Bedside cabinets for hospitals and nursing homes: functions, models and tips

When a person enters a hospital room, every detail of the furniture contributes to making them feel safer, more independent, and more comfortable. That’s why we design bedside tables that are not only functional, but also welcoming and safe.

In this article, we discuss what makes a bedside table suitable for healthcare environments and what are the different features specifically for hospitals, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

Bedside cabinets for hospitals and assisted-living homes: what is their purpose

The bedside table plays a role that is anything but secondary, as it is one of the most used items during the day. Not just a countertop next to the bed: it is an integral part of the daily lives of patients and healthcare personnel.

It can be used to hold personal items, but also for eating, reading, or leaning on. For those with limited mobility, it can really be a multipurpose tool to simplify their lives.

Hospitals and nursing homes: two contexts with different needs

The first aspect to consider when choosing a bedside table is the context in which it will be used. In most cases, hospitals are used to work with models with an integrated overbed table: this is a mobile surface that can be used for meals in bed, reading, or other daily activities. This support can be removable, rotatable and/or tiltable like a lectern to easily accommodate the needs of patients with reduced mobility. Some bedside cabinets do not include this overbed table as a fixed element: in those cases we suggest an independent overbed table, detached from the frame of the bedside cabinet, which can be moved and positioned as needed.

In nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, on the other hand, the bedside table has a more domestic function, deeply connected to the comfort and familiarity of the environment. This is why models without an overbed table are preferred here. Simpler shapes and warm materials, such as beech or oak wood finishes, are highly common in nursing homes. The bedside table becomes a piece of furniture that accompanies the daily life of each patient, with useful accessories such as newspaper holders or open compartments to keep everything within easy reach.

In both cases, versatility is key. All our bedside tables are double-sided, can be used on either the right or left side of the bed, and can be equipped with wheels for easy manoeuvrability. 

Materials, resistance and hygiene: the features that actually matter

A bedside table for healthcare environments must withstand daily use, be durable, and simplify cleaning operations. Bedside tables by CFS Italia are manufactured with certified materials and undergo CATAS resistance testing.

In hospitals, where hygiene is a priority, the best choice is a bedside table made of plastic material with continuous surfaces that are easy to sanitize, plus a top with raised edges to prevent liquid spillage on the floor. These materials are resistant to frequent use of hospital detergents and disinfectants, maintaining the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the bedside cabinets.

For nursing homes, we offer wooden bedside tables. Customizable finishes, such as beech and oak, or solid colour laminates, allow you to create warmer and more welcoming environments. Find our all the available configurations: you can explore various models of bedside tables designed for nursing homes on our website.

Design, comfort and customization of CFS bedside cabinets

Even in healthcare, aesthetics matter. A well-designed bedside cabinet can help create a more calm and welcoming environment, both for patients and for those working in the ward. That’s why we offer a wide range of finishes and colour combinations, for both plastic- and wooden-door models. This not only allows you to personalize patient rooms, but also to visually distinguish between wards or levels of care.

Customization also extends to the internal configuration: you can add open compartments, newspaper holders, and accessories that improve usability. Handles, wheels, and profiles can also be selected according to the style and needs of each healthcare facility.

The goal is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing bedside tables that can be adapted to the needs of any department or environment, from a high-intensity ward to a cozy room in a nursing home.

Foto di Giacomo Piccoli

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Would you like to find out more or receive a personalized quotation? Contact us at commerciale@cfsitalia.com or access our Private Area to download our PDF catalogues and subscribe to the newsletter. We will keep you up to date on all our solutions for healthcare facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities.

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