Healthcare Facility Furniture: Creating a Safe, Comfortable, and Functional Environment

March 14th, 2025 | Office Furniture Blog

When outfitting a healthcare facility, selecting the right furniture is essential to creating a comfortable, functional, and safe environment for both patients and staff. Every piece, from waiting room chairs to filing cabinets, must be carefully chosen to support the facility’s specific needs while ensuring durability, hygiene, and efficiency.

At Arenson Office Furniture, we have been helping businesses in the healthcare industry find the perfect furniture solutions since 1975. With so many factors to consider, our team is here to help you navigate the process, ensuring your facility is well-equipped to provide the best possible care.

In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations when selecting healthcare furniture and highlight essential pieces for various areas within a medical facility.

Furniture for Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities are made up of several departments, each with unique furniture requirements. Emergency care units, for example, often require lightweight, easily movable furniture to allow for quick patient transport. Outpatient care areas, on the other hand, need durable, easy-to-clean seating and workstations that can withstand frequent use.

When selecting furniture for a healthcare setting, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of each department. By working with a knowledgeable team like Arenson Office Furniture, you can ensure your space is efficient, compliant, and patient-friendly. 

Below you find some suitable furniture for healthcare facilities.

1. Nurses’ Stations

A nurses’ station is one of the most critical areas in any healthcare facility. It serves as the hub for medical staff, where they coordinate care, access patient records, and manage daily tasks. The furniture in this space needs to be designed for efficiency, comfort, and accessibility.

Key considerations for nurses’ stations:

• Ergonomics: Nurses spend long hours at their workstations, so desks and chairs should promote good posture and reduce strain.
• Storage: Adequate storage for supplies, paperwork, and medical equipment is essential to maintaining an organized workspace.
• Durability: High-quality materials that can withstand continuous use are a must in high-traffic areas.

Investing in well-designed nurses’ station furniture can improve workflow efficiency and contribute to a more effective healthcare environment.

2. Waiting Rooms and Reception Areas

The waiting room is often the first space patients and visitors encounter when entering a healthcare facility. It should feel welcoming, professional, and comfortable to help ease patient anxiety and create a positive first impression.

What to look for in waiting room furniture:

• Comfort – Seating should provide ample support, especially for patients who may have limited mobility. Bariatric seating options should also be available to accommodate all visitors.
• Style – A clean, modern aesthetic can help create a calming atmosphere. Warm tones and natural materials can enhance the overall ambiance.
• Durability – Since waiting rooms see constant use, furniture should be made from stain-resistant, antimicrobial, and easy-to-clean materials.

In addition to seating, reception desks, side tables, and display racks should be chosen with both functionality and aesthetics in mind.

Furniture Standards for Healthcare Facilities

When selecting healthcare furniture, it’s essential to ensure that it meets industry standards for safety, accessibility, and hygiene.

Safety Standards

There are a few furniture standards that all healthcare facilities should meet to provide the best possible care for their patients. All furniture in a healthcare facility should meet the safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Also, patient safety should always be a top priority. At least 15% of waiting room seating should be bariatric-friendly, with higher percentages for facilities specializing in orthopedic or elderly care. Hip chairs can also be beneficial for individuals who have difficulty standing up from traditional seats.

Additionally, chairs should have secure armrests that provide adequate support when getting in and out. Avoid furniture with sharp edges or pinch points, which could pose a safety hazard, particularly in pediatric or elderly care settings.

Cleanability and Infection Control

Due to the nature of healthcare environments, furniture must be designed for easy cleaning and disinfection. Look for:

• Seamless upholstery that minimizes bacterial buildup.
• Chairs with open spaces between the seat and back to allow for thorough cleaning.
• Non-porous surfaces like laminate for reception desks, tables, and cabinets—wood and veneer should be avoided as they can harbor bacteria.

Additionally, all case goods, including cabinets and storage units, should be easy to wipe down inside and out to prevent contamination.

Aesthetics in Healthcare Design

While functionality is crucial, the overall design and aesthetics of a healthcare facility also play a vital role in patient well-being. A cold, sterile environment can feel unwelcoming, whereas a warm, thoughtfully designed space can help reduce stress and create a more positive experience.

Rather than using all-white walls and furniture, consider incorporating soft, neutral tones, nature-inspired artwork, and textured finishes. Seating with earthy hues or subtle patterns can add a touch of warmth while maintaining a professional and hygienic look.

The goal is to create a space that feels both clean and comforting, promoting healing and relaxation for patients and visitors.

Find the Right Healthcare Facility Furniture at Arenson

At Arenson Office Furniture, we understand the unique needs of healthcare facilities and are committed to providing high-quality, functional, and stylish furniture solutions. Our team can help you select pieces that are durable, easy to clean, and designed with patient safety in mind.

Whether you need waiting room seating, nurses’ station desks, exam room furniture, or storage solutions, we offer a wide selection of options tailored to the healthcare industry.

Get Started Today

📞 Call us today to speak with one of our experts.
🌐 Visit our website to explore our healthcare furniture collections.
📍 Stop by our showroom to see our products in person.

We’re here to help you create a safe, efficient, and welcoming healthcare environment with the right furniture solutions.