6 Tips for Designing Your Waiting Room

Whether you have a doctor’s office, dentist’s office or some other place with a waiting room, you want to make your patients feel welcome and relaxed. Studies have shown that the aesthetics and feel of a doctor’s waiting room can affect patient anxiety and perception of the quality of the doctor more than the actual wait time itself. That’s why Kindermark Kids has gathered a few tips to help you design the perfect waiting room, something that works for adults and children alike.

1. Make Sure There’s Enough Room.

The worst thing about a waiting room, is a crowded waiting room with people coughing and sneezing on top of each other. When designing your waiting room from scratch, consider the size. Think about the number of patients you see in an hour’s time, and don’t forget to include those they bring along that will be waiting for them, such as a spouse or other family member. Be sure to consider the children as well; they need room to move around and play or they will get bored, which can lead to unruly acts and temper tantrums.  

2. Create an Inviting Entrance.

No one really wants to go to the doctor or dentist, especially those with little children. Therefore, it’s important that you create a welcoming entrance. Make them feel comfortable with being there and create a good first impression. Keep the entrance clean and clutter-free. Visible grime is a universal turnoff and you don’t want that to be how patients remember your practice. Consider placing a board with pictures of the staff at the entrance so that patients know who they will be interacting with from the beginning.

3. Establish the Reception Desk as the Focal Point.

From the moment patients arrive, they should be aware of where they need to sign in. In addition, there should always be someone there to greet the patient. One of the simplest ways to make people feel welcome is simply by acknowledging them verbally as they arrive. Treat your patients like they are in a fine dining restaurant rather than a doctor’s office waiting room.

4. Provide Ample Seating for Adults and Children.

When it comes to seating, you want to provide something that’s both stylish and comfortable. People don’t want to wait for long periods of time in uncomfortable chairs. Be sure to consider who will be in your waiting room as well. If your practice sees a lot of children, you’ll want to add special seating for them as well. Making the children comfortable is just as important as catering to the parents. Check out our variety of kid’s tables and chairs on our website.

5. Accentuate the Space with Lighting and Décor.

Most people that come to the doctor are not feeling well and are not in the best mood. The lighting and décor that you use can help set the mood of your office, so be sure it’s uplifting, happy and inspirational. Make sure your waiting room has the right amount of overhead lighting, lamps and wall fixtures to create a well-lit, appealing room. For the décor, incorporate a combination of wall art, vases and greenery. Keep it simple and unobtrusive, while creating a warm and welcoming environment that people will enjoy sitting in.

6. Include Aspects to Entertain Patients.

Both children and adults need to be entertained while they wait. Aside from the typical magazines you always see in a waiting room, consider adding some books in an organized book shelf. Children’s books are a great way to pass the time for both the children and the parents. When your practice caters primarily to children, having some educational toys available is also a must. Our online store offers a variety of educational toys and games that could be perfectly incorporated into your waiting room design. Televisions are not recommended, as they add noise and insinuate you’re going to be there for a while.

From seating and storage to toys and more, Kindermark Kids offers everything you need to make a fun environment for both children and their parents to wait. When designing your waiting room, be sure to check out the wide selection of waiting room furniture and toy items we can have shipped straight to you. There’s no need to run to the store and pick it up!

Kindermark Kids - Creating Child-Friendly Spaces!

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