-consuming or difficult to clean?

• Will this upholstery trap in odor and germs?

• Will this upholstery be uncomfortable for patients and visitors to sit in for long periods?

• Will this upholstery succumb to wear and tear quickly?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the upholstery in question may not be the best choice for your medical waiting room. 

Healthcare upholstery should be easy to wipe clean so that it can be maintained throughout each day, so be sure to select fabric or vinyl without too many creases or small nooks that can trap odor and bacteria. Chairs with waterfall seat edges are easy to wipe down in seconds, and antimicrobial vinyl is specially designed to keep surfaces as clean as possible.

Make sure the upholstery you choose is comfortable enough for guests to sit in for long periods—you don’t want it to be stiff or scratchy. It should also be durable enough to last. Because you will be too busy caring for patients to worry about replacing your reception area furniture every year, select a durable fabric or vinyl option that will stand up to frequent daily use.

User Safety and Support 

Your reception seating should be able to support a wide range of users since you will have visitors of all shapes, sizes, and needs visiting your care facility. Offer one or more bariatric options so that larger folks can feel welcome. Provide a loveseat or sofa so parents can be close to their children while waiting. Chairs with 24/7 capabilities are ideal for emergency waiting rooms where constant use is required.

Make sure that the furniture you choose is comfortable for your guests and easy to operate. Consider adjustable chairs that guests can customize to suit their needs or mobile chairs that can be moved from one end of the room to the other. Chairs with tablet arms make filling out office forms much easier. Select chairs with thickly padded backs and seats that will reduce fatigue and strain on patients in walk-in clinics or family members and loved ones staying all night in the ER. After all, the family is often in just as much distress as the patient. Chairs should be durable enough that patients can pull themselves up out of the seat by grabbing onto the chair arms and pushing themselves up.

Care Provider Safety and Support 

While patient and visitor care are key components of what makes healthcare seating special, it’s also crucial to consider the safety and comfort of your staff when selecting the best furniture. 

Due to the threat of discarded needles and other potentially dangerous items and substances, staff should not have to stick their hands anywhere they cannot see. Clean-out chair backs eliminate the crevasse between the chair seat and back so staff can clean down the chair surfaces and clearly see there is no underlying danger. 

The reception furniture should also promote communication and collaboration between the visitor and the care provider. The nurse or doctor should be able to comfortably sit down next to the patient’s loved ones to let them know that patient’s medical status. Caregivers should also be able to easily assist patients into and out of the chairs.

Accessories and Aesthetics 

Accessories and aesthetics are often overlooked during the purchasing process, but these smaller details could make a huge difference to patients and visitors who are nervous or uncomfortable being in a medical facility. Accessories such as IV poles, side tables, chair casters, moisture barriers, and tablet arms all help to improve the user experience and make your guests’ visit more comfortable. 

Take the design of your waiting area into consideration when selecting your chairs and tables by selecting chairs in earth tones and matching tables to create a warm, inviting look that feels more like home. The design of your reception area and the rest of your healthcare facility should promote healing and optimism, straying away from the traditional clinical look wherever possible.

The furniture in your healthcare facility’s reception area should serve a purpose, which will vary from one place to the next. You’ll want different reception furniture in different styles for different people for pediatric hospitals, the ER, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation facilities, so be sure to consider the needs of your patients before beginning the furniture shopping process.

When furnishing a healthcare facility, knowing where to start your search for the right furniture can be daunting. Not only does furniture need to be commercial quality, but it also needs to go far above and beyond what you would buy for a typical business. Where do you start? These are the top 4 most crucial factors to consider (in order of importance) according to our healthcare furniture experts consider to be the 4 most crucial factors.

1. Safety

Not surprisingly, the first and most important factor you must consider when shopping for healthcare furniture is how safe the product is to use. Think about the types of patients your medical facility treats each day. For the average adult care facility, you’ll want to make sure at least 15% of the seating in your waiting room is bariatric to ensure that all guests feel welcome and comfortable during their stay with you. Depending on the types of patients you see regularly, you may need even more than this. If you’re outfitting an orthopedic or geriatric facility, provide hip chairs for guests who may struggle with getting up from standard guest chairs.

