---
title: "Beyond Institutional: A Senior Living Design White Paper"
description: A survey of 30 professionals who are part of the decision-making process to choose furniture for senior living communities.
---
[](https://www.samuelsonfurniture.com/)
# White Paper Download: Beyond Institutional
Insights on senior living furniture design based on a survey of experienced interior designers, architects, and community leaders in senior living.
[.jpg?width=1414&height=2000&name=Copy%20of%20Samuelson%20Senior%20Living%20Report%20(1).jpg)](https://www.hubspot.com)
## VIDEO: BEYOND INSTITUTIONAL
#### A conversation on designing senior living furniture that gives seniors independence with dignity.
## The Research at a Glance
Key takeaways from our survey of senior living practitioners.
### Aesthetics are just as important as safety.
A residential, non-institutional look averaged 4.83 out of 5, making this feature statistically tied with ergonomics as the most important attribute, ahead of durability, weight capacity, and ease of handling.
### Good-looking senior living furniture is difficult to find.
28 out of 30 respondents said it is difficult to source furniture that meets safety and function requirements without looking institutional.
### The furniture feels the same.
Senior living designers describe a category where it all starts to look the same. There is an appetite for configurable-not-custom lines.
### Seating is an unmet need.
The sit-to-stand problem is specific and unsolved. The most-cited unmet need for senior living furniture is seating that residents can actually stand up from. Firm enough and high enough, without looking clinical.
[](https://www.hubspot.com)
> ### “As long as a piece meets the functional needs and requirements, we will always choose the more residential and aesthetically pleasing option — as will our clients. We will not sacrifice safety and senior functionality for aesthetics.” Sarah Schultz, NCIDQ, Partner RDG Planning & Design
## What Senior Living Designers Are Saying
[](https://www.hubspot.com)
> ### “Too often, the providers are not considering this important relationship. If more furniture were designed to empower residents, then staff burden could be reduced.” Migette L. Kaup, PhD, Interior Designer/ Gerontologist
> ### “It happens frequently. More attractive, modern, contemporary-designed furniture that looks like it belongs in a home is not often sturdy enough or has the right kind of support without sinking into the upholstery or cushions.” Architect, SmithGroup
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