If you’re a medical provider, you need a clean and inviting waiting room for visitors to sit before their appointments. Arrange a space that is both comfortable and easy to navigate. As you consider this vital aspect of office design, keep the following elements in mind.

How to Design a Medical Waiting Room

1. Comfortable Furniture

Padded seating and easily accessible tables put patients at ease. Add some variety by including armed and arm-free chairs—even sofas if you have a larger space. Enhance your choices with colors that are emblematic of your medical practice. Consider contemporary pieces for a state-of-the-art facility or more understated choices for a traditional office.

2. Attractive Accents

Decor adds character to the office design, especially when you include thoughtful elements designed to help patients relax. First, consider the color scheme. Shades like pale mint, soft blue, and muted neutrals convey a sense of serenity and calmness in a space where a patient may feel anxious before an appointment. Then, focus on specifics, such as soft lighting that brightens the space without adding glare, and artwork depicting scenery.

3. Children’s Areas

Don’t forget little visitors. Creating a child-friendly zone is the perfect way to help young ones stay distracted before their or their parent’s appointment. Include a variety of materials, such as coloring books, crayons, storybooks, and hard toys that you can disinfect easily. Avoid balls, which could cause damage if kids throw them, and small toys, which young children may swallow accidentally.

4. Accessible Layout

Successful medical office designs prioritize movement and patient comfort. Some people may use mobility aids, like walkers or wheelchairs, so the space should be open enough for them to enter and move freely. Some may bring a caregiver along, so ensure there’s enough seating to accommodate pairs and families. The path to the front desk should be clear. Think in terms of flow and how to make navigation as easy as possible.

As you create a comfortable and stylish waiting room, partner with the team at Interior Landscapes in Kansas City, MO. With a combined 150 years of experience, the company’s interior designers are committed to bringing your vision to life. They’ve worked with many of the community’s leading medical providers, including North Kansas City Hospital and Swope Health Services. Whether you need to enlist their design services for one area or the entire office, they will assist every step of the way. Visit the office design specialists online or call (314) 755-2220 to get started.