Chiropractic Office Decorating 101

We always judge a book by its cover. We may try not to, and we are hopefully open to re-thinking our first impressions of people, but those first few seconds of seeing an unfamiliar person tends to leave an indelible imprint that is hard to change.

The same is also true of places, and especially so for places in which we need to spend money or where we entrust our physical and mental well-being to others. If you enter a store or shop and find nothing but dust, chaos, and cheap merchandise, you would hesitate to stay any longer than necessary unless driven to find some sort of a bargain. Visiting a doctor's office that is dusty, chaotic, and generally unhygienic might cause you to turn around and march right out again, assuming that the doctor must not be very skilled. You would certainly be sure to mention the lack of cleanliness to a number of your friends.

Most doctors, however, understand the need for an attractive and tidy lobby. If the doctor doesn't, his or her receptionist or secretary, who is constantly in the lobby will be sure to pipe up. But just having a tidy area with a few chairs and some outdated magazines isn't enough to attract new patients and get their referrals, even if you are phenomenal at what you do.

When you've set up shop, hired a receptionist, started using the best chiropractic marketing system there is, and are just hoping your efforts begin to bring in new clients, one of the things you should look at is the style of decoration in your lobby and rooms. Think like your clients and start to make some changes that will impress people the moment they walk in the door.

People who see chiropractors often think they are taking somewhat of a risk - at least at first. For as long as chiropractic has been around, there are always ten horror stories of bad adjustments to one story of miraculous healing. While acceptance of chiropractic has certainly grown, introducing your clients to a place of healing and relaxation is your top priority. By decorating with calming colors, such as neutrals, and adding a splash of life with glossy green plants, you have already made significant changes. Never paint the walls of your lobby or rooms with vibrant, saturated primary colors unless you only cater to children. Even colors such as blues and greens should be muted and understated; and if you wish to add some interest, feel free to hang peaceful paintings on the walls.

The floor should have a durable and attractive covering. If you can only afford cheaper linoleum, there are now many styles and types of tiles and wall-to-wall sheets that will wear well and look good with a little upkeep. Carpeting should also be durable but appealing, with no threadbare spots or holes, frequently vacuumed to look its best.

Chairs need to match or at least complement each other, and be in good condition. Small tables, set at intervals to hold magazines and lamps (for pleasant ambient lighting, especially when you have nauseating fluorescents in the ceiling), create a cozy feeling, helping patients feel more at home and relaxed.

Think "home" but professional. Imagine what you would like to see, and work toward that vision, because patients will certainly respond to a warm, zen-like atmosphere when they are trusting you with their health.