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The Psychology of Familiarity: Why Traditional-Looking Furniture Helps with Dementia
- 03 July, 2025
- Frederick Tomblin
When it comes to dementia care, looks really do matter. Research and real-world experience show that traditional-looking furniture can have a meaningful impact on the well-being of someone living with dementia.
1. Familiarity Brings Comfort
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People with dementia often live more vividly in their long-term memories. Furniture that resembles what they had in earlier life can be reassuring.
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Victorian or mid-century styles often evoke feelings of home and safety.
2. Reducing Institutional Feel
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Sterile, clinical furniture can create anxiety or confusion.
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Wooden finishes, warm tones, and classic handles create a more homely atmosphere.
3. Promoting Engagement
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A wardrobe that looks like one someone had 40 years ago may prompt them to open it more confidently.
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Familiar cues can spark conversation and independence.
4. Supporting Identity
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Dementia doesn’t erase personality. Traditional furniture reflects individuality and avoids the sense of being “just a patient.”
5. Balancing Form and Function
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Modern dementia-specific furniture can now integrate classic styles with essential safety features, providing the best of both worlds.
In short, the right furniture design supports emotional well-being just as much as physical safety. When choosing furniture for someone with dementia, the visual language of the furniture matters more than we often realise.
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