Selecting the Perfect Office Furniture for Your Space
There are certain things you expect when you sit down to get to work each day, be it in a work-from-home (WFH) setup or a traditional brick-and-mortar office. You expect that your environment will offer you an ideal space to focus and do your job. You expect that any computer or tech equipment you use will be operational. And you expect your furniture to offer you the setup that helps you get the job done.
When those basic needs and expectations aren’t met, you run the risk of having a very frustrating or unproductive day. That’s why it’s paramount that your office setup and surroundings are designed to inspire creativity and productivity while keeping you organized. Your furniture in particular should work for you, providing tools and innovative features to promote optimal performance.
With a little effort and planning, you can create an office environment that is comfortable and inviting, while keeping you at the peak of your work game. This is why selecting the right office furniture requires some forethought and planning.
How To Select the Perfect Office Furniture for Space
Before you ever set foot in a store (or shop online), here are a few things to consider:
Working 9 to 5
The dimensions of your office space and the amount of storage you will need both factor into your office furniture choices. You will need to consider how you use your space: do you need to have paper files within arm’s reach? Do you regularly use peripherals like extra monitors, a printer or a conference phone? If you do, a setup that incorporates wire management and storage features can make your workday easier. If not, you may want to stick with a sleek and simple design.
Spatial Relations
The dimensions of your workspace play a significant role in determining the sort of furniture configuration that will work for you, whether you have a swank corner office or a 10×5 cubby carved out of living space in your home. In a larger space, you’ll have more flexibility for a full executive setup. In a smaller space, you may need to be creative with your design choices to find the right fit. A compact design or modular desk system may be your best option in that case.
Studied Style
An inviting office environment is essential if you want to be at your most productive. You spend a considerable amount of time working, and your surroundings matter. A touch of style can go a long way. You should feel good about going to your workspace each day. Materials in your work furniture can help you achieve the feel you want. Incorporate wood for a more mid-century or transitional feel, for example, or make use of steel and glass to create a more contemporary aesthetic. For a home office, you’ll want to make sure your office furniture compliments your existing décor.
Work Smart
Comfort and productivity go hand in hand, and ergonomics is an important factor in setting up your workspace. The ideal sitting position puts your knees at a 90-degree angle and lets you rest your feet flat on the floor. To reduce eye fatigue, you should keep screens at least an arm’s length away. Consider a height-adjustable standing desk to shift positions throughout the workday. Your back and neck will thank you.
Once you have the plan in place for what your ideal office needs, it’s time to shop for that perfect office setup. Here is where understanding the features you need to ensure your space is comfortable, flexible and helps boost productivity is most important. Furniture that is thoughtfully engineered so that you can individualize your workspace to suit your unique needs and working style allows your furniture to work for you.
With that in mind, following are some of the most important things to consider when buying office furniture.
Storage Solutions
Office supplies are a necessary part of working, but when you buy a package of pens or a box of paper, you don’t want the unsightly extras hanging around in view and creating a distraction while you work. You also want to know that your supplies are easy to access and secure. Lined pull-out drawers, for instance, will help keep contents in place and organized. Also look for brands that offer file pedestals and multifunction cabinets with such features as printer trays, locking drawers, adjustable shelving and locking wheels.
Wire Management
Wires for all of your office electronics can quickly begin to feel like a tentacled monster taking over your workspace. Your printer, charging cables, and even desk lamp or phone can all contribute to an unsightly tangled mess. Look for office furniture that boasts wire management features to help you keep your cables organized and out of sight.
Durable Surfaces
You’ll want to give some thought to your work surface. You’ll need a desktop or tabletop that is mouse-friendly, easy to clean, and smooth for writing. A solid desk, built-to-last will include premium wood surfaces or scratch-resistant durable glass desktops engineered to facilitate daily work tasks.
Versatility in the Workplace
In the end, you need a workspace that works for you. Incorporating office furniture that can not only be arranged to your satisfaction but is flexible enough to offer functional solutions for your space and needs is a must. Buying furniture with thoughtful features built in means you can create the setup you need to get the job done.
