When you're shopping for a new bed or sofa, the first thing you probably notice is how it looks. Does it match your personal style? Is it in line with the current design trends? Do the colours go with the rest of your room? This aesthetic checklist isn’t just for sofas and beds; it applies to every piece of furniture you consider, from your wardrobe to your work desk.

Despite that, if you pick something that looks just okay, you’ll likely get used to it over time, and what once was an eyesore will likely start to blend into your daily life. An eye sore is one thing, but a negative effect on your health is another. Poorly designed furniture often has a detrimental effect on you over the long term, and you shouldn’t ignore the impact of furniture on your health over time.

For example, if a sofa or armchair is poorly designed and lacks proper support, your posture will suffer every time you sit down. The same goes for beds — without a supportive mattress, you'll face restless nights and sore mornings.

We’re not saying you should settle for boring furniture. You can absolutely find pieces that are both stylish and great supporters of your overall health. When your body is at ease, you’ll feel happier, less stressed, and more focused. In this guide, we’ll explore the physical and mental benefits of choosing healthy furniture for your home.

Physical Health Benefits of Furniture

How furniture affects health isn't something you recognise right away. It mainly starts with a bit of discomfort that can develop into serious issues like chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even sleep problems if ignored. This shows there's a direct link between furniture and well-being.

Investing in furniture for better posture is crucial for your overall health. Here are the wellness benefits of comfortable furniture and how it can improve your daily life.

Sofas Designed for Proper Posture

Choose a sofa that offers firm back support and ensures your muscles stay engaged. Super soft options may feel appealing but can lead to posture problems in the long run.

When sofa shopping, focus on the firmness of the seat and back cushions. A foam density of at least 1.2 kg/m3 will support your body weight without letting you sink in too much. You can find the firmness label underneath the seats of most sofas.

Make sure your feet rest comfortably on the floor when seated. Spend at least 10 minutes trying this out in the showroom. Additionally, check how your legs fold around the sofa’s edge. If there's too much space between the cushion and your knee, it may cause pressure on your legs over time. Similarly, a sofa too low can pull on your spine, causing strain.

Pay attention to where the seat meets the back of the sofa. A deep gap here can cause slouching. Recliner sofas are a good option if they maintain proper alignment without leaning too far back. Upright sofas with armrests also help combat slouching.

Consider using a footrest or ottoman for extra support. They help take the weight off your lower back, offering a more relaxed position after a long day.

Furl offers a range of different sofas that also include storage compartments. All our sofas are designed with your comfort and long-term health in mind.

Less Clutter with Storage Beds

Living in a small apartment really tests your organisational skills. It’s a never-ending battle to keep things tidy, but somehow, stuff still ends up all over the floor. That's where a storage bed comes in handy. It has convenient compartments or drawers underneath to neatly tuck away seasonal clothes, suitcases, and blankets, keeping your floor clear.

You’re less likely to trip over things during those rushed mornings or late-night bathroom trips. Furl's storage beds have an electric lift mechanism, so it’s super easy to access your stored items without straining your back.

Plus, with fewer items out in the open, there’s less dust collecting. That’s a major win for your health, as it helps reduce allergens and improves air quality in your space.

And as an added bonus, a storage bed simplifies your cleaning routine. When you don’t have to move a lot of stuff around, you can tidy your space in no time.

Ideal Mattress to Keep Your Spine Aligned

An ideal mattress supports your spine, allowing your back muscles to relax during sleep. If it's too firm or soft, it won't provide the necessary support to your neck and lower back.

Your sleeping position and body shape affect what firmness is perfect for you. People with wider hips might find a softer mattress better for alignment. If you're on the narrower side, a firmer bed could be your best bet.

If you're easily disturbed by your partner's movements during the night, go for a mattress with thicker comfort layers that minimise motion transfer.

Materials like cotton, wool, and coils offer comfort and help regulate temperature for a cooler sleep environment. Besides mattresses, proper sleep positions and supportive pillows play a big role in managing back pain.

Dining Tables Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

Eating at a dining table helps you focus solely on your meal, allowing your body to better absorb nutrients and signal when you're full. This mindful approach to eating leads to better portion control and improved digestion.

When you’re distracted by screens or multitasking, it’s easy to ignore your food. Having a dedicated dining space encourages you to savour each bite, enjoy the flavours, and chew properly. Plus, sitting up straight promotes good posture, reducing the risk of discomfort and bloating that can come from eating hunched over a desk or in front of the TV while watching The Great British Bake Off.

If you don’t have a dining table or are short on space, think about getting an expandable table. Furl offers coffee tables and consoles that can easily expand to accommodate six or more people.

Mental Health Benefits of Furniture

Research shows that mental health and physical health are closely linked. Your thoughts and feelings affect how your body functions, and how you feel physically can impact your mood.

This connection is evident in the furniture you choose for your home. Good-quality furniture provides the support your body needs and helps create a calming yet inviting space to sleep, work, and de-stress.

In this section, we’ll explore the mental perks of investing in thoughtful furniture.

Living Room Furniture for Stress Relief: Storage Sofas & Sofa Beds

A comfortable sofa is a natural stress reliever, helping you temporarily escape from everyday demands and recharge. It's where you unwind with a book or enjoy your favourite series – like the Great British Bake Off. Sorry, we love this program at Furl!

