At Sara Hospitality, we know a lot about this. We make special furniture, called contract-grade furniture, that's built strong and designed just right for places like senior living communities. This guide will walk you through everything you need to think about when picking furniture. We'll cover safety, how long things last, keeping things clean, making spaces look good, and even thinking about our planet.
What Makes Furniture Great for Seniors? Let's Break It Down
When we talk about senior living furniture, we need to think differently than buying furniture for our own homes. Seniors have unique needs, and the right furniture can make a huge difference in their daily lives and overall happiness.
1. Safety First, Always: Thinking About How Seniors Move
As people get older, moving around can sometimes become harder. Simple things like sitting down on a sofa or getting up from a dining chair might take more effort or even feel a bit risky. Because of this, the most important thing about senior living furniture is safety. It also needs to be easy to use and supportive. This is where "ergonomic design" comes in – it just means designing things to fit the human body well, making them comfortable and preventing strain or injury.
Key Safety Features to Look For:
Chairs with Armrests: Armrests are super important! They give seniors something strong to hold onto when they are sitting down or standing up. This gives them support and makes them feel more stable and confident. Armrests also provide comfort and stability while seated.
Seats at the Right Height: Chairs and sofas shouldn't be too low. A slightly higher seat means less bending at the knees and hips, making it much easier for someone with stiff joints or less muscle strength to get up. Aim for seat heights around 18-20 inches.
Firm, Supportive Cushions: Very soft, squishy cushions might feel nice at first, but they can be hard to get out of. Firmer cushions provide better support for posture and make standing up easier because the person doesn't sink in too deeply.
Rounded Corners: Sharp corners on tables (coffee tables, dining tables, side tables) can be a hazard, especially for someone who might be a little unsteady on their feet or have vision problems. Rounded edges help prevent painful bumps and bruises if someone accidentally walks into the furniture.
Non-Slip Feet: Chairs and tables should stay put! Make sure they have non-slip pads or feet, especially on smooth floors. This stops furniture from sliding away unexpectedly when someone tries to use it for support, reducing the risk of a fall.
Stable Design: Furniture should be sturdy and well-balanced. Lightweight chairs that tip easily are dangerous. Look for pieces with a solid base that won't wobble.
✅ Simple Example: Think about a favourite armchair. For a senior, the best kind might be a high-back armchair. The high back gives good support for the neck and back. If it has sturdy armrests and firm cushions, it becomes a safe and comfy spot that helps them sit and stand with less struggle.
2. Built to Last: Furniture for Busy Places
Senior living facilities are busy places! Residents use the furniture every single day. Visitors come and go. Staff move around constantly. Cleaning happens often. All this activity means the furniture needs to be really tough and durable. It has to stand up to constant use without breaking, looking worn out, or becoming unsafe. Choosing durable furniture might cost a little more at the start, but it saves money and hassle later because you won't need to repair or replace it as often. It also keeps the facility looking nice and professional.
Recommended Strong Materials:
Solid Wood or Strong Metal Frames: These provide a sturdy foundation for chairs, sofas, and tables. Avoid weaker materials like particle board for main structures, as they don't hold up well to heavy, repeated use. Powder-coated metal frames are also great because they resist rust and scratches.
Commercial-Grade Fabrics: The fabric on chairs and sofas takes a lot of wear. Look for fabrics made for businesses (commercial or contract grade). These are tested to withstand much more rubbing and use than typical home fabrics. They resist pilling (those little balls of fuzz) and tearing better.
Scratch-Resistant Surfaces: Tabletops and other surfaces should be able to handle spills, bumps, and scrapes. Materials like high-pressure laminate (HPL), treated wood finishes, or solid surfaces are good choices because they resist scratches and are easier to keep looking good.
Why Durability Matters So Much: Besides saving money on replacements, durable furniture is safer. A chair with a wobbly leg or a table with a damaged top isn't just ugly; it's a potential hazard. Keeping the furniture in good shape shows that the facility cares about quality and the well-being of its residents.
