Blog contribution by NIHD Industry Partner, Carolina.
In a new white paper, Carolina, a leader in healthcare furniture design, explores the hidden ways aesthetics, performance, and perception influence healthcare environments. Titled “The Hidden Cost of Ugly Furniture,” the paper provides valuable insights and data for designers, facility managers, and healthcare leaders looking to make strategic, evidence-based furniture decisions that enhance both patient experiences and operational outcomes.
“We created The Hidden Cost of Ugly Furniture to highlight the real impact furniture has in healthcare,” said Lauren Morgan, Carolina Brand Manager. “Our goal is to provide research-backed insights that help healthcare organizations make more informed, strategic design choices that can boost patient confidence, support caregivers, and improve operational efficiency.”
The Hidden Cost of Ugly Furniture draws on industry experience and is informed by leading research from sources including The Beryl Institute, the U.S. Department of Justice, HERD Journal, PubMed Central, McKnights Long-Term Care News, and RTS Labs. It explores how organizations invest billions in advanced technology,
top-performing staff, and upgraded facilities, while furniture is often the one critical element that gets overlooked. For example, 75% of patients reported that their confidence in care begins with their surroundings. Mismatched, outdated, or uncomfortable furniture can quietly erode patient trust, contribute to staff fatigue, shorten product lifespans, and influence patient outcomes.
Discover insights on the costs of “ugly” furniture in healthcare environments, including:
How first impressions shape clinical trust
The physical toll of poor design on caregivers
Why “ugly” furniture wears out faster and costs more over time
The role of beauty as an evidence-based design principle
The measurable ROI of thoughtful, strategic design
“While patient experience remains a vital consideration, this paper is ultimately designed to give C-suite executives, facility managers, and procurement teams the operational insights they need to make confident, data-driven decisions,” said Stan Gray, VP of Healthcare for Carolina. “By focusing on measurable outcomes—such as cost efficiency, system performance, and long-term value—we aim to align purchasing strategies with budgetary goals and organizational priorities.”
The Hidden Cost of Ugly Furniture outlines evidence-based strategies for selecting furniture that supports caregivers, enhances patient experiences, and improves operations. By following these strategies, healthcare organizations can create spaces that foster confidence, comfort, and productivity. The white paper is available for free download at carolina.ofs.com.
About Carolina
For over 80 years, Carolina has designed and manufactured quality healthcare furniture for customers around the globe. Founded in 1947, Carolina has constantly evolved their products and expanded their knowledge to meet the needs of tomorrow’s challenges, as well as today’s. Carolina is based in High Point, NC, and was acquired by OFS in 2007. Due to the unique connection to OFS, Carolina can also draw from their full offering of products designed for administrative working spaces.