CFAS Summer 2019 Journal

Knightsbridge Public Space
As healthcare demands the highest quality standards and
unique functionality, its furniture ranges must be created in
consultation with healthcare professionals to ensure that the end
product accurately meets the needs of the user.
The ability to create furniture that adheres to specific health,
safety and maintenance requirements has been a source of
pride for Knightsbridge, who’s skilled carpenters and upholsterers
have produced chairs, storage and tables for healthcare
spaces for 80 years.
These qualities have ensured that Knightsbridge are at the
forefront of the innovative design and manufacture of furniture
made specifically for healthcare environments and their unique
challenges.
The requirements of some furniture in healthcare is truly unique
to the sector. For example, in hospitals a chair is not simply a
chair. It must go above and beyond, never failing to provide
support and be accessible to people who are physically
challenged, perhaps in terms of injury, weight or age.
In spaces that we refer to as ‘challenging environments’ some
furniture must be weighted at the base, so that it cannot be
easily lifted and thrown. The seams of upholstered furniture must
not be able to be removed and used to harm or self-harm.
Fabric selection for healthcare is a speciality of Knightsbridge, as
the sector requires high quality fabrics that will withstand the
rigorous cleaning required to maintain hygiene standards.
Specialist seams that avoid accidental harbouring of germs and
the latest anti-bacterial surfaces have been developed and
sourced to accommodate these needs.
Through close consultation with specialist advisors, Knightsbridge’s
design team are also adept at advising suitable colour
schemes for projects. For example, the needs of patients dealing
with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s are unique – bright colours
can help trigger memory and cognitive function but may be
disorienting if used in the wrong setting. Choosing a calming
colour such as blue can help sooth and comfort, so may be a
good choice for a bedroom, for instance.
The Knightsbridge hospital furniture collection embraces a wide
variety of bespoke, style-forward products, including waiting
room and patient seating. Knightsbridge stock an extensive
collection of hospital furnishings and can provide bespoke
hospital recliners, overbed tables, bedside lockers and waiting
room chairs to suit all healthcare environments.
As an approved NHS furniture supplier, Knightsbridge offer a
complete project management service, including pre-contract
planning, installation services, and guidance on selecting
furniture or fabrics.
Jessica Burston - Marketing Manager - Knightsbridge Furniture
www.cfasuk.co.uk
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