3. Keep It Clean: Easy Cleaning is a Must
Keeping everything clean and hygienic is super important in any place where people live together, especially where health is a key focus. Spills happen, especially in dining areas, and general tidiness is crucial for health and comfort. Furniture needs to be easy to clean thoroughly and regularly.
Tips for Easy Cleaning and Maintenance:
Choose Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Many modern fabrics are treated to resist spills. Liquids might bead up on the surface instead of soaking in, giving staff time to wipe them away. Vinyl, faux leather (pleather), polyurethane, and special performance fabrics like Crypton are excellent choices, especially for dining chairs and high-use seating.
Consider Darker Colors or Patterns: While light colours can look fresh, darker shades or fabrics with patterns are better at hiding small marks, occasional spills, or slight wear between cleanings. This helps keep the furniture looking presentable for longer.
Go for Smooth, Wipeable Surfaces: Materials like vinyl, faux leather, and coated fabrics can often be wiped clean with just soap and water or disinfectant wipes. This is much quicker and more effective for hygiene than fabrics that need deep cleaning.
Check the Seams: Fewer seams or well-sealed seams mean fewer places for crumbs, dirt, and germs to get trapped.
Non-Porous Tabletops: Dining tables and activity tables should have non-porous surfaces (like laminate or solid surface) that won't absorb spills or harbour bacteria.
✅ Simple Example: Imagine a resident spills juice on their chair during lunch. If the chair is covered in a wipeable vinyl or a treated microfiber fabric, a staff member can quickly clean it up with a damp cloth. If it were a standard absorbent fabric, it might leave a permanent stain or require more extensive cleaning later. Easy-clean furniture saves time and helps maintain a healthier environment.
4. Feeling Good: Comfort and Making it Look Like Home
A senior living facility shouldn't feel cold like a hospital or just functional like an office. It should feel warm, comfortable, and inviting – like a real home. The way a place looks and feels has a big impact on residents' moods, mental well-being, and how much they enjoy spending time in common areas. Comfortable and attractive furniture plays a huge role in creating this positive atmosphere.
Design Tips for a Homelike Feel:
Use Warm and Calming Colors: Choose colours for fabrics and finishes that feel welcoming and relaxing. Earth tones (like beige, brown, warm grey), soft blues, and gentle greens often work well. Avoid colours that are too bright, jarring, or patterns that could be confusing for people with vision changes. A mix of warm and neutral tones creates a balanced look.
Choose Cozy Fabrics (That Are Still Durable!): Texture adds warmth. Look for fabrics that feel nice to the touch, like soft-yet-durable microfibers or chenille-style weaves (ensure they are commercial grade!).
Add Comfortable Details: Plush (but still supportive) cushions, throw pillows (in easy-wash covers), and soft blankets or throws in lounge areas can make spaces feel much cozier.
Good Lighting is Key: Furniture placement should work with lighting. Ensure there are lamps near seating areas for reading or crafts. Soft, warm lighting is generally better than harsh, bright overhead lights.
Avoid the "Medical" Look: Choose furniture styles that look like something you'd find in a comfortable home, not a clinic. Wood finishes, attractive fabric patterns, and classic designs help achieve this. Offer a variety of seating types – sofas, armchairs, loveseats – to suit different preferences and activities.
✅ Simple Example: A common lounge area can be transformed from a basic waiting room into a cozy living room. Instead of just rows of chairs, use a comfortable sofa, a few inviting armchairs with plush (but firm) cushions in warm, earthy colours, coffee tables with rounded edges, and soft lamps. This encourages residents to gather, chat, read, or simply relax, making the space feel like their own shared living room.
5. Playing by the Rules: ADA Compliance and Safety Standards
Furniture choices also need to follow important rules and guidelines to make sure the space is accessible and safe for everyone, including those with disabilities or who use mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets standards for accessibility in public spaces, and these are very relevant for senior living.
ADA Basics to Keep in Mind:
Clear Pathways: Furniture arrangement is key. Walkways between furniture need to be wide enough for someone using a wheelchair or walker to pass through easily. The minimum is usually 36 inches wide.
