Office Furniture

When it comes to designing a workspace for your employees, you need to look for a good balance between comfort and functionality, as well as a good fit for the space available. Taking a look around the internet will provide you with many office furniture designs and trends, but it is important to remember that not all solutions will be ideal for your business.

These days, it is commonly accepted that poorly designed offices complete with uncomfortable furniture are counterproductive to overall employee productivity, so it is well-worth taking the time to look at current research and working practices before going ahead with a purchase of new office furniture.

Have a Clear Idea

Before you even go anywhere near a catalog, make sure that you know the unique dimensions of your office and the number of employees you can comfortably accommodate. Changes in working practices and office design mean open plan offices are more conducive to collaboration and more dynamic work environments. But just because many companies are doing it doesn’t mean you have to follow suit if it doesn’t adequately meet your needs.

Working alongside a professional office furniture designer can help at this stage, as they will be able to create solutions directly from your requirements, which will be designed to fit perfectly in your space. The last thing you want is employees on top of one another or feeling like they are isolated, so take all of these things into account.

Open Plan

If you decide to break down the walls and go for an open plan office, then cubicles and fixed desks are unlikely to help gain the benefit from the extra space. Therefore, look for furniture which can be adapted or moved to fit the needs of a particular task.

Several forward-thinking companies have changed what the concept of an office is and have introduced more playful elements, such as rest areas and games rooms. Meeting rooms have also been rejigged with sofas, chairs, and collaborative workstations replacing the traditional conference table and executive chairs.

When employees are at their desks, they can work together better if they are situated close together, possibly on a cluster desk with minimal partitions. They are close together and can share ideas efficiently when they are needed instead of having to spend time looking for them or writing an email.

Happy Employees = Greater Productivity

It is an accepted fact that employees are more motivated and productive when they feel happy and comfortable. Having meaningful interactions also helps, which is a significant benefit of modern office furniture designs, as more and more barriers are being removed.

As we mentioned above, some companies have changed the whole concept of what an office is and have introduced furniture and spaces which create a homier feel.

Ergonomics is an area that cannot be ignored, and many desks and chairs are designed with the health of the employees in mind. Some desks can be changed from a sitting desk to a standing desk with minimum fuss. Many chairs can be adjusted to ensure that the person using them maintains a good posture while working.

 Meet Robo-desk

A fixed desk attached to fixed plug sockets is not the most ideal solution if you plan to move around the office. Therefore, we are seeing a move towards desks that incorporate power and connectivity options. For example, some desks now have integrated battery units which can keep electronic devices charged and ready for use throughout the day.

Another recent development has been the use of the sharing of real-time electronic documents across cloud storage systems. When you are in the office, you can create stations where people can come together and plug into a larger screen, which allows all members of the team to work together in real-time without the need for any emails or the printing off of various edits.

Office space is decreasing as realtors try to fit more units into office blocks and large, private offices are becoming an endangered species. The recent trend has been for offices to be more open plans with room for collaborative spaces. These spaces are slowly encroaching on that nice corner office you always dreamed of, leaving you with less floor space. But this doesn’t have to mean that the walls are literally closing in on you. With some creativity and smart furniture choices, it is possible to create a cozy space. Here are some tips on how to furnish a small office.

What Do You Mean There’s No Room for a Recliner?

Choosing furniture for a small office doesn’t mean you have to go for kid-sized stools and tables; it just means that there may not be room for executive oak desks and plush leather chairs. And this is where it is possible to have some fun with it.

Ergonomically designed chairs are designed to be minimalistic but supportive, so they don’t have to take up a lot of room. Sit/Stand desks can be adapted to any task you are doing and help you change your position without having to walk away from your desk.

Preach What You Practice

Working within the confines of a small space can be claustrophobic, but with some creative thinking, you’ll be amazed what you fit in. Some executives around the states have managed to fit bucket chairs, small sofas, storage, and desks into tiny spaces and they are more than happy with their office.

When looking at the space, make a list of the essentials you need in your office and what kind of work you are likely to do there. Being pragmatic will help remove unnecessary storage space and guest chairs. These days, a lot of furniture has a multipurpose design, which can be moved and adapted to fit into a wide variety of nooks and crannies. For example, you could have a desk that could be your personal space and also have an attachment to it for meetings with other colleagues, eliminating the need to go to a meeting room.

Play around with the Lighting

Lighter colored furniture and access to a natural light source can help the space you are in feel much bigger than it is. Choose pastel colors and whites, and make sure the walls complement the furniture, as dark-colored walls can negate the effect of the furniture. On the other hand, dark-colored flooring gives the room a wider and longer feel.

