Choosing Wall Finishes For Your Healthcare Practice

Trends come and go, and when you are looking for design ideas for your new healthcare fit out it can be overwhelming.  What colours should you choose for the walls, the doors and cabinetry? What materials should you use for your reception desk and furnishings? The design choices are endless.

When choosing the interior elements for your practice think of how you, your staff and clients want to be greeted when entering your clinic.   A calming, welcoming feel? Or a stylish, sophisticated look for your clinic?

Wall finishes are a key factor in dictating the look and feel of your healthcare practice.  Some of the most popular trends in wall finishes are utilised with paint, wallpaper, timber or glass panelling.

Wallpaper

I hear you say, what, wallpaper? But wallpaper designs have come a long way over the last few years. And this type of wall covering is now even more accessible and affordable.  Colourful designs and patterns incorporated into your clinic can have a dramatic effect and work well to ensure your clinic stands out from the rest.  The image above – from one of Elite’s dental design and fitout projects in Queensland – shows the dramatic effect a watercolour wallpaper can have.

More classic and understated wallpaper designs can be suitable for areas that have a lot of traffic (such as waiting rooms and hallways) as they offer a calming feel. It is even better when there is natural light illuminating the wallpaper as it can add to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.    

Elite Fitout also recently completed a design and fitout project on the Gold Coast, and a lovely soft-blue floral wallpaper was chosen to provide a calming atmosphere for the podiatry clinic’s reception and waiting area.

Paint

Because paint offers a seamless finish, it’s perfect for areas where infection control is vital and necessary. Enamel and velvet-sheen paints are washable and stain-resistant. This is ideal for any area that can get messy or where cleanliness and sterility are of utmost importance.

You can mix and match your paint colours to suit your branding and the purpose of each room. For example, consider softer and more muted colours in waiting rooms and surgeries, or bolder colours in your office areas.

Murals

Custom murals that are painted directly on the wall or applied as wallpaper are becoming increasingly popular.   Depending on your budget and the look you are after, a custom painted mural will generally be a little more expensive. But it’s worth it. 

They can also serve a dual purpose. The photo below shows a feature wall in a recent Brisbane veterinary clinic fitout completed by Elite in early 2021.  This mural was painted directly onto the wall and hand drawn by Super Hero Company. It is bright and sophisticated, and provides a focal point in the waiting area. The wall is also used as a backdrop for Instagram posts by clients and the clinic.

Timber & Glass

Glass and timber are less common, yet striking design options for your walls. Timber is great for creating a warm and welcoming feel. Timber panelling is well-suited for use in reception and waiting areas. It looks good and can also reduce noise levels when used properly.

Glass walls and panels are easy to clean and keep sterile. They also welcome natural light into your practice and can act as a design feature to create that wow factor in your healthcare practice.

Get Inspired

For more examples of various wall finishes in medical, dental, veterinary and radiology practices, check out our fitout gallery, where you’ll find some of the healthcare practice fitouts and refurbishments from Elite Fitout Solutions. 

You can also call our team today on 1300 765 344 to discuss your next practice fitout.