How to Choose Furniture for Senior Citizens

The fabric selection, the style and functioning of the furniture, and whether the material complies with health must all be considered when purchasing furniture for senior citizens. Whether by providing simplicity of maintenance or ease of movement, each of these elements plays a crucial role in the daily lives of the user and the people caring for them.

Let’s examine some methods for choosing senior-friendly furniture.

How to Select Furniture to Suit Older Home Owners

Think About the Height

Because it can be challenging when we’re older to get up from a low seat, buying furniture with the appropriate seat height is crucial. It is simpler to get up from a higher seat. Most retail couches cannot be altered. However, you can request a specific seat height when obtaining a custom sofa from the manufacturer.

18 to 19 inches is the ideal range for seating because it enables the hips to rest at a 90-degree angle. Getting out of a seated posture is easier, especially for those with knee or hip issues.

With this in mind, check out the best recliners for elderly to sleep in, designed with all the aspects in mind to help them find the perfect spot to rest.

Design and Functionality

Functionality should be a key priority when planning furniture for senior citizens. The material must be sturdy, supporting, and strong because many seniors rely on it to help them with daily activities. 

Many senior citizens depend on the furniture when they require assistance standing up, sitting down, or moving between rooms. 

We advise avoiding anything with glass or sharp edges to ensure comfort and safety.

We would suggest circular furniture or edges with rounded corners regarding shape and angles. For instance, the finest type of table to choose from is a rectangular dining table with rounded corners. For functionality, include an armrest that provides good support to help with movement transitions. Standard-sized chairs or love seats are also recommended over couches.

Verify the Components Quality

The most expensive item isn’t always the best sign of exceptional quality. The small parts distinguish good quality chairs for older people. 

For instance, your upholstered furniture will keep its shape longer if it is of higher quality. This is so that the cushions, springs, and frame can support one another. The failure of one component can lead to the failure of others.

This may cause a dramatic drop in seat height over time. If you have joint issues, getting in and out of your furniture may become more challenging. This is one instance where the components far outweigh the whole.

Fabric Composition and Color

It’s frequently advised to buy a couch or other piece of furniture with a fabric material that is simple to clean and requires little upkeep. We recommend choosing one with solid wear and stain resistance. 

Several excellent performance textiles available today include stain, food, oil, and even ink resistance. Two companies that produce excellent fabrics that hold up well to heavy use and wear are Crypton and Sunbrella. 

If you’re confused about what hue to choose, consider that colors can significantly impact the older generation’s health and well-being such as:

Green: Green is recognized to encourage healing, relaxation, and peace. They include earthy and woodland greens.

Blue: According to studies, beachy blues and colors resembling water help people feel more at peace. It’s a relaxing color that helps people feel less stressed.

Brown: Earthy shades of brown, such as espresso, promote balance.

Ensure Comfort

While color, design, and material are all significant, the furniture must ultimately be constructed with quality and be built for long-term comfort.

For instance, seniors cited armrests as essential when questioned. Making it easier for them to sit or stand is also crucial for them to feel the autonomy and confidence that everyone seeks. Although it’s not required, armrests should ideally be lower at the back than the front. The armrest’s width is a crucial component as well. The traditional suggestion was for them to be 4.7″ broad.

Moreover, for comfort, get a footrest. The footstool is a handy addition for older individuals who need to prop their legs up for better blood circulation because of its small size and ease of unnoticeability.

Additional Tips

Storage needs to be reachable in height. Avoid leaning over or reaching for cabinets under the bed or out of your reach. Drawers must slide out smoothly and have a strong grip. Drawer knobs ought to be vibrant, complementary hues.

Tall sideboards or bookcases should have a solid foundation to prevent tipping over. You should choose see-through doors, so your older parents don’t have to spend as much time looking through things.

Purchasing furniture for elderly people involves more than just looks. Much care should be given to selecting furniture that promotes appropriate posture, given age-related issues like sore backs, weak knees, and joint and muscular conditions.

Furthermore, we understand that normal living space becomes more challenging as we age. So to make it more comfortable and to facilitate independence check out these simple 9-HOME ADDITIONS YOUR ELDERLY PARENTS WILL APPRECIATE.

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