However, a cluttered space can distract and frustrate you. A storage sofa helps keep your living room tidy by hiding away items that disrupt the room’s look.

Furl lets you customise the storage options in your sofas, too. In addition to under-cushion storage, you can add arm storage to keep small items safe and out of sight.

With a clean living room, you’ll feel happier inviting friends over. It’s nice to have company, and a clutter-free environment makes socialising so much more satisfying.

If you’re tight on space, a sofa bed offers a practical solution for overnight guests. You don’t need a separate guest room to make visitors comfortable. Just unfold, and your living room transforms into a welcoming space for friends to stay over.

Bedroom Furniture for Improved Sleep Quality: Storage Beds

Have you ever been to your friend's house and the whole house is a complete sea of clutter? It’s stressful, isn’t it? There’s no doubt about it: living in a cluttered space can weigh on your mind. It makes your brain produce more cortisol, the stress hormone linked to anxiety and depression.

By decluttering your bedroom, you can boost your mental health, enjoy deeper sleep, and wake up feeling more rested.

A storage bed makes this whole tidying malarkey much easier. With ample room to tuck away your belongings, you can have a no-clutter zone that promotes relaxation.

Storage beds help create a cosy bedroom where everything you need is easily accessible and out of sight. Whether you're storing seasonal clothes or extra bedding, they offer the flexibility to keep your space fresh and adaptable.

Furl offers a range of customisable storage beds. Our goal is to help you create a home that oozes calm.

Home Office Furniture for Mental Clarity: Work-Friendly Tables & Chairs

Creating a functional home office can do wonders for your focus and productivity. With the right environment and equipment, it's easier to mentally separate work from personal life, which is especially helpful for remote or hybrid workers.

Ergonomic furniture benefits go beyond physical comfort — they also enhance mental clarity. A good office chair and table combo can foster a mindset geared towards achievement and efficiency.

If you don’t have sufficient space, you can go for Furl’s Tiny Home Office. This wall-mounted desk takes up very little space when folded but gives you the flexibility to sit or stand, ensuring you're comfortable while you work.

You might also consider active furniture, like treadmill desks or motion chairs. These options improve your posture and keep you moving throughout the day. They can help you stay energised and reduce the risk of burnout, making it easier to tackle your tasks with ultimate focus.

The Biophilic Benefits of Solid Wood Furniture

The soothing power of solid wood furniture brings the peaceful vibes of the forest right into your home. Research shows that wooden features within your home help lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, and even clear negative thoughts from your mind.

By choosing furniture that connects you with nature, you can improve your well-being and find a little peace amidst the hustle of urban life. Unlike synthetic materials, wood furniture promotes good air quality and is hypoallergenic.

So, it may be a thought to upgrade your interior with furniture echoing nature's forms. For instance, you can add pieces like live-edge tables highlighting the wood's natural shape or wooden chairs with smooth, flowing lines reflecting nature's curves. Even a simple wooden bed frame can strengthen your connection to the outdoors.

Are Active Chairs Good for Your Health?

Active chairs have become popular over recent years due to their apparent health benefits. They help counteract the risks of long sitting hours, which can cause obesity and heart disease. With remote work on the rise, these chairs are designed to keep you moving during your workday. But are they really worth it?

Typically, active chairs are adjustable stools with a seat that rocks or tilts. When you sit on them, you balance using your feet, and when the seat moves, your core muscles engage to keep you steady. They help you stay aware of your posture and encourage small movements.

Active chairs might offer a healthy change for short periods, but they're not a full-time office chair alternative. These stools can be comfortable for about an hour or two, but eventually, you’ll want to lean back and relax.

The balancing act they provide isn’t significant enough to be considered truly active. While they might engage your core slightly, don’t count on them to replace movement. Instead, use them as a reminder to break up your sitting time and don’t solely rely on them for you daily exercise needs.

If you aim to burn calories, an active chair won't be anywhere near that of an actual workout. The chairs have been shown to alleviate some back pain, as the design encourages a slight forward tilt, supporting your lower back. However, like all chairs, sitting for too long can leave your upper body stiff, causing tension in your stomach muscles.

Furl’s Health-Focused Home Furniture Range

At Furl, we believe in healthy living with the right furniture. Our multi-functional pieces combine storage, practicality and high-quality design, so you’re assured you won’t be out shopping a few short months later for a new furniture set. We support the idea of buying less, in a world where consumerism is the norm.

Our electric ottoman beds, for example, provide plenty of storage and are easy to access. They are also made from the highest quality fabrics, so you’ll be able to use the beds for years to come.

We’re proud to comply with UK laws regarding FSC-certified wood and non-harmful chemicals in our fabrics. Plus, we offer vegan fabrics certified by The Vegan Society and options made from 100% recycled plastics.

Final Words

Choosing the right furniture can really impact how you feel, both physically and mentally. Whether it's a comfy office chair that helps you concentrate or a storage bed that keeps your space tidy, every piece matters in making your home a place perfect for you.

Focusing on furniture that supports your health and creates a relaxing vibe enhances your daily life and creates a space you love coming home to. So, as you shop, think about how each item can benefit you and your well-being.