Throw Away the Filling Cabinets

Large, metal filing cabinets that block out the sun are slowly being phased out in modern offices, as more and more businesses are relying on cloud-based storage. If you decide to have a desk in the office, look for one with smart storage solutions, as you just don’t have the space to store reams of paper.

 

Office spaces are changing from the traditional chair and desk design to a more free-flowing workspace specifically designed for the cultivation of collaboration and creativity. More emphasis is being placed on productivity and what makes a productive employee. This has led to some truly innovative thinking and offices that are far removed from the traditional spaces our parents or grandparents worked in.

There has been a definite move to more dynamic and social workplaces in recent years, and this is likely to continue over the coming years. With that in mind, in this article, we will look at the office furniture trends for 2018.

Space Versus Function

Office design was always about getting the most out of the least amount of space, which inevitably led to poorly designed and cramped workspaces. The traditional linear designs of offices act as barriers to communication and collaboration, as the furniture is usually in a fixed space with little or no chance of moving. This model simply doesn’t work in the Information Age where open areas are seen as more conducive to group tasks.

Circular workstations, standing desks, and easily adaptable furniture are all being used by businesses to free up space and give employees more opportunities to share ideas.

Something Different

When people saw the office spaces of pioneering companies such as Google, there were many twinges of jealousy in office workers around the world. But for many, more open-plan offices are becoming a reality as sofas, communal seating areas, benches, and places to hang out are replacing cramped cubicles.

This trend is likely to continue as bosses start to see the benefits of increased collaboration and a more chilled-out environment at work.

Working in the State of Flux

The world we live in today is moving at an unprecedented pace, with new ways of living and working appearing on an almost daily basis. Working within this dynamic context requires a workplace that is similarly dynamic.

In the last few years, there has been a significant shift toward more open-plan office spaces that integrate adaptable furniture and fittings. This allows the office space to be changed to meet the needs of a particular task, which gives employees an opportunity to choose the type of layout that works best for them.

Throwing Out the Filing Cabinets

One way companies have been able to free up space in the office is the move toward more innovative storage options—either physical ones or cloud-based systems. Technology such as wireless charging and connectivity will significantly increase the portability of office equipment and furniture. In fact, many office tables now incorporate mobile USB charging points, which are ideal for any work task.

All these changes result in more space and ease of access to equipment without endless searches and the need to find a room with a power source. 

Time for Change

Many businesses have already made the change to a more adaptive and fluid office space and are already reaping the rewards. If you are planning an office remodel, it might be time to consider doing things a little differently.

Companies around the world are always looking for ways to gain a competitive advantage and improve the productivity of their staff. One area some companies sometimes ignore is the role office design and furniture can play.

Buying or leasing office space, then purchasing office furniture is a considerable expense for businesses of any size. Therefore, it is easy to see why companies might decide to look for ways to save as much money as possible during this process. However, this is something that can ultimately have a negative impact on the performance of the employees. Investing in high-quality furniture is highly recommended, and here are five ways how office furniture can improve productivity.

Comfortable Employees Are Productive Employees

Anyone who works in an office is likely to spend a considerable amount of time sitting at their desk. Now imagine that employee is sitting in an uncomfortable chair with insufficient space to move around. Back pain and a drop in motivation will likely follow at some point. Therefore, it is vital that you invest in high-quality, ergonomically created chairs and workspaces.

There are numerous advantages to using quality office furniture, and the main one is that happy employees will be able to stay on task easily. It also reduces the possibility of time lost due to back problems and employees spending time away from their desk to relieve their discomfort.

Colors and Shapes That Put Smiles on Their Faces

When considering office furniture, take the time to review the types of work your employees will carry out and how the furniture could aid them in their daily tasks.

Boxy furniture and loud colors can create problems in the workplace. Regarding shape, it may be that you have to invest in straight-edged furniture due to space constraints. However, having rounded workstations or standing desks allows for more movement in the workplace and, in the case of standing desks, many health benefits.

Everything in Its Right Place

When designing a new office space, you should factor in storage, places for collaborative work, and ease of movement around the office. Failure to do this will seriously limit the positive effects of investing in high-quality furniture.

Employees like to work in clutter-free environments, which allows for easy access to documents, office equipment, and each other. On the other hand, employees don’t like working on top of each other, so it is essential to strike a balance between function and design.

