Office furniture not only provides workplace aesthetics, but also must be functional from both comfort and productivity standpoints. Employees require high-quality furniture to ensure efficient use of their hours, while storage cabinets must be adequate for proper organization of supplies and documents.
Some companies buy furniture once and don't replace it unless there is some sort of issue. But the trend of the 21st century is to keep office spaces as modern as possible to attract and retain the best talent. There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to office furniture and choosing the right setup for your company. But these six general tips will help you make the right decisions.
The most recent fad when it comes to office furniture is selecting varied and bright colors. These types of schemes provide a high-energy vibe that Millennials and the iGen appreciate. Of course if your brand consists of certain colors, its ok to have everything match for marketing purposes.
Office furniture that serves multiple purposes and can be easily re-arranged is best for companies that won't be regularly updating. Standing desks are easily moved from one place to another. Communal desks are becoming more popular as a result of the whole open office setting. Fast-paced offices should consider desks with wheels.
A tech company catering to teenagers will obviously have a different look than one that makes and distributes dentures. Potential new clients that come visit the office will get their first impressions from the office layout. Tall tables with stools in the break room, for instance, look more informal and relaxed than traditional kitchen table and chairs.
An interesting study by the Wall Street Journal in 2017 found that sales of traditional hardcopy books rose by 5% that year, while e-book sales dropped 17%. Technology apparently cannot change how humans consume book content. But most other information is obtained online. Reserve a shelf to two for storage or even office decor like small plants, photographs and little knick knacks that give the office personality.
Meeting and conference rooms aren't complete without whiteboards. But you don't have to go with the boring traditional ones. Frosted glass dry-erase boards are non-porous, so there is less streaking and mess on your hand when writing on them. There are also mini-whiteboards that come in 8.5 X 11 inches, and 11 X 14 inches for offices that group brainstorming is common.
This is often an overlooked aspect when it comes to office furniture. Those shopping for office furniture in the Bay Area and other parts of California have probably seen labels that say "CAL 117" or "CAL 133." The first is a regulatory rule that requires office furniture in the state to follow fabric and upholstery flammability standards. The latter specifically applies to furniture in public places. However office with proper sprinkler systems are exempt from these regulations in some cities.
The final and likely most important part of picking office furniture is budget. Our team can help you pick out the right furniture for your specific needs. Give us a call during regular business hours at 510-369-3949. You can also use the contact form at the top of the page and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.