How to create a patient-friendly waiting room
In any medical or healthcare space, the waiting room is the first touchpoint patients encounter, and it sets the tone for their experience. Trust is everything when it comes to creating a welcoming, calming, and clearly signposted waiting space - making it no longer a nice to have, but an essential.
Whether you’re a GP practice, dental clinic, private hospital, or therapy centre, we’ve put together a guide to help you transform your waiting area into a space that reassures, informs and supports patients from the moment they walk through the door.
1️⃣ Use signage to reduce stress and confusion
Patients could feel anxious or unwell when arriving for their appointment. Clear signage reduces uncertainty and helps them to navigate with ease. This is particularly important for the elderly or those with sensory issues.
Key signage types to include:
✅ Clear directional signs (reception, toilets, consultation rooms)
✅ Welcome messages with practice branding
✅ Accessible signage with braille and inclusive icons
✅ Digital displays with wait times or health information
✨Tip: Consistency is key when it comes to signage, ensuring icons used via email and the website are the same as the signage used within your premises.
2️⃣ Colour Psychology: Creating a calming atmosphere
Use colour blocking through vinyl wall graphics and wallpaper to subtly zone areas without relying on banners and further wayfinding.
✅ Soft greens and blues for a sense of tranquillity
✅ Muted earth tones for warmth and reassurance
✅ Pops of colour (e.g. peach or coral) for vibrancy in paediatric spaces
✨Tip: Try integrating architectural finishes such as wood or foliage to add interest.
3️⃣ Brand Personality meets patient comfort
Waiting rooms are the perfect opportunity to reflect your values and connect with patients. Use wall murals, etched window vinyls, or branded graphics to reinforce your identity with subtlety.
✅ Inspirational quotes or health tips in your brand voice
✅ Nature-themed wall graphics for a biophilic boost
✅ Branded frosted film on glass partitions for privacy and professionalism
✨Tip: Think beyond logos, your brand personality can shine through tone of voice, typography, and the little details, like the phrasing on directional signs or the style of your welcome message.
4️⃣ Consider the patient journey: Accessibility is key
Patients and visitors should be able to navigate from the entrance, to the waiting room, to the consultation room with ease. Don’t overlook audio visual cues or digital signage in instances where you have multi use rooms.
Best Practice:
✅ Large, high-contrast text for visibility
✅ Floor decals for navigation in open-plan areas
✅ Tactile and braille signage for inclusivity
✨Tip: Ask patients or staff with accessibility needs for feedback before finalising signage - you might uncover crucial usability insights.
5️⃣ Transform dead space into something positive
Reduce the feeling of a long wait with a well-designed space. Use notice boards and digital signage to provide value whilst patients wait.
Ideas to consider:
✅ Preventive health tips or wellness inspiration
✅ Local community information or charity initiatives
✅ Staff introductions or "meet your clinician" panels
✨Tip: Keep text light and visual content dynamic such as motion graphics or rotating displays to retain interest without overwhelming.
Our healthcare clients
Every great patient experience starts with a better waiting room.
Whether you're looking to refresh your signage, improve accessibility, or bring your space to life with custom wall graphics, we’re here to help.
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