Let There Be Light

Ideally, natural light will create the best environment for your employees, but this isn’t always possible. Therefore, you should select furniture which will complement the existing light sources and will not obstruct any light. A dull office is likely to have a negative impact on the mood in the office, especially during long winter months.

Space and Communication

Communication amongst team members is crucial to a successful business, so the office should be designed to facilitate this. Ease of movement is useful, as are open spaces with lots of space to spread out away from the confines of the desk. Circular tables or circular seating arrangements are perfect for collaboration, as are comfortable sofas or bucket chairs.

Getting It Right the First Time

Furnishing an office is a massive expense, so you will want to make sure you make the right decisions before signing off on any furniture. Put simply, a well-designed workplace will be conducive to communication and creativity, leading to increased productivity.

How an office looks and feels can have a significant impact on the productivity of your employees, and should not be ignored when you are planning for a new office or renovating an existing one. Having an office furniture company on hand during the whole process can help you make the best choices to maximize space and ensure your staff have a great place to work.

As this is likely to be a substantial investment, you want to make sure you get the best value-for-money and ongoing support. Just ordering in good looking furniture without carefully considering the logistics can result in a loss of time and money.

Planning

Planning is absolutely crucial at this stage, so you should consider numerous factors such as:

• the size of the office
• the required amount of storage
• the type of work
• the number of employees

Once you have considered these things, you need to think about the kind of atmosphere you want within the workplace. Depending on the work, this could mean an open-plan office, cubicles and/or collaborative workspaces.

This is where an experienced office furniture company can come in useful, as they will have a team of designers in place to discuss your requirements with and then offer the most practical and cost-effective solutions to maximize your space.

Design

You may have a particular type of furniture in mind for your space, but during the planning stage, you may realize that generic shapes and sizes are just not going to work. If this is the case, then you will want to choose an option which can be customized to your specific needs.

Talk with the office furniture company to see if they can provide detailed drawings or 3-D models, to see how the furniture will look and see if there are any alterations which could make a huge difference. Small changes in the shape of your storage cupboards or workstations can free up much-needed space for other items.

Manufacture

Once you have placed your order, you are going to want the delivery to occur as quickly as possible. Furniture companies which manufacture their own furniture are usually a good choice in this regard, as they are unlikely to recommend a product which they are unable to fulfill. And, if you like a piece that they don’t currently have the materials for, they will be able to give you an accurate lead time.

It may be cheaper to look at companies from other countries, but there can be considerable lead times, and any returns will result in further delays.

Lifetime Assistance

When ordering office furniture, the last thing you want to do is install it once it arrives. That is why you should look for a company which will provide installation as standard when they deliver the furniture. That frees you up to do other essential tasks to get your office ready for work to begin.

But, that is not where your relationship should end, as furniture is an integral part of your office set-up and not something you will want to replace every year. That is why a professional furniture company will ensure total satisfaction by offering a lifetime warranty, to protect your new furniture against any unexpected issues.

Any Questions?

One of our design experts is available to help you with any project you are planning to undertake, so give us a call today.

The office is the place where a lot of action, creativity, and productivity occur, which is why it is vital that we give our people the right equipment to get the job done. Having functional office tables is an essential part of this and something that should be considered when setting up your office.

There are many factors that need to be considered, and the type of tables you use will be determined by the work you and your people need to carry out. Whatever the size of your business, you will need some form of a table to work from, and these needs will naturally grow as your business does.

Function

No matter how big your organization, you will need places where your employees feel comfortable and able to do their jobs well.

Having a functional and good-looking office space will enable your employees to work more efficiently and productively.

This has to be the first consideration you think of when purchasing office tables. Do you need the table to be a place of individual work or collaboration? There are numerous options available depending on your needs. For example, modular office tables can be modified to meet the needs of your business.

Size

Once you have decided on the objective of the workspace, then you need to consider the size. Are you looking for a big conference table or something that can be folded away to maximize space?

Today, more than ever, organizations are being more mindful of the available workspaces in the office. Large conference tables might give an aura of prestige, but they can take up a lot of space. It is also helpful to have tables that allow for flexibility as you scale your business. It is much cheaper to modify existing tables than to purchase a new office space.

Location

There are two critical areas of the business place that require particular attention to detail when selecting office tables: conference rooms and the central office space. In this article, we will focus on an open-plan style office.

Conference Rooms

The conference room is the place where many big decisions are made in the direction of the organization. Therefore, you want to select a table that will comfortably seat key members of your team. Or you could decide to go for a more flexible option, utilizing tables of different sizes and shapes. This provides greater flexibility while also changing the dynamic of the conference room.

