How To Choose Comfortable And Supportive Furniture For Seniors

We all know that feeling of settling into a chair that seems made just for you — supportive in all the right places, inviting you to relax while keeping you steady and secure. That balance of comfort, safety, and style can transform how we experience a space. By selecting furniture pieces designed to support mobility and reduce potential risks, you can create a home that feels both inviting and empowering.

Jennifer Cal, National Director of Project Management and Design at Senior Lifestyle, has dedicated years to making senior living spaces both beautiful and functional. She knows that furniture is a major part of our daily health and well-being.

“Comfort is care,” Cal says. “A senior should always feel supported in getting out of a chair – especially at Senior Lifestyle. We want them to feel like they’ve come to a country club: happy, comfortable, and surrounded by friends.”

Why Furniture Requirements Change With Age

Cal’s first priority when designing for senior living is simple: make sitting and standing safe and easy. She starts with the most basic, and most important, feature: seat height.

“Our number one priority for furniture is the seat height,” Cal explains. “We look for 18 to 20 inches from the floor. If the seat is too low, it’s difficult to stand. If it’s too high, it can be uncomfortable or even unsafe to sit down.”

But height is just the beginning. Firmness matters too. Cushions that are too soft can cause a person to “sink” into the chair, making it difficult to rise. Too firm, and it can cause discomfort. Cal looks for the right foam density to balance comfort with support.

Armrests are another must-have. “Everyone living in a senior community deserves the utmost support, whether they’re in Independent Living or Memory Care,” Cal says. “Armrests help people rise without strain, and they add confidence. With better support, seniors can focus on living life their way.”

Designing for Health, Not Just Ergonomics

While the word “ergonomics” often comes up in furniture discussions, Cal prefers to think in terms of health and vitality. “The easier it is to sit and stand, the more active you can be, and that’s essential for health,” Cal explains.  

“It’s not just about posture,” she explains. “If a chair forces you into a slouched position, it can restrict blood flow, limit lung capacity, and worsen muscle weakness. Sometimes your furniture is actually causing new health issues.”

Restaurant-Style Dining at Senior Lifestyle’s Evergreen Retirement Community in Cincinnati, OH

Safety Without Sacrificing Style

One consideration in senior living design is balancing safety with dignity. Furniture must be free of sharp edges or hard corners that could cause injury, but it also should reflect a greater sense of home.

“I never want a resident to feel like we’ve overly secured their space,” Cal says. “We can achieve high-end design while still addressing operational and safety considerations.” 

This philosophy extends to materials. For seating, Cal insists on Crypton fabrics with a moisture barrier. “It’s not just about stain resistance. It’s about protecting the cushion and the resident’s dignity. Accidents happen, and no one should be embarrassed or worry they’ve ruined something.”

New fabric technologies mean performance materials now look more elevated and elegant than ever before. Cal works with manufacturers to create patterns and textures that look like high-end residential fabrics but can withstand daily use.

What to Look For When Choosing Furniture

Whether you’re furnishing your apartment at a senior living community or assisting a loved one in updating their home, Cal recommends considering these factors:

• Seat height: You should aim for chairs and sofas with seats 18–20 inches from the floor.
• Cushion firmness: You should avoid overly soft cushions that cause sinking; look for supportive foam.
• Armrests: A chair’s armrests should be sturdy and at the right height to assist standing.
• Back support: Chairs that have straight, supportive backs can assist with posture and comfort.
• Legs and glides: You should match a chair’s base to the flooring. The wrong glide on carpet or casters on hard floors can create tipping or slipping hazards.
• Recliners: You should use power recliners with large, easy-to-use controls. It’s best to avoid recliners that require manual operation.
• Fabric: A durable fabric like Crypton is a good choice for seating. It has a moisture barrier for durability, cleanability, and dignity.
• Edges and corners: Furniture with rounded designs can prevent skin tears and bumps.

Senior Lifestyle’s The Club at Briarcliff Manor in Westchester County

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Chair or Sofa

A well-made piece of furniture can last for years, but Cal says there are clear signs that it’s time for a replacement:

• You can feel the frame when you sit. This means the cushion fill has broken down, lowering the seat height and making it harder to stand.
• The chair wobbles. If the frame itself moves, and not just because the floor is uneven, the piece is unsafe.
• Fabric is torn, worn, or stained. Even with the best care, upholstery can eventually fail.
• Glides or casters are damaged. This can cause slipping or tipping.

Supporting Independence Through Design

The right furniture can make all the difference in maintaining independence. When seating is supportive, easy to get in and out of, and comfortable, people are more likely to stay active, socialize, and delight in daily life.

Cal sums it up this way: “It’s all about helping people live with dignity without even thinking about their potential limitations. You should be able to laugh with friends, play games, and experience your day without noticing that your chair is working for you.”

Experience Comfort and Style at Senior Lifestyle 

If you or your loved one are finding that familiar chairs or tables are becoming more difficult to use, it might be time to look for new options. Choosing thoughtfully designed, senior-friendly furniture can improve comfort, protect health, and help you live your life, your style – each and every day. “At Senior Lifestyle, we go above and beyond to make spaces warm, inviting, and beautiful,” Cal says. 

Senior Lifestyle designs its communities, from furniture to chef-prepared meals to Levels of Care, with comfort in mind. Whether you’re looking for Independent Living, Assisted Living, or personalized Memory Care in our Embrace Neighborhoods, you’ll find a place where a senior’s safety is a priority and comfort, care, and connection come together.

Find out more about Senior Lifestyle or schedule a visit today!

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