How to Sign Living Rooms & Lounges
How to use signage to help residents identify and feel comfortable in communal living spaces, supporting social engagement and reducing isolation.
Living rooms and lounges are the social heart of any care home. These communal spaces are where residents gather, socialise, and engage in activities that support their cognitive and emotional wellbeing. For residents living with dementia, identifying these spaces and understanding their purpose is essential for encouraging participation and reducing the social isolation that can accelerate cognitive decline. The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) emphasises that clear signage for communal areas is a fundamental component of dementia-friendly design.
Why Communal Area Signage Is Important#
Without clear signage, residents living with dementia may avoid communal areas simply because they cannot identify them or feel uncertain about whether they are welcome. A clearly signed lounge door reassures residents that the space is for their use and helps them navigate independently from their bedroom to the living area. This independence is closely linked to quality of life outcomes. Research published by the Alzheimer's Society notes that residents who can independently access communal areas show higher levels of social interaction and lower rates of depression.
Best practices for living room and lounge signage:
- Use clear, descriptive labels such as 'Lounge' or 'Sitting Room' alongside iconic imagery of an armchair or sofa
- Position signs on or adjacent to the door at a height of 1200mm from the floor to the centre
- Ensure the sign colour contrasts strongly with the door and surrounding wall
- If the care home has multiple lounges, differentiate them by name or colour coding
- Include tactile and raised elements for residents with visual impairments
- Consider adding a small window or glazed panel in the door so residents can see the room's purpose before entering
Pro Tip
If your care home has multiple lounges serving different purposes, such as a quiet lounge and a television lounge, use distinct signage for each. Adding a brief descriptor beneath the room name, such as 'Quiet Lounge' or 'TV Lounge', helps residents choose the environment that suits their mood and needs. This small detail supports autonomy and personal choice.
Selecting the Right Sign Design#
Living room signs should convey warmth and welcome. The imagery used on the sign plays an important role in setting expectations for the space. An armchair or sofa icon is universally understood and immediately communicates comfort and relaxation. Signs manufactured from 5mm solid white acrylic with textured 3D print provide the durability needed in high-traffic areas while maintaining a refined, residential aesthetic. The raised imagery invites tactile exploration, which can be particularly reassuring for residents with advanced dementia.
Recommended Products
Our lounge and living room signs feature warm, inviting imagery paired with clear typography. Each sign is manufactured from 5mm solid white acrylic with textured 3D print, DSDC-accredited with a 1A rating. Choose from wood-effect finishes like oak and walnut for a homely aesthetic, or select from our range of dementia-friendly colour options for maximum contrast.
Supporting Orientation Within the Lounge#
Signage should not stop at the door. Within the living room itself, consider using visual cues to help residents orient themselves. A clock with clear, analogue numbering helps with time orientation. Notice boards with the day, date, and weather provide grounding information. Activity schedules displayed in large print near the entrance help residents anticipate and engage with the daily programme. These environmental cues work in concert with door signage to create a holistic orientation strategy.
Design principle
The DSDC recommends that communal areas should feel distinct from corridors and private rooms. Signage is part of a broader approach that includes different flooring, wall colours, and furniture arrangements. Together, these elements create clear environmental transitions that support cognitive mapping for residents living with dementia.
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