Why Combine Bariatric and Standard Seating?

Ganging systems that combine companion bariatric, non-bariatric and table options can be configured to fit any space and are an ideal solution for lobbies and common areas.

• In ganging systems, chairs and tables are joined using hardware to create a distinct configuration that is not easily moved. Fixing the configuration aids in traffic flow and safety since the pieces cannot be inadvertently moved into traffic paths or interfere with fire codes.

• Many styles and finishes are available for ganging options but the most popular tends to be metal-framed upholstered seating.  The metal, often mixed with wood arms for a warm, decorative finish adds sturdiness that will endure over time even with heavy use or use by individuals over 250 pounds. Some bariatric tested seats can safely hold individuals up to 750 pounds (ask for testing certification from your furniture seller).  Non-bariatric seats averaging 20” wide are mixed with bariatric seats which average 40” to create a perfectly balanced seating area.

• Bold patterns and contrasting upholsteries are a perfect way to create a ganging system that really does it all – durable seating with bariatric options in upholsteries to suit any decorating tastes.
  

• When considering how to furnish your common areas and lobbies, combinations of chairs and bariatric chairs work perfectly to balance a space and offer appropriate options to people of all shapes and sizes.  Ganging seating options accomplish the same balance with the added security of fixed positioning.
  

Common Sense Furniture Solutions for Use by People of all Abilities.

Some of the best designs in special needs furniture are pieces that have the look and feel of home furniture but with additional design elements that improve function.

• Whether an adjustable table or fixed wheel-chair height table, design options are limitless.  Choose from basic work tables with wood grain laminate tops to dining tables with metal bases with highly polished, colorful metal tops.  If you are looking to add a little flare to your facility try a highly polished mirror aluminum top table with a stainless steel metal base.

• Shorter seat depths and slightly elevated arm heights are simple solutions that have proven beneficial for consumers with limited mobility.  The dimensional changes really make a big impact to aid consumers moving from a sitting to a standing position.
  

• Additionally, removable seats and seat decks (the foundations that give the seat support) are readily available in almost any style. The removable seat and seat deck allow for easy clean up of spills or body fluids. Just take the seat out of the frame for quick and easy clean up of the furniture, floor and surrounding area.
• Lastly, treated fabrics are an easy way to protect upholstery from dirt and fluids. Fabric treatments can make almost any fabric practically impenetrable to any fluids - including urine.

When furnishing a space for your consumers, always enlist the help of furniture sellers that specialize in furnishing facilities for consumers with special needs.  You will benefit from their knowledge and their
products.

Detecting Bed Bugs Early On Can Make All The Difference.

Bed bug monitoring includes devices that will expose a bed bug population while it is still small: 

• The most basic bed bug solution is a mattress encasement. Bed bugs feed on humans and there is no place humans are more prone than in their place of sleep. Mattress encasements are different from department or furniture store mattress covers in that they are lab tested to prevent bed bugs from nesting in seams and zippers. Additionally, the material is constructed of a stretch knit woven with micro-stitches that prevent bed bugs from traveling through the material and nesting in the mattress itself. These white, smooth encasements allow for quick and easy visual inspections of sleep surfaces enabling staff and consumers to see the beginning stages of bed bug populations.

• Another inexpensive and useful tool is an interceptor. Interceptors are specially designed white plastic discs that are placed under furniture legs. The interceptors’ specially designed interior well attracts bed bugs en route from nest to feeding. Bed bugs are trapped in the interior well because the surface prevents them from crawling back out.  Trapped bed bugs indicate the size of the overall nesting population.

• If your facility detects bed bugs with monitoring devices it is always necessary to consult with health and pest control experts to develop a bed bug management plan. Be leery of radical plans that include harsh chemicals or disposing of existing furniture and fixtures. Educate yourself and your staff on how to monitor for and manage bed bug sightings. Eradicating bed bugs from a facility will take time.                                                                
• Many well-tested, non-chemical solutions exist. Heat, cold and diatomaceous earth are elimination solutions that have been proven in both laboratory and real world environments.                                                                                                                                                         

Dealing with bed bugs is undoubtedly stressful but early detection can help minimize the bug populations and their effects.

