The right furniture helps make a room useful, welcoming and suited to the people using it. Specialist furniture can make daily use easier in care homes, healthcare settings, hotels and hostels.

So, how do you choose furniture that fits the needs of each environment?

Choosing Furniture for Care Homes

A care home is not just a service setting; it is also a familiar daily environment for its residents.

Furniture should be chosen with thought, rather than simply placed into a room.

Many care home residents may have reduced mobility, aches or ongoing pain. Chairs that are not too low, with armrests and supportive handles, can be easier to use.

Good support should be built into key pieces of furniture. Beds and chairs with lumbar support can help reduce strain on the back.

Many care homes choose familiar, traditional designs for their furniture. Recognisable furniture can support a warmer, more homely atmosphere.

Furniture for hospices is often similar, although some pieces may be adapted to suit individual patient needs.

Furniture for Medical and Clinical Settings

Healthcare settings can have similar requirements to care environments.

People staying in healthcare settings may feel weak, uncomfortable or less mobile than usual. Soft beds and chairs with firm support can make daily life easier during treatment or recovery.

Wheeled furniture can make it easier to reposition beds, chairs and other items when needed. Movable furniture can make care tasks easier for staff.

Healthcare furniture must also support infection control. Diseases and infections can spread quickly between patients, so furniture fabrics should be easy to clean.

Busy healthcare staff may only have time for a quick wipe down between uses. For this reason, wipeable materials that resist bacteria can be beneficial for patient health.

Furniture for Hotels and Hostels

In hotels, furniture should help guests feel relaxed from the moment they enter the room.

Guests often notice the comfort of beds, chairs and soft furnishings during their stay.

The bed is especially important. A supportive mattress and strong bed frame should be a priority in hotel rooms.

Seating and soft furnishings should add to the comfort of the room. Storage and simple room features can make a stay easier.

Spacious drawers and wardrobes give guests somewhere to keep their clothes. Small appliances such as kettles and mini fridges can add convenience.

Hostel furniture is similar in some ways, but it needs to suit a more communal style of stay.

Communal furniture should support eating, relaxing and meeting new people. Even in shared accommodation, privacy can make guests feel more comfortable.

Furniture Designed Around People

The right furniture supports the needs of the people who live, work, stay or receive care there.

For more information about furniture for care, healthcare and hospitality settings, visit the Barons Furniture website.