Furniture Considerations for Seniors

Considering purchasing furniture for seniors?It’s an inevitability that isn’t discussed nearly enough.

As we get older, our bodies change. This doesn’t only occur in our sixties and seventies. It’s a constant process that starts much earlier. At Baer’s Furniture, our design experts recognize that there are no one-size-fits-all furniture options for our customers.

Whether you are an older person living the best part of your life in sunny Florida or you have an older family member residing in your home, these tips can help you make senior-friendly decisions for your home.

You Can Still Have Stylish Furniture

No one wants to live in a home that looks like it’s strictly designed for functionality. Enhanced comfort and support should not mean that your living space has to resemble a medical facility. That’s why our suggested furniture for seniors will not only be practical for older people but attractive and comfortable for other family members and guests.

Lifting chairs and recliners are a great option for seniors who enjoy kicking back. There is an automatic function that pushes you upright until your feet can touch the floor. You just have to push off, and you're standing.

For example, the Lyndon Power Lift Recliner by Barcalounger has soft, luxurious leather and padding that makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. Sit back, put your feet up, and relax in style. When break time is over, you can use the power lift function on the remote to put you back on your feet.

Phot of a brown leather recliner in a forward lift position.

Choose Furniture That’s Easy to Maintain

Few of us want to turn a piece of furniture into a labor-intensive chore. That’s why it’s always in your best interest to choose high-quality furniture that’s also easy to maintain.

Selecting furniture with stain-resistant fabric, finished wood, and straight, simple lines can make it much easier to move and clean. This Silhouette Contemporary Side Chair by Bernhardt is not only beautiful and durable; it's light enough to move easily for floor cleaning or stacking on the table.

White armless chair with stable base and padded seat.

Choose Standard-Height Bed Frames

High-profile bedframes have had a resurgence in recent years, but they can be difficult to get into. On the other hand, if the bed is too low, it can make it much more difficult to roll out of and stand.

Standard-height bed frames place the top of the mattress 20 to 25 inches above the floor. They make it easy for older people to bend their knees slightly and sit or to brace themselves on the mattress and stand. This Vanguard Michael Weiss Bowers Tufted Bed checks all of the boxes for ease of access.

Contemporary padded bed with tufted headboard.

Selecting Chairs

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the types of seats that seniors choose are of particular importance. Here are some things that older people should look for when selecting a chair or sofa:

Seat Depth – Seats need to support the full length of the thighs. In other words, the seat should start at the lower back and end just behind the knees. There should be a small space behind the knees to allow circulation.
Seat Width –The width of the seat shouldn’t be too snug. You should be able to fit a clenched fist on either side to allow you to shift in different positions.
Armrests – Many seniors find that armrests can be used to help support them as they rise from the chair.
Legs – It’s important that the chair does not slide when standing or sitting. Seniors should avoid chairs with castors if they have difficulty sitting or standing. One solution is to place carpeting under the chairs where you or your senior guest will be sitting. This will add friction to make sliding less likely.

This Bryson Woven Arm Chair by Tommy Bahama Home might be the ideal fit for a senior dinner guest or host. The chair features a thick cushion seat for maximum comfort, a broad and deep seating area, a straight, firm back, and armrests. If you’re hosting a senior at a dinner party, offering them a place of honor at the head of the table shows respect for their venerable age while allowing them more space to get in and out of their chair. The area rug beneath the dining area reduces the risk of sliding.

Two rattan chairs at the end of a table.

Aging gracefully means adapting to the changes in your body. One way that you can make life a little easier while beautifying the interior of your home is by shopping for furniture at Florida’s top furniture retailer.

Stop by one of Baer’s 16 Florida furniture stores and try out some of our many floor room samples. Our knowledgeable floor staff is more than happy to discuss options with you.