In the ever-evolving world of healthcare facility design, architects and designers play a crucial role in shaping spaces that foster healing, enhance patient comfort, and support the well-being of healthcare workers.

With increasing attention on patient experience, infection control, and staff satisfaction, current design trends prioritize aesthetics, function, and evidence-based choices in materials.

Among these, fabrics and finishes have emerged as key elements in determining the success of a healthcare environment.

The Role of Fabrics and Finishes in Patient Experience and Health Outcomes

Patients’ physical and psychological well-being is profoundly affected by their surroundings. The right selection of fabrics and finishes can create a sense of calm, promote hygiene, and even accelerate recovery times.

Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements, is gaining popularity in healthcare settings. Textures and finishes that mimic nature—such as woodgrain laminates, stone-like surfaces, and soft, organic patterns in fabrics—can reduce stress and anxiety for patients. Studies show that exposure to nature, even in artificial form, lowers blood pressure and improves overall mood, making it a valuable design strategy for hospitals and clinics.

Read More: “Beyond Decor: Optimizing Patient Rooms With Aesthetics”

Infection control remains a top priority in healthcare design, and fabrics and finishes must contribute to maintaining a sterile environment. Antimicrobial coatings on surfaces, easy-to-clean upholstery, and non-porous finishes minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses. Vinyl, polyurethane-coated fabrics, and solid surface materials are popular choices that balance durability with cleanliness.

Excessive noise in hospitals and healthcare settings can disrupt sleep, elevate stress levels, and slow healing. Acoustic ceiling tiles, sound-absorbing wall panels, and soft, upholstered furniture help reduce noise pollution, creating a more restful experience for patients. Thoughtful material selection, including curtains and carpets designed to dampen sound, contributes to a peaceful environment.

Designing for Healthcare Workers: Supporting Work Culture and Well-Being

A peaceful, serene environment supports more than patients. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff spend long hours in their work environments, making thoughtful design essential for both productivity and well-being. A well-designed facility not only improves efficiency but also reduces burnout and supports staff retention.

Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods. Ergonomic furniture, including sit-stand workstations, properly positioned monitors, and supportive chairs, alleviates physical strain. Additionally, finishes that allow for easy movement—such as non-slip but smooth flooring—contribute to both safety and efficiency.

Read More: “Designing Medical Chairs with Caregiver Ergonomics in Mind”

Providing designated spaces for healthcare staff to relax and recharge is essential in combating stress and burnout. Break rooms with comfortable seating, access to natural light, and calming colors improve mental well-being. Noise-absorbing materials and soft textiles can further enhance these areas, making them a true respite from the demands of patient care.

Proper lighting design also has a significant impact on both patients and staff. Circadian lighting systems, which mimic natural daylight cycles, help regulate sleep-wake patterns, benefiting both overnight staff and patients. Task lighting in workstations and operating rooms also improves accuracy and reduces eye strain.

The Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Part of biophilic design includes the integration of indoor plants, and the health benefits afforded are worth the effort. Research across multiple disciplines has examined how greenery positively affects both physical health and mental well-being.

Some of the key benefits of incorporating indoor plants in healthcare design include:

• Air Quality Enhancement: Indoor plants do more than just exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide—they also help remove harmful airborne chemicals, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly emitted by furniture and building materials in urban settings.
• Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-Being: Engaging with indoor plants can help lower both psychological and physiological stress levels. Additionally, the mere presence of plants in a space has been linked to increased comfort and relaxation.
• Cognitive Benefits and Workplace Productivity: Offices that incorporate indoor plants experience significant boosts in employee productivity—by as much as 15%—as well as improvements in focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
• Mood Enhancement: Individuals in plant-rich environments tend to report greater happiness and emotional comfort, reinforcing the positive psychological effects of greenery.
• Alleviation of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Symptoms: The introduction of indoor plants has been associated with a reduction in common SBS symptoms, such as dry skin, throat irritation, and fatigue, contributing to a healthier indoor atmosphere.
• Faster Healing and Pain Management: Research indicates that patients recovering from surgery in rooms with plants not only experience lower pain levels but also tend to have shorter hospital stays, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of nature in healthcare settings.
• Humidity Regulation and Respiratory Comfort: Through the process of transpiration, plants release moisture into the air, which helps maintain humidity levels, preventing issues like dry skin and throat irritation while improving overall respiratory comfort.
• Noise Reduction: Studies have demonstrated that large, leafy plants can absorb and diffuse sound, helping to minimize noise pollution in indoor environments and contributing to a more peaceful atmosphere.

Future-Proofing Healthcare Spaces

With advancements in technology and shifting healthcare demands, designing for flexibility is critical. Modular furniture, adaptable room layouts, and durable, multi-use finishes allow facilities to evolve with changing needs. Sustainable materials are also gaining traction, as eco-friendly design aligns with both cost savings and environmental responsibility.

By prioritizing patient experience, infection control, and staff well-being, today’s healthcare facility designs are shaping the future of healing spaces. Thoughtful material choices, ergonomic considerations, and a focus on aesthetics are not just trends—they are essential components in creating a healthcare environment that benefits everyone who enters its doors.

Champion Leads the Way With Premium Fabrics and Finishes

Champion Healthcare Solutions has added new fabrics and finishes to its collections. These award-winning offerings provide options that tap into biophilia, connecting people with the natural world and bringing this restorative power to healing environments.

This carefully curated palette of materials can create a mood and atmosphere that offers an organic yet modern and sophisticated style for healthcare architects and designers.

From a distance, Champion’s new fabric “Sea of Clouds” (winner of the Nightingale Award at the 2024 HCD show) reads like an exquisite, patterned texture. Step closer to appreciate the transparent washes of color and markings that indicate a true painter at work.

Details Doctors Want to Know:

• Exceeds 100,000 Double Rubs
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified
• Bleach Solution Cleanable
• CFFA-Healthcare 201: Certified
• Denim Stain Resistant
• Enhanced Ink Resistance
• REACH and RoHS Compliant

Sea of Clouds was constructed to meet the rigorous demands of healthcare: These fabrics are durable yet beautiful and do not contain PFAS, fluorocarbons, or perfluorinated compounds.

To view our complete line of fabrics and finishes, visit our website today. A Champion team member will be happy to help you determine which items best suit your facility and patient needs.