In a healthcare environment, art is a powerful tool for creating comfort, reducing stress, and even promoting healing. However, you can only make the most of it if you choose the right art! Whether you’re decorating a hospital or a dental office, thoughtful art selection can transform a sterile space into a more calming place. At The Chessler Company, we are pros at art selection in healthcare environments. Here are some of our best tips for making art choices that support patient wellbeing and your overall interior design goals.
Focus on Calming and Uplifting Artwork
When it comes to art selection in healthcare environments, one of the most important considerations is the tone that the artwork sets. Studies show that art can influence stress levels, heart rate, and even the perception of pain. Instead of choosing art that feels hectic or bold, you should focus on soothing subjects like:
- Nature scenes, like beaches or forests
- Landscapes and seascapes
- Gentle wildlife, like birds or butterflies
- Peaceful rural or small-town imagery
- Abstracts in soft colors
These types of art can provide patients with a sense of escape and tranquility, both of which are especially important in healthcare settings where people are experiencing stress or discomfort.
Think About Your Patients
While some healthcare facilities like hospitals have patients of all ages and walks of life, many healthcare facilities target more specific demographics. One of our best tips for art selection in healthcare environments is to take into account the specific patients that you work with.
For example:
- Pediatrician offices often benefit from colorful, whimsical art that features animals, cartoons, or other fun themes
- Healthcare practices that cater to older adults often incorporate nostalgic artwork that evokes positive memories
- Psychologists and psychiatrists can use soft colors and calming imagery to reduce patient anxiety
Knowing the demographics of your patients can help you select art that resonates with them. Not sure where to start? We offer art consultation services to help guide you through a variety of options!
Think About Wayfinding
In large facilities like hospitals, art can serve a practical function as well. Strategic art selection in healthcare environments can help patients and visitors navigate the space more easily. For example, you could use different color palettes or themes in each wing or floor to help people remember where they are. Large pieces placed near elevators or hallway intersections, for example, act as memorable landmarks and make the experience of visiting the hospital more pleasant.
Work with Professionals
Art should be an integral part of your healthcare facility’s overall interior design strategy, not an afterthought. Working with an experienced framing company for professional art consultation will ensure that your art coordinates well with other parts of the room, like the lighting, wall color, and furniture. The right custom framing partner can also help you identify art that complements the environment and recommend frame styles that meet any healthcare-specific requirements that you might have.
Choose The Chessler Company for Your Healthcare Art and Framing Needs
At The Chessler Company, we work with interior designers, multi-family property owners, healthcare facilities, corporate offices, and other businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to create cohesive, memorable artwork experiences. Whether you need assistance with selecting artwork, framing it, or installing it, we are proud to be your one-stop shop for all of your art needs. Since 1959, our family-owned and operated company has been helping families like yours make memories last forever. To learn more about our framing services, call us at (410) 358-5161, and let us help you decorate your space!