Medical Furnishings Balance Aesthetics with Functionality for More Upscale Designs

More healthcare facilities now choose furnishings that enhance aesthetics and the patient experience. They are embracing custom restaurant and hotel furniture manufacturers for their innovative designs and emphasis on comfort.

As more hospitals and medical offices seek to enhance the overall appearance and functionality of their waiting areas, it comes as no surprise that some are now sourcing custom furnishings from manufacturers that traditionally serve high-end restaurants, hotels, office buildings and
cruise ships.

Anti-microbial vinyl is designed to prevent contamination and inhibit bacterial growth.
Photo credit: Modern Line Furniture

“We have been getting a lot of calls from medical facilities,” confirms Modern Line Furniture Owner Vlad Spivak, whose customized American-made furniture — typically found in such prestigious places as the Ritz Carlton and World Trade Center — is now improving aesthetics and function in medical environments. “It’s exciting to apply our knowledge and experience to this industry.”

Sunrise Medical Center’s Bobby Shuster explains why he looked beyond the standard medical furniture suppliers. “Sunrise Medical Center chose Modern Line Furniture because we were looking for stylish yet functional options that could meet the unique demands of a medical
environment.”

Modern Line Furniture is a leading commercial furniture supplier. All of the company’s products are designed and manufactured in the U.S. using only American-made materials. “Our final products are also superior because materials sourced from overseas don’t adhere to American standards for production, consistency and quality,” comments Spivak.

Modern Line Furniture at Sunrise Medical Center, located in Brooklyn, NY Photo credit: Sunrise Medical Center

While the ability to customize medical furnishings gives facilities added versatility, Spivak understands the artful combination of style and function must still meet several stringent criteria:

● Hygienic materials: “Infection control is essential. Materials must be easy to clean. We offer waterproof vinyl and fabrics that will not absorb bacteria and are easy to clean.”
● Weight capacity: “Arm rests and frames must be built to withstand a hard impact. Our solid construction has a 500 to 600-pound weight capacity, so if a patient falls back into a chair, they will be safe.”
● Functionality: “Furnishings must be easy to move and reconfigure. We place a strong emphasis, specific to the medical industry, on ergonomics and comfort, because we understand that some people may spend hours at a time in our furniture, more than they might spend in a restaurant or hotel lobby setting. So we may angle the backs, and add more foam and support in the armrests. For added convenience, we may suggest cup holders for patients, trays for completing paperwork in waiting room areas, plus charging ports and other amenities.”

The emerging role of interior design in medical furnishings
The move away from traditional clinical looks, with the use of stylish contemporary colors, designs and materials, creates a more welcoming atmosphere. “Modern Line Furniture is unique because we are transferring our expertise from designing furniture for high-end restaurants, hotels and cruise lines to hospitals and medical office environments,” comments Spivak. Much like a premiere restaurant, thoughtfully designed seating helps set the tone for an overall positive experience. As important, the expert use of aesthetics and comfort can reduce stress and anxiety, and may even help make waiting times feel shorter.

Modern Line Furniture at Sunrise Medical Center, located in Brooklyn, NY Photo credit: Sunrise Medical Center

Sunrise Medical Center’s Shuster agrees there are multiple benefits. “For our patients, the ergonomic designs provide adequate support, ensuring a more pleasant and relaxing experience during their stay. For the staff, the functional arrangements and easy-to-clean materials have improved workflow and efficiency, allowing us to focus more on patient care. Overall, it’s been a positive change that supports our mission of providing quality healthcare. The furniture design from Modern Line complements our facility’s aesthetic beautifully. Its sleek and modern appearance aligns perfectly with our contemporary décor, creating a welcoming atmosphere.”

Concludes Spivak, “We’re demonstrating that we can meet the medical industry’s standards of durability, hygiene and functionality with furniture that has an upscale feel. It’s not uncommon for customers to bring us inspirational images which we use to design their medical furniture from scratch. We are very proud to help lead this exciting and important trend.”

To collaborate with Modern Line Furniture’s design and manufacturing experts on your medical furniture needs, go to www.ModernLineFurniture.com