Senior living communities are evolving—placing greater emphasis on wellness, independence, social connection, and resident-centered design. Today’s operators are expected to deliver environments that balance comfort, experience, and functionality with high-quality care.
With these expectations rising, the spaces residents live in and the furniture that supports them matter more than ever. The right selections support safety, durability, and aesthetics. The wrong ones can lead to frequent replacements and increased costs—while the correct ones elevate both the resident experience and long-term value.
Here’s what to prioritize and what our senior living designer recommends in the field.
Safety and ease of use aren't just checkboxes — they directly affect whether residents use the furniture at all, and whether staff can do their jobs efficiently.
What our designer recommends:
Look for armrests with grip support, appropriate seat and arm height, and sturdy construction.
Features like front casters (rather than full mobility) can allow controlled movement without compromising stability.
Tables with laminate surfaces and urethane edge profiles (like those from Purtech) help prevent moisture & bacteria buildup, support cleanability and reduce discomfort and/or bruising for aging skin.
Tables featuring an X-base can provide improved surface accessibility for wheelchairs or more petite users.
SurfaceWorks Purewood edge texture table with x-base
Why it matters: When safety and accessibility are prioritized, furniture supports independence, reduces risk, and enables residents to move with confidence and ease.
We recently tested the Kwalu Portici chair in a cafe setting at a Tacoma, WA senior living community, allowing staff and residents to evaluate the comfort, ease of use, and mobility in real time.
After delivering the Portici demo chair, we watched as it was tested by a resident & his wife, who was using a walker. It was easy for him to help her lower down into the chair. He was then able to use the handgrip to slightly elevate the back, engage the front casters and easily maneuver her to the dining table. The sloped arms provide a comfortable and natural resting position for the user and support back to standing. This chair also easily slides under the table when not being used. We left the chair for a week, and the residents gave it 10 stars. The maintenance team was impressed by how easily scratches are removed and due to the construction of the chair legs, caster repairs are unlikely.
Kwalu Portici armchair with optional hand grip and caster.
For this same project we also specified:
Volterra Lounge & Sofa — selected for its balanced seat height, depth, and arm design, supporting both comfort and ease of use for residents.
Reference image of the Kwalu Volterra Sofa.
This setting is not part of the actual project and is shown for inspiration.
In senior living environments, comfort is about more than softness—it’s about support. Seating that is too deep or overly soft can make it difficult for residents to sit down and stand up safely. The right balance ensures comfort and stability.
What to prioritize:
What our designer recommends:
Manufacturers offering seating that feature durable and/or reinforced construction and protective, easy-to-clean or antimicrobial arm caps.
Some examples from Carolina, a partner manufacturer, include:
Why it matters: Well-designed seating reduces strain, promotes independence, and ensures long-term performance in active communities.
In high-traffic senior living environments, furniture that looks good on day one but degrades within two years is a liability — not an asset. Durability and cleanability need to be evaluated together.
What our designer recommends:
Kwalu’s protective finishes and Falcon’s Tufgrain (extruded aluminum with a wood look) are examples of frames/ finishes engineered to withstand heavy use while maintaining their appearance.
Manufacturers like OFS/Carolina, Krug, Global, and Stance offer strong wood frames and finishes designed for long-term performance.
Upholstery should feel inviting while delivering durability and longevity. Look for materials with moisture barriers, stain resistance, and bleach-cleanable properties.
A range of options from manufacturers like CF Stinson, Architex, DesignTex, Burch, Mayer, and Momentum are commonly used in these settings.
Coated, PVC-free materials and faux leathers are excellent options for high-traffic spaces, with many offering bleach-cleanable performance.
It is important to specify materials that are compatible with the end user’s sanitation processes. Specification sheets are available from most commercial upholstery manufacturers to help evaluate how materials perform with different cleaning products.
Why it matters: If residents or staff don’t trust a chair, they won’t use it. The right materials contribute to the trust and help create comfortable, inviting spaces that encourage socialization while still standing up to daily use.
Senior living spaces require furniture that adapts to changing activities and supports both residents and caregivers.
In activity rooms used for group programs like crafts, games, and chair yoga, furniture should balance durability, comfort, and ease of use.
What our designer recommends:
Some manufacturers offering solutions for these areas include Carlina, HON, and Global.
Why it matters: Flexible furniture accommodates programming changes, events, and evolving community activities.
Senior living environments should feel welcoming, where color, pattern, and variation play an important role.
As residents age, it becomes harder to distinguish transitions, so contrast and layering are key throughout.
A few principles our designers apply:
Contrasting flooring to wall tones, with the Carolina Elara sofa anchoring the space.
Why it matters: Thoughtful aesthetics support emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and help residents feel more at home.
Our team brings deep experience across healthcare, workplace, and senior living environments, applying proven strategies in safety, durability, and flexibility to every furniture plan.
Senior Designer Rebecca has led multiple senior living projects, developing tailored furniture solutions, color palettes, wayfinding and artwork solutions for common areas and memory care spaces while balancing design quality with budget and function.
If you’re planning a refresh or exploring new furniture solutions, we can help you evaluate your space and recommend the right approach.
Contributor:
Senior Designer / Account Manager