Open Plan Offices

The days of an office with a fixed layout are increasingly becoming a thing of the past. Many organizations now opt for a more flexible layout, incorporating motion tables and standing stations. These unique designs enable collaboration and creativity to occur throughout the office space.

Next Steps

As you can see, office tables play a vital role in a successful office space, enabling employees to be more productive and creative.

Whatever your office table needs, we are here to help you find the best solution for your business.

When meeting new clients or partners, first impressions are very important, and a well-appointed office with executive office furniture is sure to get their attention.

Getting the right look and feel takes a bit of planning and needs to be thought through carefully. For example, a high-end executive chair will look really out of place behind a tiny table.

There are several things to consider when trying to make your office represent the prestige of your position.

 Type of Work

The kind of work you do will determine the type of furniture you need in your office. Some people like to sit while others prefer to stand. You may even wish to do both.

These days, it is possible to get very flexible systems which can be converted from the traditional sitting position to a standing position. This has many benefits, but the main one we would like to mention is it is possible to adjust your position and posture without having to interrupt your work for a quick walk around the office.

If you prefer the idea of a more traditional office desk, it is possible to get different shapes and sizes, complete with multi-level workspaces. This is ideal if you have multiple devices and paperwork you need access to at the same time.

 Size

When considering new office furniture, it is essential to be realistic with your space. Traditionally shaped desks may take up a lot of space without actually being that functional. It might be worth considering an “L” or “U” shaped desk that is custom made to fit in the available space. This will leave room for a comfortable executive chair without making the room feel claustrophobic.

The size of your room will also determine how much area you have for storage. You may have lots of space to play with, but the last thing you want is for clutter to build up, especially if you are expecting guests.

Comfort

We often spend long hours at our desks, which can lead to back and neck pain and can have an adverse effect on productivity, so your overall comfort should be an important consideration when making your choices.

You need a chair that is going to support you when you are sitting, as well as a desk that is the right size for your frame and reaches. There is no point in having furniture that looks good but provides no support or comfort.

Look at different options and consider how long you will be at your desk. Many chairs are ergonomically designed, providing additional padding and support, which will enable you to have a productive day at work.

Materials

This last point is more of a personal choice but probably the one you will spend the longest time on.

There is a multitude of options available when it comes to office furniture, so it is worth thinking about when you are putting together your designs. Are you looking for a classic look of leather and oak? Or something a bit different? Regarding executive chairs, mesh chairs have become increasingly popular, while modular furniture proves more functional than a traditional desk.

What Now?

There are many factors that need to be considered when deciding whether to invest in new executive office furniture, and it is not a decision to rush into. You need to think about the overall purpose of the office furniture and what message you are trying to portray. From there, you can consider your budget and the available options.

If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact to discuss your requirements further.

The right furniture can make a big difference when it comes to the productivity of the office staff. From conference room tables to chairs and desks, there are many options at varying sizes and price ranges.

Along with furniture, the new digital age allows for collaboration to be improved without everyone being in the same room. With added connectivity, everyone in the office can be together on a single document or site that makes them aware of how their piece fits into the bigger puzzle.

Tables and Chairs

When it comes to improving collaboration between coworkers, flexibility and movability are the two most important things to consider. Conference room tables that can easily be moved will let groups break off into smaller segments. This could also make the size of the table smaller so everyone is closer together.

Tables can be even further upgraded by including electronic connectivity. By being able to charge devices right from the table, everyone can stay together longer and without fighting for outlets. With a TV or projector combined with the large table, control is in the hands of everyone at the table.

Chairs that cannot be moved encourage everyone to be more stagnant and less interested in getting up and moving around. There are plenty of chair options that are better for getting everyone to move around and collaborate with other colleagues.

Technology

Tabletop projectors have become nearly obsolete in today’s world. That is large because it looks better, and often works better, to connect a laptop via a smart TV or smart board. Smart boards are great because people can edit and analyze with the touch of a finger or other instrument. You can circle graphs or add ideas to a brainstorming session.

Online Collaboration

Conference room tables and other collaborative furniture are great when everyone is together, and they will be well used. However, collaboration should not be restricted to the office. Cloud computing can go a long way toward ensuring that everyone is on the same page. The cloud lets you access work documents when working from home or when you need to recall something quickly after hours.

Working together without everyone having to be seated at conference room tables has also become easier with a wide variety of apps and websites. Google and Microsoft Online both offer the ability to create data sheets and documents that can be edited in real time by anyone invited. This means that there will no longer be the issue where multiple people edit the same document and everyone gets confused when trying to combine edits and changes.