Mobile bookcases are a sturdy, practical storage solution.

• Despite their practicality mobile bookcases have a fun side too. Because metal furniture needs a strong finish to prevent chipping and rust, baked enamel paint is a preferred finished and these enamels come in all the colors of the rainbow. As room accessories, mobile bookcases add a punch of color and brightness and are a big hit with kids and adults.
• Mobile bookcases are equipped with adjustable shelves so there is room no matter what you are storing. As a point of visual interest, a brightly colored mobile bookcase can be added along a wall in combination with additional mobile bookcases in other colors for a bold decorative statement. 
• For care providers, the fact that they are bookcases on wheels and have the ability to effortlessly roll books and other activities to their clients and guests is a great stress relief. Mobile bookcases are also a great way to create a mobile library to share books and resources within a large facility.

When you buy furniture and accessories for a commercial, heavy-use environment always make sure to deal with a reputable contract furniture provider who will guide you to the right choice, sell you only the highest quality pieces and be there to service you and your facility after the purchase.

Statistics site obesity in the US at around 33% of the population.

No matter what number you give it people of every shape and size want to be comfortable and want to be able to sit in public spaces with dignity.

So what exactly does bariatric furniture mean?

The term “DURABLE” stems from an economic concept of a good that has utility over an extended period of time. Simply put, DURABILITY IS AN ASSURANCE THAT A PURCHASE WILL LAST. 

Without a doubt, meeting at a table makes a difference.  It levels the playing field and gives everyone the same view.  After all, Sir Arthur’s knights sat a round table on purpose.  If you ever gather your co-workers or clients for a meeting you need a conference table and chairs that give you the space to set up your notebook (the paper or electronic kind), laptop, or tablet so that you have all the tools for full participation. 

SO WHAT MAKES FOR GOOD CONFERENCE TABLES and CHAIRS?

1. FIRST, CONSIDER YOUR SPACE. A conference table should be substantial. Don’t be shy. Typically, a conference table is at least 36” wide but can go wider – up to 60” is not uncommon. The primary consideration must be the size of the room. While you want a conference table that can give participants adequate elbow room, you also want to make sure to not overcrowd the space. A good rule of thumb is to allow 42” – 48” of floor space around a conference table for adequate traffic flow and comfort.
2. NEXT, THINK ABOUT STYLE. Furniture is an art form and conference tables are no exception. While high-end colors and patterns may be just what you are looking for, those on a more modest budgets also have a huge number of choices. Wood substrate cores with laminate tops are economical, durable and attractive. From there, the sky’s the limit. Solid wood, glass, veneered, or laminate – conference table can be customized in about any combination of finishes, shapes or sizes. Racetrack shaped tables tend to be a practical solution since the rounded corners add to the level playing field without demanding the space of a fully round table.
3. CHOOSING CHAIRS may be the most daunting conference or meeting room task. If you expect participants to spend long stretches of time seated in meetings then an ergonomic chair might be the right solution. Ergonomic chairs consider the natural pressure points of the human body and minimize the stress that can lead to fatigue. Less expensive options may be fine for spaces used for non-marathon meetings. Allow at least 26” for the chair plus adequate room for the movement of the “sitter.” Yes, there is a lot to consider when buying a conference table and chairs. Always consult with a contract furniture expert who will gladly help you pick the right table for your space with no fees.
   

While on-line only shopping is tempting, conference room furniture needs careful planning to get the right results.

Healthcare, business and government facilities are the largest buyers of commercial lounge furniture. 

For any healthcare, business or government facility the safety of clients, guests and visitors is a top priority. 

In particular CAL 133 requires that furniture be manufactured with fire barriers that will prevent the spread of flames.

• While requirements may vary it is a guarantee that only contract providers can offer CAL 133 or CAL 117 compliant furniture.
  

• Retail furniture sellers are not required to adhere to such stringent flammability codes and therefore are not the right place to buy for any public use space.

Today’s pine furniture can take on looks from traditional to contemporary and anywhere in between.