The Comfort of Curves
“We’re made of curves. Nature is made of curves. Curves help healing.” – Von Robinson
February 3, 2025
Curves have a unique ability to transform spaces, offering more than just visual softness—they evoke a sense of safety, comfort, and connection. In healthcare environments, where patients and caregivers navigate both physical and emotional challenges, curved forms foster warmth and fluidity, contrasting the cold, clinical feel often associated with sharp angles.
The Allure of Curves
Humans are naturally drawn to curves. Psychological research shows that curved shapes feel safer and more inviting than angular forms. In healthcare settings, this translates to spaces that ease anxiety and promote healing. A chair with a curved back, an arched doorway, or a rounded table edge can subtly shift the mood from sterile to soothing, creating environments that support both physical recovery and emotional well-being.
Designer Von Robinson captured this idea during the Healthcare Design Conference 2024, explaining, “We’re made of curves. Nature is made of curves. Curves help healing.” This connection to natural forms underscores why curves are more than just an aesthetic choice—they align with how we intuitively interact with the world.
The Comfort and Safety of Curved Design
Curved furniture doesn’t just look inviting—it feels that way too. Rounded forms are inherently more ergonomic, naturally conforming to the body’s shape. Chairs with gentle curves offer better lumbar support, while smooth, rounded armrests provide a tactile sense of comfort. This focus on both emotional and physical ease is crucial in healthcare, where every design element contributes to patient outcomes.
Beyond comfort, curves enhance safety. Rounded edges minimize the risk of injury or skin shearing, an essential consideration in environments serving children, seniors, or those with mobility challenges. Curved surfaces also offer better grip points, fostering stability and reducing stress for both patients and caregivers.
Balancing Curves and Structure
While the appeal of curves is undeniable, balance is key. Overusing rounded forms can make a space feel whimsical or lack the structure necessary for functionality. The most effective designs blend curves with clean lines, creating visual harmony and dynamic, well-balanced interiors. In healthcare settings, this balance ensures that spaces feel both professional and nurturing.
Curves That Foster Connection
We are naturally drawn to curves for psychological and practical reasons. Curved forms soften our environments, ease our minds, and remind us of the natural world’s gentle flow. In healthcare spaces, where comfort and connection are paramount, incorporating curves into furniture and architecture fosters environments that support holistic well-being. Curves, whether in a softly rounded chair or a sweeping architectural element, timelessly create spaces that heal.
