Office furniture is designed to make any space more conducive for work. It transforms a regular room into an office space. And when void of this furniture, an office will just be a space.
These can make employees more comfortable, thus they will be able to focus on the deadlines.
Each piece of furniture is categorized according to its use. And we are going to enumerate each one. We’ll also toss in tips on what you should look for when buying each piece.
The right pieces can make your work more efficient. But buy the wrong ones, it can mean more work for your team. Plus, that’s money wasted down the drain.
What are the types of furniture and how to find the suitable pieces
Office Furniture # 1: Office Desks
A desk’s main function is to serve as a place where you can write, work on your computer or laptop, or it can be a place where you can operate small equipment such as photocopy machines.
Generally, these are referred to as office desks. But office desks are further broken down into several types, and they are classified according to their purpose and use.
Executive desk
Large offices and workspaces often have an executive desk. When it comes to the office desk, it’s considered king. It’s composed of a rather large table as your working surface and offers tons of drawers and storage spaces.
An executive desk is an elaborate piece of furniture, and can also be the office centerpiece.
It comes in traditional and modern designs. The more traditional office layout will often have an executive desk system consisting of a large central desk and several cabinets with tons of storage spaces and is often double pedestaled.
Apart from being functional, executive desks are also centerpieces. They are meant to impress guests, clients, and visitors.
And an executive desk doesn’t really have a standard form, it may also depend upon the preference of the person since these are often customized for a specific space.
How to find a suitable elective desk?
Remember, executive desks can really be big. So you have to make the proper measurements to ensure it will fit in your office. Check all the dimensions from the width, length to the height of the desk.
The width of the desk must be able to accommodate all the things you may want to put on the desk. Also, check for the height so that you’re sure if your office chair can fit into the desk.
Another thing to consider is quality vs the price vs the durability. Traditional executive desks are quite expensive as they are made from real wood and other premium materials.
But if you don’t have the budget for an expensive desk, there are executive desks that are made from laminate and composite materials. They are practical and can look as nice as the traditional ones, but they might not be as durable.
Lastly, traditional executive deals offer tons of storage space. But not all may have the same number of drawers or shelves. If you don’t have enough shelves in the office, it’s a good idea to buy an executive desk with one.
Corner desks
Corner desks are great solutions if space is an issue. You can plush these to an empty corner and still have ample space to write and work.
This is often confused with an L-shaped desk, but they are quite different. Corner desks are meant to be placed in a rounded corner while L-shaped desks are flushed to the sides.
Corner desks are quite versatile and can be used by anyone who needs a working table.
How to find a suitable corner desk?
Proper measurement is key when finding a corner desk for your office. Measure the available space where you want to put the desk. Be mindful of the placement of the plugs, air vents, windows, or other requirements. Since these will be flushed to a corner, you have to be sure where these are going to be sitting next to.
Measure all dimensions of the desk, the width, the length, and the depth of the table and compare these to the numbers you got earlier.
Secretary desk
Secretary desks are named as such because these are often used by the secretary of the executive officer. It often sits beside a typist’s table. The typist table can be a corner table where all the typing jobs are done.
The traditional secretary desk comes with a hinged cover and is outfitted with a bookshelf on top. It’s often rare to find this type of secretary desk in a modern office setting, though you may still find these vintage antique pieces in some offices.
Modern offices may still have a secretary desk, but it will look more like a simple desk with secret compartments and storage spaces.
How to find a suitable elective desk?
Consider the size, the number of compartments & storage spaces, and the finishing. Traditional secretary desks will look very vintage, almost like antique furniture.
Credenza desk
A credenza is often used as a secondary working surface. It is often situated near the main office desk. And this is where you can place your xerox photocopy, fax machine, or other equipment that you need to access every day.
Credenzas may have one to two storage pedestals where you can store office supplies or general documents.
How to find a suitable credenza desk?
Credenza desks have varying lengths and widths, but these are commonly longer tables where several people can do additional work at the same time. So measure the available space in your office versus the dimensions of the credenza desk. And this table is often flush against the wall.
So be mindful of windows, vents, or anything that can come in its way. Often, it’s placed near a power outlet so you can plug in your photocopier or fax machine.
Cubicles
Cubicles are often used in companies with more employees. These are smaller working tables that are placed alongside each other and divided by partitions.
There are a lot of cubicle designs, you can even find modular ones. Traditional cubicles may be smaller worksurfaces, but these can be larger working surfaces depending on your needs, they are highly customizable.
How to find a suitable office cubicle furniture?
Aside from the dimensions, design is very important here. It comes in an array of designs. And often, cubicles will eat up a huge chunk of office space, so you have to be very keen on buying an office cubicle that can blend in with the whale room’s interiors.
Another huge consideration is panel systems.
Cubicles will require dividers, they play a huge role in completing the entire setup. And don’t forget to take into account how many employees you have and of course the budget restrictions.
Computer desks
Computer desks are very utilitarian and quite universal. These desks can also take the place of a secretary desk, a credenza, or even an executive desk in very small offices. It can serve as the foundation for the other types of desks.
Computer desks are perfect for home offices and small office space.
