Whether you're a large conglomerate, budding new business or solopreneur, having an office space that suits your needs and keeps you inspired is part of what makes work fun. While interior designers can suggest decor, paint, and even flooring samples, an office's primary goal is functionality. Picking the right pieces that marry your brand's aesthetic with your everyday work needs is key to creating a space that's inviting, invigorating, and encourages productivity.
Client-facing businesses like in media, advertising, finance, hospitality, and travel benefit the most from making the right decisions when it comes to their office furniture. From desks to chairs, filing cabinets, bookshelves, computer desks, standing desks, meeting tables, ergonomic seats, reception area seating, office partitions, sofas, portable workstations, reception counters, drawers, cabinets, shelving units and metal furnishings, having the right vendor can drastically change the look and feel of your space. And with the rise in modular design, you can quickly create temporary or additional workstations to suit your growing business. Sourcing high quality, stylish, classic, contemporary and modern furniture is just a click away when you work with our certified vendors.
Want to promote a more engaged workspace or encourage teamwork? Your office plan, layout, and furniture play a key role in creating an environment an inviting space that entices prospective clients and stimulates your employees every day.
Before you start thinking about what furniture you will need, make a detailed list of your most basic office needs. The list should include items you must have for your office such as a computer, fax, printer, telephone, file storage, and so on. When making your list, think about the ways in which you plan to use the office. If you are a graphic artist you may need space for a computer and a larger table, or work-space for your artwork. If you are a consultant, you may need additional space for locking file cabinets to protect sensitive documents, and a place to meet with clients. Here are a few more factors you should consider upfront:
Space: The size of your office will play a key role in dictating exactly what kinds of pieces you can furnish it with. A small space with oversized furniture can easily look cluttered, just as a large open floor-plan with small desks and chairs can look too empty. Take time to first measure out the dimensions of your office, and then look for ways to maximise the space. Consider alternate furniture arrangements, which can go a long way in making a small office look more spacious. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between comfort and functionality
Workplace needs: Consider what kind of business you have. An IT business might need additional storage space for computer accessories, servers, and gadgets, while a creative agency would prefer large open collaborative workspaces where employees can meet to discuss ideas. Your business processes and needs should guide the kind of furniture you invest in. Aiming for a cafe-like atmosphere where employees can easily communicate and collaborate with each other? Buy a huge table and a few chairs. If you're going for a formal feel with cubicles that promote focused attention, buy a desk with cubicle-dividers. Whatever your plans are, keep in mind that your choice should make your office a conducive environment for work.
Comfort: Uncomfortable employees and unproductive ones. Pick desks that offer your colleagues ample space and storage options for papers, computers, personal knick-knacks, and files. Consider desks with built-in wire management solutions that keep nagging wires, cables and plugs out of sight. Desks should provide ample space both above and below the surface. If your computer requires a CPU tower, consider storage solutions that will incorporate it to keep it clean, protected and ventilated. Ergonomic studies have shown that prolonged seating can cause back problems, as well as, leg disorders due to poor circulation. Counteract this by investing in adjustable height desks, which allow employees the flexibility of sitting or standing while they work, and investing in ergonomic desk chairs with appropriate support. Desks should be durable enough to withstand regular use, coffee spills, pen marks, and the occasional scruff. Furniture that's versatile and multi-functional is a cost-effective way to solve space-related issues, like desks with storage space for files and leg room and modern seating options with USB chargers built in. Furniture with multiple functionalities is always the way to go.
Storage: No one likes a cluttered workspace. A great desk piled high with paperwork and supplies is going to foster more frustration than it is productivity. Invest in organisational units, shelving, file storage drawes and cabinets to keep the space neat and organised. Mobile file cabinets provide flexibility as well as additional workspace. If files are of a sensitive nature, invest in locking file cabinets instead of regular ones. If space is tight, consider adding shelves to your office to make use of vertical space. Component/modular systems offer the most flexibility in this regard, allowing you to combine work surfaces, file storage, supply cabinets and more to customize your office to your needs.
Quality: While keeping costs manageable is great for any business, doing so shouldn't compromise on certain quality standards. Sub-par furniture might require regular updates, meaning more expenses down the line, not disruptions to the normal office workflow. Choosing high quality materials and a reputable supplier will secure your investment and can save you thousands of dollars on furniture repairs and replacements. At the very least, make sure that drawers open to their full length and close easily while bearing weight. Look for high quality wooden drawers that are assembled with an interlocking construction rather than staples or glue. Check that the corners and edge of the workstation are neat with no signs of fraying or separation between adjoining pieces. Above all, choose a well-known supplier that has a proven track-record for providing high-quality products, and always read reviews!
Brand identity and style: Get creative! Choose furniture that reflects your style. Are you looking for something traditional or contemporary? Wood furniture has a more traditional feel, while steel and glass pieces are more modern and industrial. For a transitional environment, consider a combination of these materials. A professional office needs a consistent look, so choose a common aesthetic for your desks, storage cabinets, chairs and other prominent elements.