Patients spend an average of up to 40 minutes in a waiting room before they're seen by their healthcare provider. While we hope wait times will be much lower than that, it's important to create a space where patients and their loved ones can feel comfortable and welcome if they do have to stay for a long time.

Not just any room and design will work to create that type of environment. It takes careful, intentional planning to get the perfect feel. Luckily, we've got just the formula for you to follow to help get the space looking perfect.

Follow these tips to start creating the best waiting room for everyone who visits your office.

Add in Comfort

The first step to creating a great waiting room design is to add in some comfort. Often a medical office can feel cold and sterile, which causes feelings of anxiety and stress.

Adding in comfortable chairs, warmth, and texture can ease fears. Pay close attention to the flow of the room, making more intimate seating arrangements can add a homey layer that's much more inviting.

Choose Calming Colors

Spending a lot of time in a cold medical waiting room or dental waiting room when you're already nervous can only increase those anxieties. This is why choosing calming colors is so important.

The more relaxed a patient can be, the better their appointment will go for everyone.

Focus on colors that feel light, bright, and happy. It's amazing the effect the wall color can have on the overall feeling of the space and the people in it. Don't rush this choice!

Bring Interest

A waiting room can very easily turn into a very boring space if you're not careful. When there's nothing special about the room, it's easy for it to turn cold. Make sure to add in some interest to bring the whole space to life!

There are many different options for a focal point in a room like a feature wall, bold art, or special display.

Offer Amenities

Even the best designs can feel like they're missing something, which is why we always recommend offering applicable amenities to your patients. Things like water, snacks, entertainment, or reading materials help patients pass the time while waiting and feel as comfortable as possible.

Those special touches can make your waiting room from basic to exceptional with very little effort!

Creating a Welcoming Waiting Room

A waiting room is like the first impression for your business. It's the first place your patients come and helps give them an idea of what to expect when working with your business. That's why you should be extra careful as you design the space.

Getting a waiting room design just right can feel like a big, overwhelming task but, luckily, we're here to help! Our professional team can help you get your space looking and feeling just as you'd like to help everyone have the best experience possible.

If you're curious about your options and would like help getting your practice looking its best, contact us today for a consultation!