8 tips to buying the right office modular furniture
As much as we might not admit it, offices have practically become a second home going by the amount of time spent there. Water cooler conversations aside, a major chunk of this time is spent being productive as we race to meet deadlines and fit in as many meetings as possible in a day. All of this takes a nosedive if the office atmosphere is not conducive to productivity by way of uncomfortable furniture. Selecting the perfect furniture for your office is as important as selecting the ideal location as it directly impacts the employees’ ability to focus. Before you learn about the few essential tips for buying office furniture, let’s look at what is modular office furniture and its advantages.
What is modular office furniture?
Most of the companies looking to expand are likely to hire a larger workforce, which means an increase in the size of the workspace too. This is where modular office furniture comes in. These furniture pieces are made of individual parts that you can easily rearrange, replace, or add to, whenever required. For instance, consider that you currently have four desks and chairs, and then when you hire some new people, you need three more desks and chairs. Now, if you have office furniture designed in a modular style, then you can select the exact type of furniture that you originally used without compromising the aesthetics of your office. The furniture is usually lightweight and easy to take apart, which makes moving them around easier. It lends a sense of uniformity and consistency throughout the office, which multip;e benefits.
Along with desks, modular office furniture comprises cubicles as well. Just as how modular desks can be selected to suit your needs, you can choose cubicles that can be adjusted and added to as per your what works best for the office. Whether you’re adding more cubicles, or rearranging the workspace in a different style, the furniture can be easily and quickly reorganized. This incredible versatility of modular office furniture makes them a top choice for many companies across the world.
How to select the right office furniture?
Now you understand what modular furniture is and how it can resolve space-related problems at your workspace, let’s understand what you need to consider when buying them. Whether you intend to convert the area into one big office space or want to segregate areas more rigidly, there are certain things that you must always keep in mind when selecting any office furniture.
- Analyze your needs
It’s a good idea to enlist, if not all, at least your essential office needs before you start thinking about the kind of furniture you want to buy. For instance, the list can include some must-have items for your office like a computer, printer, telephone, and file storage compartments, among others. Always keep your foremost business-needs in mind when making the list. Suppose you’re a graphic artist, then you may need space for the computer and a much larger table or space for your artwork. On the other hand, a consultant would need additional space for locking files in a cabinet to protect sensitive documents.
- Consider the costs
Once you’ve analyzed the basic office needs, budget is another significant factor that you need to consider. It is essential to strike a balance between what you can spend and the comfort level you know your employees will require. Knowing your budget beforehand helps you filter out furniture that isn’t an option, so you can shortlist the best among the choices you have.
- Pick the right chair
The comfort of your employees is the next important factor to consider after you’ve analyzed your budget. There’s no question that for employees to perform well and be productive, they need to be comfortable in the place they’re seated. Picking up a chair that has adjustable height features, and also provides exceptional back support is very important for their physical health.
- Manage the space well
Most offices are generally short on space. Ensure that the furniture you select optimizes the area so that there is no space wasted. You need to take extra care so you don’t clutter the rooms and there is enough legroom to work comfortably.
- Check if it is durable
Another important aspect when choosing the furniture is to know if the pieces are durable. Generally, business owners do not consider wooden furniture because of the wear and tear concerns. There are other great materials that last longer and are easier to clean. This way, employees, as well as owners, are not worried every time a can of beverage is opened.
- Prefer lightweight furniture
Sometimes, small furniture may have to be moved from one location to another. In this scenario, having lightweight, yet durable, furniture is ideal. Usually, business owners try to avoid glass-topped furniture since they’re not only heavy but unsafe too, in case of any damage.
- Choose furniture designed for your work
There are several choices when it comes to office furniture, and the decision must be made keeping in mind its ability to promote efficiency. Firstly, you need to figure out whether you need a drawer to store files, and if you do, how many and what size would be suitable. There needs to be extra space for storage so your employee can keep a few personal belongings, and the tabletop must be able to comfortably house a desktop system and multiple other knick-knacks. Also, check if you can stretch your legs comfortably under the table. It is recommended that you buy furniture that is flexible and can be used for multiple purposes.
- Don’t ignore the aesthetics and brand value
Choose furniture that reflects the office style and enhances the beauty of your workspace. A charming work environment can lift the mood, alleviate stress, and boost the productivity of your employees. For this, you can employ the use of color psychology and pick upholstery that exudes a sense of warmth rather than a plastic, industrial environment. Some colors lend a creative and energetic atmosphere, while others are more tranquil. Avoid falling for brand names and go with a company you think you can trust and that which has values similar to yours. The furniture also reflects the company’s identity and culture, so choose it wisely.