Getting the office into the twenty-first century is easier than ever with the amount of progress being made online through professional and corporate websites. But all of the online software and smart hardware cannot replace personal contact and collaboration. When it comes to making the best impact, adding new conference room tables and chairs that bring everyone together in a better way will have a great impact on the success of the office.

Purchasing from an office furniture store is often done out of necessity. A chair breaks, a table loses a leg, a projection screen tears. And with any business, the bottom line matters, which can lead to cutting corners with things that seem expendable. Who needs a fancy table when any standard table will do, right?

In an office, people obviously are the key factor when it comes to productivity and efficiency. But the environment can be incredibly important as well. If employees feel uncomfortable in their workspace, or are dealing with faulty equipment and products, it can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation. Below are some examples of items you could pick up from an office furniture store that will help improve efficiency.

Tables

Office tables should be able to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. A large, plain table that puts everyone far away from each other is not conducive to creating a team. Many offices are moving away from the stereotypical long conference tables. Not every office furniture store has the amount of variety in tables that others do. This is why it is so important to shop around.

The more mobility and functionality, the better. Instead of getting one long table, another option is to get a number of smaller tables that can easily be moved around. This allows for multiple setups like one large group for presentations or breaking out into smaller groups. Round tables are also great for collaboration because it keeps everyone in each other’s sights, so no one is at the end of the table, being ignored.

Desks

Like tables, desks can also be a huge asset—or an even bigger liability. Whether the office is a call center, marketing agency, IT, or anything else, desks are going to be where many employees spend most of their day. Ensuring that the desks are both functional and comfortable is very important.

There also needs to be a healthy mix of collaboration and privacy, which varies depending on the industry. Some offices have moved to completely open plans where there are no walls between desks. This works great for an office setting where people are expected to do work together. But for a scenario like a call center or journalism, where people should be able to focus on their own work, more partitions are better. Check the office furniture store for what types of partitions and desks are available.

Filing and Storage

Filing papers is a necessity for most offices. And anyone who has had to file years’ worth of papers knows they can quickly become disorganized and messy. By having the best filing and storage products, things will be able to be recalled more quickly, saving valuable time on the job.

Office leaders wondering why their team is not working as efficiently as they should be must consider whether the tools are there for them to work optimally. And this does not just mean the best computers and printers (although those do help). Everything from the chairs to the lighting can affect the ability of employees to work optimally with their office furniture. Purchases should not be made before learning what your employees may need to help make the office a better environment for all.

First impressions count and no more so than in the business world. That is why it is important to consider what sort of impression you want people to have when they walk into your offices. The first place they are likely to see is the reception, and they are sure to look around while they are waiting for their appointment. Therefore, it is crucial that the office reception furniture and the interior design is both welcoming and conveys any messages you want to send out.

There are many things to consider in this area, and today we will look at some in more detail.

Office Desks

The first interaction that your guests are likely to have with your company is with your reception team. And, if they are seated behind poorly designed and maintained desks, this will create a negative impression.

A reception desk can be so much more than a place to work. For example, placing a logo or slogan on the table can be very impactful. It can also take up as much or as little space as you require.

Guest Chairs

The last thing you want to do is trigger your guest’s sciatica because of uncomfortable furniture in the reception. That is why you should consider comfort when fitting out your reception area.

When you sit on uncomfortable seats, it always elicits a reaction, and it is very rarely a positive one. If this occurs, your guest is likely to start looking around and wondering why they are there.

Even though the time spent in the reception area is only likely to be short, a negative first impression could cause a problem before the meeting even begins.

Ergonomics

Looking good is great, but it is also important to consider the ergonomics of the furniture that you choose. If your receptionist is going to spend a long time at the desk, then it is essential that the space is comfortable and can be adapted to ensure correct posture is achieved.

You should look for a desk that has an ergonomic design and surface alongside features such as adjustable height keyboards.

The same goes for the chairs that you use. If you are integrating sit/stand design features into your reception area, then this will need to be considered when choosing an appropriate chair.

Whichever layout you opt for, the chair needs to have optimal back support and be easy to adjust.

How Does This Influence My Guests?

Never underestimate the importance of comfort and a first impression. Have you ever visited an office that is poorly lit and has uncomfortable furniture? That combination can put off a guest and change their attitude towards you and your business. This is not how you want the meeting to begin.

And, if your receptionists have a comfortable, well-designed workspace, they will find it much easier to welcome your guests with a genuine smile. This will make a positive first impression that could be the start of an excellent business relationship with your guests.