In mental health settings, suicide prevention is a deeply serious topic. But, thankfully, in recent times, it’s one that’s getting more attention for all the right reasons.
For hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and supported living facilities, the design of their physical environment plays a critical role in the safety and well-being of their patients. And while you might not think a lounge chair could make much of a difference, when it comes to reducing risks, every piece of furniture counts.
That’s where anti-ligature lounge chairs come into the picture. These purpose-built chairs are changing the way authorities are approaching suicide prevention in care environments.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what they are, how they work, why they matter, and what to keep in mind when selecting them for high-risk settings.
What is an Anti-Ligature Lounge Chair?
An anti-ligature lounge chair is a piece of furniture specifically designed to prevent self-harm or suicide by removing points where a cord, rope, or fabric could be attached to cause injury. In mental health facilities and correctional institutions, this kind of design is essential, given how vulnerable the people within them can be.
Unlike regular chairs, these lounge seats are built without any gaps, sharp corners, or spaces where someone could attach something or hide items. Indeed, they’re often made from one solid piece of material, which means they offer higher levels of comfort and security.
With anti-ligature lounge chairs, the goal is to reduce the opportunity for a person in distress to harm themselves, while still being conducive to a calming, home-like environment. Achieving this balance between safety and comfort is vital in therapeutic settings.
Why Furniture Design Matters in Suicide Prevention
When we think of suicide prevention, we usually focus on psychological support, medications, and staff training. But the physical space someone occupies during a mental health crisis can be just as impactful.
Design-led safety measures reduce impulsive actions and can save lives, which is why furniture plays a critical role in reducing the risk of suicide by limiting access to means.
Many incidents in healthcare settings are the result of ligature-based attempts. However, by removing anchor points, these attempts become much less likely.
At the same time, well-designed furniture contributes to a therapeutic environment. For this reason, rather than creating a cold, clinical space, carefully chosen furnishings can create a sense of comfort and safety, which is integral for healing.
Importantly, this type of furniture also promotes dignity and autonomy, because unlike obvious restraints or hard-edged security devices, anti-ligature furniture offers subtle protection.
This, in turn, shows that facilities value their residents as individuals, and not just as risks that need to be managed.
Key Features to Look for in Anti-Ligature Lounge Chairs
Not all lounge chairs are created equal, especially when it comes to safety. An effective anti-ligature lounge chair will be designed without gaps or openings that could be used to tie something or hide objects. Additionally, a smooth, seamless structure is not only more hygienic but also eliminates potential danger zones.
These chairs are also often purposely heavy or securely fixed in place because the added weight or bolted design ensures they can’t easily be moved, tipped over, or used as weapons.
Anti-ligature lounge chairs are built using extremely durable, tamper-proof components such as high-impact polymers, sealed timber, or tear-resistant upholstery. They’re made this way to withstand regular use and potential abuse, which ensures they stay intact and functional over a more prolonged period of time.
The shape and form of the chair are equally important. Not only do rounded edges and soft contours help reduce the risk of injury during outbursts or falls, but these features also soften the room’s overall aesthetic. This, crucially, makes it feel less clinical or institutional.
The great thing about a quality anti-ligature chair is that it is generally easy to clean, resistant to stains and fluids, and designed with infection control in mind. This guarantees that the furniture remains safe and presentable, even in areas that experience high usage.
Where Anti-Ligature Chairs are Used
Across Australia, anti-ligature lounge chairs are used in a wide range of settings, including psychiatric hospitals and mental health inpatient units, where they are standard issue. In these environments, their presence helps to ensure that patients going through severe psychological distress aren’t at further risk due to the physical environment.
In addition, they’re also commonly found in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres, where individuals may be navigating a vulnerable period of recovery. Similarly, aged care homes (particularly those with dementia units) can benefit from this type of safety-first furniture.
Youth justice facilities and correctional centres also use anti-ligature furniture as part of broader suicide prevention strategies, while supported independent living homes adopt these designs for residents with complex needs.
More recently, families caring for loved ones at home have started exploring anti-ligature options for bedrooms and living areas. In short, wherever vulnerable people are being supported, there’s a strong case for these chairs to be used, particularly when incorporated within a calming, biophilic design.
