Why the Choice of Furniture is Such an Important Aspect of Interior Office Design
There is no denying that furniture is primarily functional, particularly when it come to offices. Traditional office furniture is small in range, with desks, chairs and filing cabinets all being used but modern interior office design options have successfully provided such hum drum items of furniture as far more stylish, imaginative and even artistic alternatives.
It may sound all a little unnecessary, but in creating working space that does more than simply provide a place a sit and work, furniture is a key aspect of any office plan that might be considered by talented commercial interior designers. And for many company owners, the investment in a workplace that promotes a sense of satisfaction, proaction and even inspiration in their staff, is worth every penny.
That explains to some degree why, when it comes to making planning an office refurbishment, UK business owners will willingly take a serious look at the furniture options in order to create the desired workplace. Other reasons lie in how specifically the right furniture choice can influence the people working in the office. Here are four common ways that can make just such a difference.
The comfort level of the chairs and desk combination is one critical aspect, but it does not actually refer to cushioning and fabrics. While the executive office chairs are already understood to be designed with greater comfort in mind, the office chairs for general staff are also important. Ergonomic chairs have moulded plastic backs that are adjustable to more fully support the back of the user, as well as arm rests and height adjusters for posture.
Exactly how well the chair fits into the desk is another comfort factor, with arm rests sometimes preventing the user from getting as close to the desk as they might like. The desk itself should be spacious if possible, but otherwise provide sufficient work area and facilities to hide the pc wiring that can make the workspace so messy.
Of course, it can be a difficult thing to maintain space when the office area itself is quite small. Generally, a minimalist style of office plan is favoured because of the desire of maintain an airy, fresh feel in the place of work. So, the furniture design is not imposing in nature, and is often quite thin, even delicate looking, which helps to ensure that the furniture is not so noticeable.
Large furniture items such as cabinets are located less prominently, perhaps appearing more like dressers, sitting low and blending more smoothly the walls. Desk dividing walls, meanwhile, are also kept low and transparent, thereby adding to the sense of openness.
The furniture used in an office can serve to inspire the staff, simply by using imaginative items around the workplace to tantalise the imaginations of those at work. Imaginative items can range from unusual designs in chairs and desks, to the use of almost quirky items, like book cabinets that swerve like a snake upwards, rejecting the traditional straight sides that we are all so familiar with.
A variety of materials can be used to create contrasts, such as wood and chrome or brushed steel, with choice of colours achieving the same thing, such as perhaps orange stacking chairs against white plastic topped desks. A mixed match can often help to keep the creative juices flowing.
Luxurious areas can inspire and promote office harmony. This is because it acts as an antidote to the stress that a typical office can generate. So, the kitchen area might be furnished to look more like a lounge, with arm chairs or even small couches and coffee tables used instead of the regular canteen table and chair combination.
A break area is also often provided for in modern , with large, colourful couches and even beanbags provided to encourage staff to relax and escape work for 10 minutes before returning to it more refreshed. The best will be able to marry these components together to create the most effective office interior.
Typically, furniture is a major part of the overall plan, so regardless of whether or not a business owner has new offices built or simply favours office managers will look to furniture as much as anything else to make the difference to the workers.
Sarah Shore writes articles for Interaction, who are one of the largest commercial interior designers providing office refurbishment servicesin the UK. If you are a business or organisation looking to carry out office refurbishment uk, Interaction will provide a full service from planning to implementation. interior office design is a highly unique and bespoke service depending on space and budget, and Interaction is able to cater for companies of any size and budget.