Healthcare contract furniture is a unique subset of the contract furniture industry. There are specific safety and comfort features that are inherent to this kind of furniture across a range of products from sofas and chairs to beds and storage. 

People in hospitals, medical facilities, assisted living communities, and even retirement homes will benefit from the special care and attention required to specify healthcare furniture - particularly factors of seat height, seat depth, armrests on chairs, upholstery choices, furniture weight, and robustness, to name a few.

It’s important to consider how choosing the right seat height will have an impact on comfort and accessibility. Patients need to be able to sit down and stand up easily, especially when recovering from injuries or procedures where pain and mobility need to be managed. We recommend a seat height of 45-51 cm (18”-20”).

Whether it’s a chair, sofa, stool, or bench, low seats can make it challenging to sit down and stand up. Instead, opt for a seat height that is high off the ground. 

When it comes to seat height, heathcare furniture should aim to have seat heights in the range of 45-51cm. This is ideal for enhancing the independence, quality of life, and ease of movement of patients.

Arm design is crucial for creating user-friendly and supportive chairs for patients and individuals with mobility issues. Explore factors like grip, shape, and angle to deliver the safest and most comfortable chair design experience. 

Arms play a key role in easily sitting or standing, which in turn, gives more confidence and autonomy. As patients deal with potential mobility issues, giving them the ability to be more confident and independent is something that can make a massive difference, not only physically, but also psychologically. 

Components like armrests and seat backs serve a purpose while someone is using the chair, but they can also aid patients as they move through a space - ensuring they are solid and easy to grip will make a big difference in mobility.

Selecting the right upholstery goes beyond aesthetics. Upholstery specification is about balancing comfort and practicality. Your upholstery choices will have an impact on the furniture life cycle and hygiene, in addition to aesthetics and comfort. 

You’ll want to opt for a durable material that can withstand prolonged wear. Stain-resistant fabrics and waterproof materials will make maintenance a breeze, and the increased durability will ensure the furniture is in top condition for longer. 

In healthcare environments patients can have a whole range of ailments affecting balance, mobility, and motor functions, and things like spills can be quite common. Waterproof upholstery ensures furniture is hygienic and long-lasting which contributes to a cleaner and more durable living environment.

Contract furniture is built to a higher standard compared to conventional retail furniture. This is particularly important when it comes to healthcare furniture as the pieces need to be strong and durable so they provide stability and comfort for patients, family and staff. 

Things like tables with legs at the corners rather than a central column will offer better stability which will be helpful when users are leaning on the table to help them sit down or stand up. 

Materials like hardwood and metal are ideal to provide the right level of stability and build quality to withstand regular and prolonged use. 

Many contract furniture options can be modified to suit the needs of healthcare environments. At Contract Chair Co. many of our products are made-to-measure. We are happy to work with clients to customise a conventional product with the desired dimensions and aesthetic so that it contributes to independence, safety and enjoyment.

It’s important to note that not all products can be adapted for healthcare environments, and minimum order quantities may still apply. Our experienced sales team will be happy to guide you through the process and the options to achieve your vision.