It’s so important to get the seating right in healthcare settings such as hospitals or dental waiting areas, because there’s a lot of sitting around to be done. Waiting for appointments, results, or consultations can take time and feel a little stressful, so you want your patients to be as comfortable as possible.

In order to be used in a hospital or dental waiting area, seating should meet certain qualities that deem it optimal for a healthcare facility. There are a few things to consider – from the level of comfort and cleanliness, to its adaptability.

Banquette seating is a great option for hospitals and dental waiting areas, because it is so versatile. We’re going to talk through some of the qualities you should look for in your healthcare seating, and the solutions that banquettes can provide.

Good ergonomics

Some patients who visit hospitals and dental practices may be ill, in pain, or have specific mobility needs. The ergonomics of the seating should be well equipped to cater for these people.

Banquette seating is comfortable, and comes in a wide range of shapes and styles. From booths and benches, to traditional banquettes – fixed seating is ergonomically designed to be cosy and relaxing, helping to ensure your patients feel at ease while they wait.

Robust materials

It goes without saying that the type of material used is an important factor when designing any type of seating in the healthcare sector, as hygiene and cleanliness are essential for all areas. You also want your seating to be robust and long-lasting so it’s easy to maintain and you don’t have to worry about replacing it too often.

With banquette seating, you can choose from a wide selection of wipe-clean, stain resistant, and fire retardant fabrics that maintain a stylish quality while still being practical. Some upholstery suppliers also provide a selection of anti-bacterial fabrics now too, which are specifically designed for the healthcare sector.

Quality design

Well-designed seating has the ability to bring personality and warmth to even the coldest of waiting rooms. With a choice of backs, plinths, capping, and stitching – the design possibilities for banquettes are endless.

The design of your seating will be imperative to ensuring the above qualities – the ergonomics and materials – are working for your needs as well. Just because you’re furnishing a healthcare setting with practical needs, doesn’t mean you want your seating to be dull and lifeless.

Versatility

Seating in healthcare settings needs to be versatile. It must be capable of adapting to a space, whether it’s a small room, a large space or a narrow corridor.

While benches work well for hospital hallways, you might prefer a comfortable booth for a consultation room, or a selection of banquettes in the waiting area. Banquettes provide large, open spaces with beautiful seating that can fill the room without making it look cluttered.

Bespoke banquette seating is ideal for filling small spaces and nooks that otherwise don’t serve much purpose, as well as fitting out big rooms.

At Craftwood, we design, manufacture and supply seating for the healthcare sector across the UK including bespoke seating for reception areas in dental surgeries, medical practices and hospitals. Take a look at our website or get in touch for a consultation.