Turning Space: Wheelchair users need enough room to turn around, especially in areas like dining rooms or activity spaces. A clear space of 60 inches (5 feet) in diameter is generally required.
Table Heights: Dining tables and activity tables need to be the right height. ADA guidelines suggest table surfaces should be between 28 and 34 inches from the floor. Importantly, there needs to be enough clear space underneath (at least 27 inches high) for someone in a wheelchair to pull up comfortably with their knees fitting under the table.
Reach Ranges: Things like light switches, thermostats, or storage (like drawers in resident rooms) should be placed where someone seated in a wheelchair can reach them.
Other Safety Standards: Beyond ADA, look for furniture that meets safety standards for things like fire resistance (fabrics often need to meet standards like CAL 117) and stability (to prevent tipping).
6. Making it Yours: Custom Touches and Branding
Furniture is also a great way to give your facility its own unique look and feel – its own personality or brand. Using specific colours, styles, or finishes consistently throughout the building creates a coordinated, professional, and memorable environment. This can make residents, families, and staff feel proud of the space.
Options for Customizing Your Furniture:
Brand Colors: Use your facility's logo colours in the fabrics chosen for chairs and sofas, or in accent pieces like pillows.
Custom Finishes: Choose wood stains or metal finishes that match your overall design scheme.
Embroidery: For a subtle touch, consider having the facility's logo embroidered on dining chairs or booth seating.
Consistent Styles: Use furniture from the same style family or collection across different areas (like the lobby, lounges, and dining rooms) to create a unified and harmonious look.
✅ Simple Example: If your facility's colours are blue and beige, you could choose dining chairs with beige vinyl seats and blue patterned fabric backs. In the lounge, you might use sofas in a solid beige with blue accent pillows. This consistent use of colour makes the whole place feel thoughtfully designed and professional.
Must-Have Furniture for Different Areas in a Senior Living Facility
Different spaces in the facility have different needs. Let's look at the essential furniture for key areas:
Dining Room Chairs and Tables:
Eating meals together is often a highlight of the day and an important social time. Dining furniture needs to be:
Stable and Strong: Chairs shouldn't wobble or tip easily.
Easy to Get In and Out Of: Armrests are crucial here too. Chairs shouldn't be too heavy to move slightly, but heavy enough to be stable.
Comfortable for Mealtimes: Supportive backs and comfortable (but not too soft) seats are important.
Easy to Clean: Vinyl or other wipeable fabrics are ideal for seats. Tabletops must be non-porous and durable.
Proper Height: Tables and chairs must work together and meet ADA height guidelines.
Lounge and Common Area Seating:
These areas are for socializing, relaxing, reading, watching TV, or waiting for visitors. Furniture should offer:
Variety: A mix of seating like sofas, loveseats, and armchairs suits different needs and group sizes.
Supportive Comfort: Look for firm cushions for easier standing, good back support, and always include armrests.
Durability: These are high-use areas, so strong frames and tough fabrics are essential.
Accessibility: Ensure plenty of space between pieces for easy movement.
Resident Room Furniture:
This is the resident's personal space, their home within the community. Furniture should prioritize:
Comfort: A comfortable bed is vital. A cozy armchair for reading or watching TV makes the room feel more personal.
Safety: No sharp corners, stable furniture, enough clear floor space to move around safely, especially with a walker.
Accessibility: Dressers and closets should have handles that are easy to grip, even for someone with arthritis. Storage should be within easy reach.
Visitor Seating: It's nice to have a small, comfortable chair for guests that doesn't take up too much space. ???? Tip: Keep a few lightweight, sturdy folding chairs stored nearby that can be easily brought in when visitors come, instead of permanently crowding the room.
Event and Multi-Purpose Seating:
For activity rooms, meeting spaces, or special events, you need furniture that is flexible. Look for:
Stackable Chairs: Chairs that can be stacked save a lot of storage space. Make sure they are still comfortable and sturdy.
Folding Tables: Tables that fold allow the room layout to be changed easily for different activities.
