A practical guide to changing room furniture

Whether you’re designing your changing room area or giving it a revamp for a fresh look, the type of changing room furniture you choose can have a big impact on the final result.

And, just as there are many factors that can influence the type of changing room furniture you go for, there are many different options for you to choose from. You’ll need to keep in mind who is most likely to use the furniture and the environment in which it will be placed.

Keep reading to find out more about choosing the best changing room furniture for your space.

What are the different types of benches?

Single-sided benches: these work best for small changing rooms as they only have hooks on one side and can be pushed up against the wall to create more space.

Double-sided benches: These can accommodate many more people and items as they feature hooks running along the front and back of the bench, but you need enough space to place them in the centre of the room and for people to walk around them.

Wall-mounted benches: where space is at a premium, this option provides your customers with changing facilities while taking up minimal floor space as they are attached to the wall.

What features should I consider?

Seating

For a changing room bench to be both practical and comfortable, the seat should be constructed from a durable material. There are many options, including:

Metal: this is one of the most common seating materials found in changing room benches nationwide. They are usually made from welded strips of steel for heavy-duty use.

Laminate: this is a modern and long-lasting option that can easily handle heavy loads without bending. Laminate seat options can be made in a wide variety of colours so you can choose what best suits your overall colour scheme.

Timber: this is an extremely robust option and it can hold its shape even when a large load is placed upon it. Timber seating is also customisable to your colour preference.

Sizing

The size of the changing room benches that you will need ultimately comes down to how many users you must cater for.

In terms of width, a bench seat that has been designed for two people usually has a width of 106-132cm. A changing room bench seat that has been designed to seat four people or more will typically have a width above 200cm.

You may decide to go for a shorter option if the changing room benches are going to a primary school, or a taller option for high schools, colleges and gyms. The exact height of the bench does not usually make much difference (unless you have very low ceilings) but having hooks on the top of the bench adds extra practicality.

The depth of your benches depends on whether you have chosen a single-sided bench or a double-sided bench. If your space is on the smaller side, the single-sided option may be best to give the room a more spacious feel. If you have a larger area to fill, the double-sided benches give a grander look and can work well for when large numbers of people need to use the changing room at one time.

Author Bio

First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk