The Hidden Cost of Ugly Furniture

carolina Healthcare design white paper furniture seating

A white paper exploring how aesthetics, performance, and perception shape patient experiences and operational outcomes in healthcare.

In healthcare, everything matters—from the quality of clinical care to the condition of the chairs in the waiting room. Yet while billions are invested in advanced technology, high-performing staff, and upgraded facilities, one critical element is often overlooked: the furniture.

"Too often, healthcare environments are filled with furniture that's outdated, mismatched, uncomfortable, or—put simply—ugly."

While it may seem harmless, ugly or poorly designed furniture has a tangible cost. It can erode patient trust, increase staff fatigue, shorten product lifespans, and even negatively influence health outcomes. This paper outlines the tangible and intangible costs of “ugly” furniture and makes the case for evidence-based, emotionally supportive, and operationally efficient design.

Carolina White Paper stat about healthcare , 75% of patients say their perception of care begins with their surroundings. The-Hidden-Cost-of-Ugly-Furniture

Carolina White Paper stat about healthcare , Replacing a nurse can cost a system $40,000 to $60,000 or more in turnover-related expenses.The-Hidden-Cost-of-Ugly-Furniture

Carolina White Paper stat about healthcare , short-term-saving equals long-term expense. The-Hidden-Cost-of-Ugly-Furniture

Carolina White Paper stat about healthcare, Calming aesthetics and hospitality-grade furniture help lower baseline stress. The-Hidden-Cost-of-Ugly-Furniture

Carolina White Paper stat about healthcare, with planned refresh kits and swappable components, furniture lasts longer-helping control capital expenditures The-Hidden-Cost-of-Ugly-Furniture

Discover the white paper

The Hidden Cost of Ugly Furniture

Download now

"Healthcare isn’t just about the medicine—it’s about the experience. Furniture may be one of the most visible and tactile parts of that experience, and affirms a healthcare provider’s commitment to dignity, safety, and healing. The wrong furniture? It silently chips away at all of that."

- Stan Gray, VP of Healthcare, Carolina & OFS

What's the hidden cost?

While it may seem harmless, ugly, or poorly designed furniture has a tangible cost. It can erode patient trust, increase staff fatigue, shorten product lifespans, and even negatively influence health outcomes. This paper outlines the tangible and intangible costs of “ugly” furniture and makes the case for evidence-based, emotionally supportive, and operationally efficient design.