Lightweight Options: Furniture that staff can move and rearrange easily without strain is very practical. Carts for moving stacks of chairs or folded tables are helpful.
Saving Money Wisely: Getting Quality Without Overspending
Furnishing a whole facility is a big investment. While it's tempting to cut costs, choosing cheap furniture often costs more in the long run due to repairs and replacements. Here’s how to be smart about spending:
Choose Contract-Grade Furniture:
This is key! Contract furniture is specifically made for businesses and public spaces (like hotels, restaurants, and healthcare facilities). It's different from the furniture sold for homes (residential furniture). Contract furniture is:
Built Stronger: It uses tougher materials and construction methods designed for heavy, constant use.
More Durable: It's made to last longer under demanding conditions.
Often Meets Safety Standards: Reputable contract suppliers ensure their products meet safety and fire codes.
Designed for Commercial Spaces: Styles often consider factors like cleaning and maintenance.
Sara Hospitality specializes in this type of furniture. We offer durable, stylish, and affordable contract options, and we stand behind our products with a warranty.
Think About Long-Term Value, Not Just Upfront Price:
Better quality furniture might have a higher initial price tag, but it pays off over time. You'll spend less on:
Repairs: Less likely to break or need fixing.
Replacements: Lasts longer, so you buy new furniture less often.
Staff Time: Less time spent dealing with broken furniture or arranging repairs.
Resident Satisfaction: Safe, comfortable, good-looking furniture contributes to a better living experience, which can impact resident and family satisfaction.
Best Materials for Long Life:
Frames: Solid wood or heavy-gauge, powder-coated metal.
Fabrics: Commercial-grade woven fabrics with high durability ratings, vinyl, polyurethane, or microfiber designed for contract use.
Surfaces: High-pressure laminate (HPL), solid surface materials, or properly sealed hardwood for tabletops.
Thinking Green: Sustainable Furniture Choices
Many senior living facilities today also want to make choices that are better for the environment. Choosing sustainable furniture can be part of this commitment. It's good for the planet, can contribute to healthier indoor air quality, and resonates well with environmentally conscious residents and families.
Our Sustainable Practices at Sara Hospitality:
We believe in being responsible. We are proud to offer eco-friendly furniture options. This includes:
Using Low-Emission Materials: We offer products certified by GREENGUARD®. This means they release fewer chemicals (called VOCs) into the air, contributing to better indoor air quality, which is important for everyone's health, especially seniors.
Using Renewable and Local Materials: Whenever possible, we try to use materials that can be regrown (like wood from managed forests) or sourced locally to reduce transportation impact.
Reducing Waste: Our manufacturing processes aim to be efficient, minimize waste, and recycle scrap materials whenever possible.
Why Partner with Sara Hospitality?
Choosing the right furniture for a senior living facility involves many considerations, from safety and durability to comfort and style. At Sara Hospitality, we understand these unique needs deeply. We have years of experience working with senior living communities, and we make the process of finding and buying the perfect furniture as easy as possible.
Here's How We Help:
Explore Options: You can easily browse our wide selection of senior living furniture online or in our catalogues.
Get a Quote: We provide clear, competitive pricing tailored to your facility's needs and budget.
Customize Your Choices: Select from a huge range of durable fabrics, finishes, and styles to match your vision.
See Before You Buy: We can provide fabric swatches and finish samples so you can be confident in your choices.
We Handle the Rest: We build your furniture to high standards and deliver it right to your facility.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Space
The right furniture does more than fill a room; it helps create a safe, comfortable, dignified, and joyful environment for your residents. It makes a house feel like a home.
Let the team at Sara Hospitality help you select contract-grade furniture that meets all your needs – beautiful, durable, safe, and affordable. We're here to partner with you in creating a wonderful living space for the seniors in your care.
Conclusion
Choosing the right furniture for senior living is about creating a safe, durable, and welcoming environment. At Sara Hospitality, we specialize in contract-grade pieces that balance comfort, quality, and style. With thoughtful planning and expert support, we help turn any facility into a true home for older adults.