Forget the monochromatic, sterile aesthetic of medical waiting rooms and patient areas past. These six seating systems, floor tiles, and textiles resist dirt and other microbes that often infiltrate healthcare spaces while also giving the high-traffic areas a tranquil look to help reduce the stress of medical visits. We found upholstery with lively patterns, a waiting seat that melds into corridors, and infusion bays that contain space for entertainment options and offer patient-controlled privacy screens.

Trace, Wieland
Subject to heavy traffic in healthcare applications, patient chairs are generally discarded after a few years of use. Trace from Wieland features replaceable fabrics and components that can be switched out on site when they wear out, giving the chair a longer lifespan. A metal-frame and contoured plywood back and seat panels offer a contemporary look. Two seat sizes are available: 22”-wide-by-18 ½”-tall and 30”-wide-by-18 ½”-tall. The chair and frame combined measure 43” tall for both models. An ottoman nests beneath the seat. wielandhealthcare.com

Classic Living II, Robert Allen Contract
With its bright hues and contemporary patterns, Classic Living II from Robert Allen Contract is designed to give healthcare applications, particularly senior living quarters, a fresh and upbeat look. The fabric collection comprises 27 designs (Mediterranean, shown) in a variety of colorways and fabrics such as synthetic blends, 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, Bella-Dura Olefin, and PVC, allowing designers to use the collection in applications across an entire facility. robertallendesign.com

Tranquility Infusion Bays, Krug
Greenguard-certified with 96% recycled content, Tranquility Infusion Bays from Krug are designed to reduce the environmental stress created by infusion treatments and renal dialysis while allowing medical staff to work efficiently. The infusion bays feature movable privacy screens as well as an entertainment station that can house a television and a magazine rack. The unit also includes a wardrobe and bench with drawers for patients to store personal items. Seven wood-grain and two solid-color laminate finishes are available as well as three wood veneers. krug.ca

Norament Satura, Nora
Nora sourced architects and designers for help in developing the color palette and design of its Norament Satura collection of resilient flooring. The resulting combination of neutrals and complementary accent colors is designed to fit into a range of healthcare and education projects in myriad applications across the building. The rubber flooring is Greenguard-certified for low-VOC emissions. It measures 39.52” square with a .14” thickness. The flooring can withstand up to an 850 PSI rolling load, the company says. nora.com

JumpSeat, Sedia Systems
Patient traffic ebbs and flows depending on the time of day and the day of the week. But few seating systems offer the flexibility needed to accommodate the cyclical bustle of healthcare applications. JumpSeat from Sedia Systems features a folding mechanism that allows the seat to cantilever off the wall when needed and to spring back flush with the wall when it is not. The seat supports up to 600 lbs. Its seat and back are made of birch plywood, laminate, or a veneer, and can be upholstered in fabric or vinyl. sediasystems.com

Funnybone, CF Stinson
Laughter may the best medicine, and this fabric collection is designed to cheer up the youngest, and often most vulnerable, patients. To combat the boredom and stress of treatments, Funnybone from CF Stinson is a conversation starter with five patterns. For example, Knock Knock, a 100%-recycled solution-dyed nylon, features jokes woven into each stripe, while I Spy, made of 71% post-consumer recycled polyester and 29% nylon, allows users to find objects, such as pearls and tiaras, hidden in its weave. cfstinson.com