Senior living contract furniture is a unique subset of the contract furniture industry. There are specific safety and comfort features that are inherent to this kind of furniture across a range of products from sofas and chairs to beds and storage. 

Folks in assisted living communities, retirement homes, and independent living facilities will benefit from the special care and attention required to specify senior living furniture - particularly factors of seat height, seat depth, armrests on chairs, upholstery choices, furniture weight, and robustness, to name a few.

It’s important to consider how choosing the right seat height will have an impact on comfort and accessibility. Seniors need to be able to sit down and stand up easily. We recommend seat height of 45-51 cm (18”-20”).

Whether it’s a chair, sofa, stool, or bench lower seats can make sitting and standing challenging. Instead, opt for a seat height that is high off the ground. 

When we get older mobility can become difficult and seat depth can play an important part in easing that. A chair with a good seat depth will enable people to sit with hips resting at a 90-degree angle, that is, not slouching forward or leaning backwards. Seat width should also be considered so that the upper and lower body are both supported 

Depth and width can vary, but generally speaking, they should be approximately 46-51cm deep and 50 cm wide. 

When it comes to seat height, senior living furniture should aim to have seat heights in the range of 45-51cm. This is ideal for enhancing the independence and quality of life of older people.

Arm design is crucial for creating user-friendly and supportive chairs for elderly individuals. Explore factors like grip, shape, and angle to deliver the safest and most comfortable chair design experience. 

Arms play a key role in easily sitting or standing, which in turn, gives more confidence and autonomy. As people are ageing and their mobility declines, giving them the ability to be more confident and independent is something that can make a massive difference, not only physically, but also psychologically. 

Components like armrests and seat backs serve a purpose while someone is using the chair, but they can also aid senior citizens as they move through a space - ensuring they are solid and easy to grip will make a big difference in mobility.

Selecting the right upholstery goes beyond aesthetics. Upholstery specification is about balancing comfort and practicality. Your upholstery choices will have an impact on the furniture life cycle and hygiene, in addition to aesthetics and comfort. 

You’ll want to opt for a durable material that can withstand prolonged wear. Stain-resistant fabrics and waterproof materials will make maintenance a breeze, and the increased durability will ensure the furniture is in top condition for longer. 

As people grow older reflexes get slower, balance can become an issue, and spills can happen. Waterproof upholstery ensures furniture is hygienic and long-lasting which contributes to a cleaner and more durable living environment.

Contract furniture is built to a higher standard compared to conventional retail furniture. This is particularly important when it comes to senior living furniture as the pieces need to be strong and durable so they provide stability when residents are getting in and out of their seats. 

Things like tables with legs at the corners rather than a central column will offer better stability which will be helpful when users are leaning on the table to help them sit down or stand up. 

Materials like hardwood and metal are ideal to provide the right level of stability and build quality to withstand regular and prolonged use. 

Many contract furniture options can be modified to suit the needs of senior living. At Contract Chair Co. many of our products are made-to-measure. We are happy to work with clients to customise a conventional product with the desired dimensions and aesthetic so that it contributes to independence, safety and enjoyment.

It’s important to note that not all products can be adapted for senior living, and minimum order quantities may still apply. Our experienced sales team will be happy to guide you through the process and the options to achieve your vision.