How to find a suitable computer desk?
Dimensions, style, shape, and the materials of the desks. If you need extra storage space, there are computer desks that offer a decent number of open and enclosed storage spaces. Though it’s not as elaborate as an executive desk, it can suffice if you need basic storage for paper, pens, etc.
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Office Furniture # 2 Office Chairs
There are many types of office chairs, they come in all shapes and designs. And you will be able to distinguish one from the other by their purpose.
Ergonomic Office chairs
These are king when it comes to comfort. And a lot of offices, even home offices, are switching to ergonomic chairs. These have more features that make the chair more “ergonomic” and comfortable for working longer hours.
How to find a suitable ergonomic chair?
There are a lot of options and you’ll find it quite challenging to buy the perfect piece for your office. One way to narrow down your choices is to list the things that you are looking for in an ergonomic chair. Do you need a lumbar shirt, 4d arms, one headrest, or a footrest? And don’t forget to check out reviews and see user experiences. This will help you distinguish the good from the wannabes.
Executive office chairs
Executive office chairs are quite hefty and can make a statement. It pairs with an executive desk and sits the chief officer of the company. It is also typically larger and bulkier compared to an ergonomic office chair or a drafting chair.
And more often makes use of more expensive materials such as leather or fine wood.
How to find a suitable executive office chair?
Traditional executive office chairs look grand, but they can also be expensive and too sweaty for summer. So ensure that the temperature in your office is still comfortable, come summer, because the leather can be hot. But these chairs have thick additions and can be very very cushy and comfortable.
Nowadays, you can find executive chairs that are more affordable, and these are made from faux leather instead of the real ones. And this marks the price down. But some can be high maintenance and very cheap ones can easily rip off.
How to find a suitable elective office chair?
The biggest factors are material, cost, and comfort Since these are less adjustable, you’re not buying these because of the ergonomics. But it does not mean that it has to be uncomfortable. If you’re not buying one made with real leather, ensure that the material is durable and comfortable enough.
Task chairs
Task chairs are the most basic type of office chair. This Is perhaps the basis from where the more modern office chairs came from. Task chairs often come with caster wheels. And some can be more ergonomic and adjustable seat height.
Tasks chairs are the least expensive but they are not the most comfortable. Most task chairs are only used for a couple of hours only because they lack ergonomics.
How to find a suitable task chair?
Do you need one with a backrest? Or a task chair with a padded seat and backrest is more comfortable for you?
Task chairs have fewer features, so they will be easier to choose from. Most basically have the same features. SoThe more sophisticated units can also have an adjustable seat and may even have lumbar support. These can also be compared with some entry-level ergonomic office chairs.
Conference chairs
These are seen in conference and meeting rooms. Conference chairs aren’t very ergonomic, instead, they may lack ergonomics. But when it comes to aesthetics, these are presentable chairs. Because the conference room is where the employees and higher-ranking chief executives meet, it should be aesthetically appealing.
And it should be comfortable enough for all. It doesn’t have to have adjustable features, but a cushy seat and backrest are often preferred by many.
How to find a suitable conference chair?
Aesthetics, durability, adjustment, and size are primary considerations.
Aesthetics and durability go hand in hand. You would want to choose a conference chair that matches the interiors of your office. And at the same time, it should be durable enough to accommodate all sizes and types of people.
Though it lacks ergonomics, we think it should at least have adjustable seat height so that people can adjust it according to their needs. It will look ridiculous if you’ll be sitting too low because it can’t be adjusted.
A cushy seat and backrest is an advantage. Though modern offices are switching to mesh chairs, this is also another option, just ensure to get a mesh chair that isn’t too stiff.
Office Furniture # 3 Waiting Room Furniture
These are where you sit your guest and client while they wait. Offices with smaller spaces also use these as the presentation area. So this is a combination of chairs and a desk.
While executive desks may be seen by most as the central attraction in an office, we beg to differ. We think that you should also pay more attention to what pieces you put in your waiting area.
And for small spaces, this is also used as the presentation area. So you have to be very keen when choosing furniture for this space. It can reflect the brand and it may be the first thing visitors will see when they come into your office.
How to find a suitable waiting room furniture?
Aside from getting pieces to match your office interiors, you have to consider the comfort. It spells out a lot of how well you take care of your people. You have to make sure everyone is comfortable, these are non-negotiable when it comes to these pieces.
Another factor is functionality, especially if you have smaller space. The waiting room also doubles as a presentation area, so you might want to make it as functional and versatile as you can.
Consider the number of employees to determine how many sets of chairs and tables you need. Also, consider the volume of visitors and clients that come into your office each day.
Office Furniture # 4 Conference tables
Unlike office desks, conference tables are intricately designed. That’s why they have their own category.
How to find a suitable conference table?
You cannot just choose a basic long desk. This is where the executives, all the employees collaborate. So it has to be given attention, a long narrow chair would not just be, it has to be functional too.
And it should also match with the conference chairs that you already have or will be buying.
Consider getting tables with dimensions that can accommodate the number of employees you have, should you need to call everyone in, no one will be left out.
