How to choose office furniture:
As much as we hate to admit it, we spend a great deal of time in the office. Too many of us work in poorly designed office environments, making do with the furniture provided. However, those who understand workplace design know that an effective, personalised workspace can make all the difference to our productivity and overall efficiency.
Whether you are setting up a professional corporate workspace or a small home office, there are certain factors you should consider.
Make a list of your essential requirements:
Before you start thinking about which furniture you will need, make a detailed list of your most basic office requirements. The list should include essential office equipment such as a computer, fax machine, printer, telephone, file storage and so on.
When making your list, consider how you plan to use your office. If you are a graphic designer, you may need space for a computer and a larger desk, or a work surface for your artwork. If you are a consultant, you may need additional space for lockable filing cabinets to protect confidential documents, as well as an area for meeting clients.
Choose your location:
If you work in a corporate environment, your location is likely to be predetermined, but you still need to consider how best to use the space. In most cases, the desk should be positioned with a view of the office entrance and make use of the available natural light.
Home office locations are much more flexible, ranging from a corner of a family room to a dedicated office in a spare room. Make sure your home office is free from potential distractions such as the kitchen, household activity and noise. The important thing is to have a permanent space dedicated to work.
Select furniture designed for your work:
There are many options when it comes to office furniture, particularly its most central component: the office desk.
Although it may seem like simply a place to work, quality office furniture should accommodate your technology and improve efficiency. Keep your electronic equipment in mind. Beyond your computer and printer, consider your mobile phone, video camera or music player. A good desk includes cable management to keep unsightly cables out of view.
A desktop should be durable, so you do not have to worry about damaging it or leaving an unsightly coffee ring.
Look for desks with storage to keep everyday items out of sight. If your computer requires a CPU tower, consider storage solutions designed to accommodate it while keeping it tidy, protected and ventilated.
Make sure you choose an ergonomic office chair with the right support, or a sit-stand desk that allows you to alternate more easily between sitting and standing throughout the day. Trust us, your back will thank you!
Include cupboards, filing cabinets and pedestals:
Do not overlook all the other elements that make up your office. A great desk is one thing, but if it becomes cluttered with paperwork and supplies, it will not support productive work.
Use drawers and file storage cabinets to keep everything tidy and organised. Mobile filing cabinets provide flexibility and additional workspace.
A secure filing cabinet may be required to keep your files safe. If space is limited, consider adding shelving to your office to make use of vertical space.
Now it is time to be creative. Choose furniture that reflects your style. Are you looking for something traditional or contemporary? Wooden furniture has a more traditional feel, while steel and glass create a more modern, industrial look. For a transitional setting, consider combining these materials. A professional office needs a consistent appearance, so choose a cohesive aesthetic for your desks, storage cabinets, chairs and other prominent elements.
To create an effective office, everything should have its place.
Modular systems offer the greatest flexibility in this respect, allowing you to combine work surfaces, file storage, supply cabinets and more to tailor your office to your needs.
Once you have a place for everything, KEEP IT THERE! By paying attention to detail when setting up your office, you can ensure that you have created a space where you genuinely want to work.
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