Unfortunately, over 20% of Australians between the ages of 16 and 85 have experienced a mental disorder.
While this is 20% too many, the good news is that mental health awareness has grown significantly in recent years, and this has been particularly instrumental in influencing the way spaces are being designed and used.
From hospitals and treatment facilities to schools and community centres, there has been an increasing focus on creating environments that create a greater sense of safety, security, and well-being for those in them.
As the understanding of mental health needs deepens, so does the demand for furniture that supports recovery and prevents harm, and a key element of this shift is the use of anti-ligature furniture.
In this post, we’ll highlight what exactly is anti-ligature furniture, and in what way it is being incorporated within residential and community mental health spaces.
What is Anti-Ligature Furniture?
Originally developed for psychiatric hospitals and secure facilities, anti-ligature furniture is specifically designed to reduce the risk of a person self-harming by removing potential points within them where they could attach a ligature.
Typically, these pieces are constructed with smooth edges, tamper-proof fastenings, and materials that minimise risk and the opportunity for suicide attempts.
While traditionally associated with clinical environments, anti-ligature furniture is now being integrated into homes, schools, and community spaces to provide safer and more inclusive environments for all individuals, but particularly those dealing with mental health challenges.
The Importance of Safe Spaces
For anyone living with mental health conditions, the physical environment in which they find themselves plays a crucial role in keeping them calm.
Spaces that feel safe, comfortable, and therapeutic go a long way towards supporting a person’s recovery and reducing their stress, while environments that lack proper design can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
Subsequently, the more anti-ligature furniture can be incorporated into residential and community settings, the more families, caregivers, and mental health professionals can create spaces that prioritise safety for those who need it without compromising their levels of comfort or the room’s aesthetic.
How Anti-Ligature Furniture is Changing Residential Spaces
Increasingly, people are choosing to manage mental health conditions at home, which is why families are seeking ways to make their living spaces safer without making them feel institutional.
The good thing about modern anti-ligature furniture is that they can blend seamlessly into home decor while maintaining the necessary safety features.
Here is how they are appropriate for different rooms.
- Bedrooms
In bedrooms, specially designed beds without sharp corners or gaps can reduce risk while offering a homely feel.
Additionally, with their recessed handles and soft-close mechanisms, anti-ligature wardrobes and drawers are able to prevent injury.
- Bathrooms
Anti-ligature taps, showerheads, and towel rails not only look stylish and are functional but also provide peace of mind for families living with someone who has mental health issues.
The same goes for shatterproof mirrors and tamper-proof fittings, which are other features often incorporated in bathrooms.
- Living Areas
For families with neurodivergent children, individuals recovering from trauma, and those experiencing mental health crises, it is essential to safeguard living areas.
Thankfully, secured shelving and storage solutions that prevent tampering or misuse, and sofas and chairs with durable, smooth surfaces are useful, and are effective in eliminating potential hazards.
The Role of Anti-Ligature Design in Schools and Community Centres
In schools, youth centres, and community spaces, everyone should have a right to inclusivity and safety, which is why anti-ligature furniture is increasingly being introduced into these venues.
This is proving very beneficial because educational environments that support mental health can reduce stress and improve focus for students, while community spaces that consider safety can foster connection and healing.
Here are some of the ways how.
- Schools
Anti-ligature desks, chairs, and shelving create a secure learning environment, while soft, rounded-edge designs in classrooms and breakout spaces prevent injury.
By incorporating them within schools in safe, adaptable, quiet spaces, they allow students to manage sensory overload and emotional distress a lot more easily and encourage open conversations about their mental health.
- Community Centres and Public Spaces
In public mental health facilities and drop-in centres, anti-ligature seating and tables help to provide a secure setting for visitors.
On a similar note, parks and recreational areas are beginning to implement anti-ligature elements in seating and playground design, which in turn makes them much safer for at-risk individuals.
The Balance Between Safety and Comfort
When designing residential and community mental health spaces, a common concern about anti-ligature furniture is that it may make them feel clinical or unwelcoming.
However, there has been a significant shift in the focus of modern designs to achieve a balance between safety, comfort, and aesthetics.
Manufacturers are increasingly creating pieces that blend seamlessly into both home and community settings, which strikes the right balance between offering a warm and inviting atmosphere and maintaining essential safety features.
At the same time, soft furnishings, such as calming colour palettes and ergonomic designs, help to create environments that people perceive as being a lot more secure and supportive than other, more clinical settings.
