When considering the design of a medical office, there are often subtle improvements that can make a difference in traffic flow, processes, and even the comfort level. Costs can add up during a renovation project. Here are some medical office design tips that will help save money – starting with furniture reupholstery.

Throwing out old furniture to buy new waiting room seating may provide a fresh look during the renovation; but the cost of new furniture could be used better in other areas. Evaluate the existing furniture to determine what changes are possible.

New seating arrangement or configuration

Depending on the space available, rearranging the waiting room chair configuration can give a totally different appearance to the entire room. Instead of rows of chairs, consider small groupings together with an end table. This provides a more casual, relaxed environment.

Think of patient age groups when renovating an office. Older patients look for sturdy chairs with firmer cushions. But, providing a kid-friendly seating area can also offer a peaceful environment when the youngsters can comfortably sit in furniture designed for them.

Change the colors or patterns in the furniture upholstery

One easy way of giving the room a facelift is to change the color scheme or patterns. Look for the latest color choices that have long-lasting value. Then add those colors while changing the upholstery fabric of the waiting room chairs.

Institutional-looking colors and fabric are out of date. Many medical offices and hospitals are upgrading their rooms to include shades of complementary color families. Chairs don’t have to be identical. A chair with solid upholstery fabric and sit nicely next to another chair with a subtle pattern.

Upgrade to quality upholstery fabric

Germs are often floating around a doctor’s office, with all the sneezing and coughing that happens there. That doesn’t mean that germs need to linger on the furniture. When reupholstering, upgrade to a Crypton® fabric, some of the most stain-resistant fabric available that is also anti-microbial and odor-resistant.

Other subtle medical office design changes

A fresh coat of paint or an accent wall with new wallpaper can be fairly cost effective. Pick colors that are warm and calming, and add color accents with framed artwork or table decorations.

Change the lighting configuration for a different appearance. Institutional overhead lighting can be softened by adding smaller table lamps or decorative wall lamps throughout the waiting room.

Saving money in some areas of the renovation may free up funds for different upgrades, like a larger TV screen, Wi-Fi access, or other things that patients would appreciate.

A medical office redesign doesn’t need to break the budget. Start with some subtle color changes, reupholster furniture for a fresh look, and help the patients be as comfortable as possible during their visit.

A qualified furniture reupholstery specialist can efficiently change the look of the waiting room chairs during off-hours, so appointment times are not disrupted.

D&N Upholstery has helped with many local medical office design upgrades and hospital renovations. Contact us today for a consultation about your medical facility furniture.