Along with a safe weight capacity, chairs should also feature a safe egress, meaning they should be able to support the weight and motion it takes for an individual to get out of them. A chair with arms should include padded armrests that are comfortable and easy to grip. Plus, they must be able to bear the weight of an adult person pushing down on them to get out of the chair. Similarly, provide armless chairs for larger patients who may not want to use a bariatric chair. Remember, creating a healing atmosphere involves giving your patients the freedom to choose where and how to sit.

Beware of pinch points. Though it can require a lot of research and comparing different pieces of furniture, try to include as few pinch points in your healthcare furniture as possible. Safety hazards can be found in any furniture that has moving parts, from fold-down trays and over-bed tables to adjustable chairs and cabinetry. Although eliminating all pinch points will be near impossible, you can reduce them significantly. 

Tip: Incorporate furniture that uses piano hinges rather than cabinet hinges for extra safety, especially in furniture being used around children.

Avoid furniture with welting, also called cording or piping. Welting elements make great catch points for bacteria to grow. Not only can bacteria be spread through contrast stitching and piping, but these upholstery elements can also irritate the skin. Instead, look for seating with waterfall edges to minimize bacteria catch points and provide your guests a greater level of comfort. If your seating has seams, make sure that they are outward facing (facing away from the person sitting in the chair) to minimize the opportunity for bacteria growth.

2. Cleanability 

Due to the nature of healthcare facilities, the cleanability of your furniture could factor into its safety since the only safe furniture in a medical facility is that which is kept impeccably clean and sanitized. Of course, the best way to keep your furniture perfectly clean is by buying furniture that’s easy to clean.

Healthcare seating should always include a clean-out space between the seat and back of the chair—the bigger, the better. Not only does this leave fewer catch points for bacteria growth and bedbug breeding, but it also makes the chairs much easier for staff to clean, ensuring the upholstery is cleaned completely and leaving no room for missed spots. A large clean-out space will prevent potentially harmful or bacteria-filled objects from being deposited between the seat and back of the chair. Remember, your cleaning staff should never have to stick their hands in an area where they can’t see what they might be touching—it’s a health concern and a safety concern for patients and staff alike.

In addition to seating, ensure that all furnishings in your medical facility are made using easy-to-clean materials. Wood and veneer furnishings are porous and not acceptable for a healthcare setting. Instead, select laminate for your reception desks, tables, and cabinetry, which gives off the look of wood but is far more cleanable. Remember that everything in your healthcare facility needs to be cleanable, not just what you can see on the surface. Even the insides of cabinets and drawers must be able to be cleaned completely in order to minimize the spread of harmful bacteria in your facility. Consider using drawer liners that can be easily removed in the event of an unexpected spill.

3. Durability

When it comes to durability, you’ll want to once again consider your facility’s regular population. In most facilities, the space should be equipped with furniture that has a framework with metal-to-metal connections, which are the most durable. When it comes to desks and tables, be sure to get furniture that won’t scratch easily, as scratches on table tops can become a quick breeding ground for germs that can easily spread between patients. All furniture, including seating, should be moisture-resistant and able to withstand regular wear in a busy waiting room or exam room. 

4. Aesthetics

Though the aesthetics of a medical facility may not seem important to the untrained eye, we assure you that they matter quite a bit. Just because an environment is sterile does not mean it has to look cold and uninviting. Rather than decking out your hospital or private practice with white-on-white walls and furnishings, incorporate warm, inviting tones in your wall paint, furniture, and décor. A pleasing look will help boost the morale of your guests, helping to calm uneasy nerves and make visits more comfortable for everyone involved. You can achieve this through nature scenes on your walls, laminate furniture in warm wood tones, and seating in earthy colors or fun patterns.

For desks, file storage, bookcases, and other office mainstays, only a few materials can provide a stylish look that stands up to regular use. Most office furniture is constructed from durable scratch and stain-resistant laminate or veneers that mimic the natural appeal of solid wood. Both materials have their benefits but caring for each material differs dramatically. 

Other furniture, such as reception seating or anything in a healthcare setting, will often feature durable materials that can handle more rigorous solvents. These pieces are designed for environments with high levels of human contact or spaces prone to messes and other hazards.

