I would take the two small things out of the corner for now - maybe they will fit somewhere else when you get the rest done. I would take a cue from the beautiful view and select your art work accordingly.

Could you move the chairs so more of them face the view instead of blocking it. That would also make it easier for other clients to access the magazines. I think the view is great, the chairs and the credenza also.

Could you take out a few chairs and add end tables? My optometrist has a rather large,but not too deep glass fronted piece on the wall. In it she has a collection of antique glass frames and other related items. It's interesting.

Perhaps photography of some type. It's less specific than art in terms of style.

Warm it up with new furniture, bookshelves, books. Get more residential looking furniture. Paint the wood trim in the room. Accentuate the view.

If they didn't have major issues with their eyes before coming here, they will after sitting the in waiting room with these on the walls :>)

Good ideas so far. Just reorienting the seating toward the window may help. I doubt we will spend the money to replace the seating. We definitely need to replace the ceiling tiles since they are dirty around the vents. I thought too maybe some table lamps would help it feel warmer... An inexpensive way to make the lighting a little more residential.

You could add an aquarium to the waiting room if you felt like caring for it. If not, perhaps a birdfeeder outside to alleviate boredom.

Are all these chairs necessary? Just seems crowded.

I just renovated this pediatric waiting room. I've included the before and after photos. We did new laminate vinyl plank flooring, new wall covering and fun colored new furniture.

If you don't want to invest in new furniture, you should consider painting the trim and adding a wall covering above the chair rail and a new paint color below the chair rail. That alone could make a drastic difference.

Can I paint over the textured wall paper?

I would not suggest painting over existing wallpaper, however if there is only one layer of wall paper then you can hang new paper over the top of that. New Vinyl wall covering is not expensive. You could really change the look of that waiting room with paint and wall covering.

paint all the trim white. take out all the chairs and add a different layout with more comfortable seating, side tables, and maybe a play area for kids (if you get any kids).

The chairs are not difficult to reupholster. And, I would strongly suggest that you use the recessed lights on a dimmer and also utilize table lamps. Bright overhead lights are very harsh and annoying to many, especially if you are having issues with your eyes. I think you should paint the trim as well. Just try to make it more soothing. It's quite harsh right now. Also, I agree with Terry Toon: there really are an awful lot of chairs in there. Do you have that many patients at one time? How many doctors in the practice?

I'll check with receptionists on how often we fill all those chairs. Maybe we can get rid of some. I suspect we use most of them. Since most patients are older almost everyone has family or driver with them.

What about trying to configure chairs into small groups, with a few random tables for magazines and a table in a corner with a lamp. Older people like to chat with each other and this will make for a more congenial atmosphere..vs everyone just facing the front. Take advantage of the few with one seating specifically. Adding some nice travel posters for example on the wall will help warm it up as well and may trigger some memories and good conversations. Low music also helps dull others conversations and also relaxes people.