Gone are the days where your waiting room design had to stick to the clinical white and green that hospitals are famous for. But, wanting to update your waiting room is different from knowing how to design a room.

If you want to provide your patients with the best all-around experience, it’s time to update your waiting room. Use these 5 waiting room design trends to create an interior that welcomes and comforts your patients the second they walk into the room.

1. Wayfinding

Wayfinding is a design principle that essentially turns the floor into a map. The flooring designs, colors, and patterns work together to direct patients from the waiting room to their doctors’ offices.

You can also use different colors to illustrate different wings or floors of the hospital.

This idea was useful during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as it clearly marked out how patients could adhere to social distancing principles.

2. Home-like Atmosphere

Waiting rooms don’t have to be cold and uninviting. Generating a home-like atmosphere gives patients the chance to breathe easily and relax before their appointment.

Natural wood flooring marks the beginning of this design trend, while comfy chairs and soft lighting finish it off.

3. Incorporating Art

More and more doctor’s office waiting rooms are moving away from the clinical, cold, sterile interiors that they’re known for. One of the best ways to do this is by incorporating art into interiors.

Large paintings or prints that add color and depth are ideal for waiting rooms that have limited space. You can also paint a feature wall that contrasts with the existing paint colors.

Abstract paintings are useful when highlighting colors already in the room, and landscape photographs build a soothing and serene mood.

Waiting rooms that have enough space are the perfect place to play with murals and sculptures. New spaces are actually designed around the artwork instead of the other way around!

4. Active Waiting

Sitting in a waiting room isn’t what most people would describe as fun…

To transition the mind-numbing patience of your patients into something more enjoyable, give them the opportunity to engage with something.

You can provide free reading material such as magazines, a safe play area for children, and free wifi for your patients to make use of.

Keeping their minds busy also helps to ease potential anxiety surrounding their pending appointment.

5. Gentle Lighting

Hospitals and doctor’s offices are typically associated with harsh fluorescent lighting. This creates a clinical atmosphere, fatigues patients’ eyes, and doesn’t enhance the aesthetic of the waiting room in any way!

Waiting room designs are moving towards incorporating more natural light or making use of soft, bright light to mimic natural light and create a sense of calm.

Some offices have opted for warmer-toned light bulbs to create a homier atmosphere to help patients feel comfortable and safe.

Update Your Waiting Room Design

Frequently overlooked in the past, waiting rooms have become one of the most important spaces in a healthcare setting. Creating a welcoming, peaceful environment for your patients is the best way to make sure they feel cared for from the get-go.

Now that you know the top 5 waiting room design trends, which are you most excited to introduce into your space?

Check out our blog for more tips on healthcare interior design. We can’t wait to create your dream space with you!