Laminate

Laminate finishes have come a long way over the years. These days, laminate desks are often more popular than their wood or veneer counterparts, thanks to their durability. This finish boasts resistance to heat, scratches, and stains, making it just right for high-traffic areas, spaces that encounter rigorous wear and tear, or offices that need furniture that's built to last.

Warm, soapy water is preferred for cleaning laminate surfaces. Mix a few drops of dish detergent into a bucket of water and go to town. While this almost sounds too easy to be true, laminate is naturally less porous than natural surfaces, making it vital to take care of germs and buildup on the surface. Always rinse with clean water after scrubbing, ensuring that there's no soap residue after cleaning.

Avoid abrasive chemicals, especially bleach and ammonia-based cleaners or those with any sort of grit. These aggressive solvents can change the color of your finish, dulling it with repeated cleanings. While it's the most resilient of furniture finishes, long-term maintenance will help your furniture look great for much longer.

See more details on laminate care here.

Wood Veneer

Veneers combine the many brilliant attributes of both man-made and natural surfaces. These pieces are finished with an extremely thin layer of real wood bonded to a lighter, less expensive wood or manufactured board. This creates furniture with all the natural beauty of solid wood yet is easier to move and costs significantly less overall. Like most natural materials, veneers are easier to damage and require a higher level of maintenance than their laminate counterparts.

It's key to be gentle with wood veneer. Use a microfiber or cotton cloth and, if necessary, highly-diluted mild, soapy water for everyday cleaning. It's tempting to use aerosol furniture polish with its high shine and lovely smell, but these oil- and wax-based cleaners leave harmful residue and buildup on surfaces. As with laminate, avoid harsh cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia, at all costs.

With veneers, the best defense is a good offense. Actively care for your veneer furniture by dusting routinely, actively managing scuffs and scratches with polish, and always using coasters for drinks and mats for hot food. Combined with effective cleaning, this will keep your veneer furniture looking great for years to come.

See more details on wood veneer care here.

Plastics and Man-Made

Not all plastic and plastic-like materials are the same. Manufactured surfaces have differing degrees of porousness and cleanability. In the office or home, it's safe to rely on soap and water as you would with laminate or veneers. You could also use a diluted vinegar mixture for regular washing. Plastics are typically more resilient to common disinfectants and household cleaners, making it easy to use bottled solutions or wipes for a quick cleanup.

Healthcare environments follow a completely different set of rules and regulations when it comes to their man-made materials. The wide variety of materials available, as well as the degrees of solvents used, vary dramatically. In most situations, contact your manufacturer to make sure that your surfaces can be used with the required cleaning agents.

Metal

While its use isn't as common in office environments, some furniture pieces are made from powder-coated metal, stainless steel, aluminum, and chrome-plated elements. While these are often accents or only part of the construction, they still require cleaning and care along the way. Most metal surfaces can be cleaned with the same simple dish detergent and water combination mentioned above, but some have a few more requirements:

• Powder coating should never be cleaned with any abrasive cleaning agents or sponges, as this can very easily damage the coating.

• Chrome plating will easily show scuffs and scratches, lending itself to nonabrasive cleaners and sponges. Be sure to thoroughly dry the finish to prevent watermarks, and use a clean microfiber cloth (without any additives) in circular motions to bring to a polish.

• Brushed aluminum and stainless steel can be easily cleaned with a simple solution of vinegar and water and, as with chrome, should be dried thoroughly to prevent water spots.

• Copper, brass, and other decorative metals are often used as hardware or small accents and can usually be cleaned with the same nonabrasive solvents used to clean laminate or wood veneers. 

Upholstery

Not all materials are created equal, and that's especially true when evaluating upholstery types. When purchasing furniture, you probably made upholstery decisions based on several factors—durability, cleanability, and style—with varying degrees of quality for each type of upholstery.

There have also been major changes in technology and coatings for all types of upholstery. Especially within the world of fabrics, new coatings and treatments have made specialty textiles available for healthcare environments that would otherwise require a less porous solution. As always, consult the manufacturer to confirm the capabilities of your chosen material. Material care tags will provide the most specific and accurate information for furniture care.

Fabric

Just as you would dust a solid surface, it's wise to always start with vacuuming your seating with a hose or upholstery cleaning attachment to ensure that crumbs, dirt, and other debris won't get in the way of cleaning. Outside of professional deep cleaning, fabric requires minimal day-to-day cleaning beyond vacuuming consistently and wiping down with a mild solution on a damp towel.

You should clean deeper stains immediately. If you don't know the trick for a specific type of stain, start with the basics and work your way up. Begin with a towel or sponge and plain water, using a dabbing (never dragging) motion to soak up as much of the stain as possible. Next, add a bit of dish detergent and continue to dab. For more stubborn stains, move on to a stronger vinegar or alcohol solution and continue to dab. Despite the harsh scent, these usually dissipate after a while, though the area should still be finished with a pat of plain water. 

If you're still not seeing the results you want, hit the closet or the laundry room for stain-specific solvents that can get tougher or older blemishes out of your fabric. As best you can, try to patch test these items on an out-of-sight area to ensure they won't rapidly fade the fabric. Avoid bleach at all costs, as it can leave white marks or degrade the fabric quickly.

Mesh

Mesh office chairs offer cooling breathability that's great for stuffy office environments. As a bonus, they're easy to care for. The mesh fibers are usually made from a more durable synthetic material that's highly resistant to staining as long as you clean it regularly. From time to time, vacuum up crumbs and dirt as part of your regular cleaning schedule and run a damp cloth over the mesh to remove any buildup.

Mesh chairs often come with a seat upholstered in a different material, such as fabric, polyurethane, or even leather. Make sure you're using the appropriate cleaning materials on all parts of the chair.

Polyurethane

Often called faux leather when referring to office chairs, polyurethane is a popular choice if you want a fabric that looks great, can mimic any number of textures and is incredibly easy to clean. From your stately executive chair to guest rooms everywhere, a polyurethane alternative can be a stylish alternative to fabrics or more durable (and expensive) materials.

As always, the best easy clean comes from a light soapy mixture on a damp cloth. Along with your other surfaces, dish soap works just fine. Since it's synthetic, you can also rely on other household cleaners, such as a vinegar solution, to clean crevices or creases that catch extra buildup.

While these are great for high-traffic office, reception, and some hospitality environments, there's a degree of porousness that's not well-suited for healthcare or some food service areas that require deeper cleaning due to more hazardous materials. 

Vinyl

Not only is vinyl the most durable option, but it's often cost-effective as well. Vinyl comes in a variety of styles and grades to suit a variety of environments. When selecting furniture, be aware of your requirements while selecting an upholstery. Especially when shopping for healthcare furniture, select a vinyl that's designed to stand up to the solvents required for your specialty or institution. Differences in durability can match your needs.

Because of its inherent toughness, you can clean vinyl with any number of solvents. For nonhealthcare environments, choose what best matches your industry. Be sure to wipe down your furniture to eliminate dust and debris before cleaning with a damp cloth and whichever cleaner you choose. After, rinse your vinyl with plain water to remove any excess solvent to ensure your upholstery lasts as long as possible.

See more details about cleaning healthcare furniture here.

Leather

Luxury comes with a price. Leather furniture can be appealing, but it also comes with higher maintenance needs and more complicated processes. Along with that, the higher the grade of leather, the more rigorous your care needs to be. No matter what, use a leather conditioner every so often to provide deeper nourishment between cleanings.

Because of its specific needs, premade leather cleaners contain the necessary cleaning compounds and hydrating compounds to take care of day-to-day care. Patch test the cleaner first and simply spray them on and wipe them off regularly.

For a more home-grown solution, use one part vinegar and two parts linseed oil to form a highly effective cleaning compound. This takes a bit of time, so rub the mixture onto your chair and let it sit until dry, usually over a few hours, before using a clean cloth to rub it in and reach a high shine.

As for stains, use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol in dabbing or circular motions until the stain fades, then be sure to apply leather conditioner so the area doesn't become dried out or cracked from the harsh alcohol solution. Ideally, patch test an out-of-the-way area to ensure the fading isn't too intense. If the stain isn't too deep, begin with a less diluted vinegar solution to see if this gentler method is effective.

See more details on cleaning leather upholstery.