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Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current office furniture or are opening your first office, choosing office furniture requires a little forethought. There are many things to consider ensuring that you make the right purchases when setting up your office space for the first time or bringing new furniture in alongside what’s currently in situ.
A lack of planning can create several problems, from leaving you with furniture that may look great, but does not fit your purpose, or worse still, doesn’t quite fit into the space you have. WorXmart offers some top tips and advice.
Make a list
For even the most basic office space, your needs will generally include at least one or two desks, a similar amount of office chairs and some space for storage. You may have a larger space, need more desks, or be looking for additional separate meeting tables, or a more relaxed seating area within a reception space.
Whatever the size of your space, or specific needs it is a good idea to have a list of the items you need and a drawn-up plan of the layout of your room before choosing the size and style of equipment. Office Furniture Warehouse has a great selection of furniture to suit your space and office design.
Make use of your space
One option to save space could be a bank of desks. You may consider adding desktop screens to give privacy to each individual around their desk area. These can be a useful addition when space requires desks to face each other, or high volumes of telephone work are undertaken, to minimise noise transference.
Desk converters allow for monitors and other equipment to be raised on shelving above the desktop, to provide additional workspace for each desk user too.
Functionality
Do you need a desk with drawers or freestanding pedestal draw units? Even small amounts of stationery or personal items make the addition of a drawer or two a useful addition. Increasingly clear desk policies (particularly in these COVID-mindful times) mean a reliance on drawers or standalone cupboard storage, so that paperwork can be stored away at the end of the day and not left on desks when the office is closed.
Plan for growth to avoid additional expenses down the line.
In addition to this, if you have staff with particular needs, such as a specific height of desk because a risk assessment has deemed this necessary, you should also consider this when choosing your desks. Perhaps opting for those that can be raised or lowered could be a valid option.
Image
Office furniture should fit the image you want your business to convey. It should also fit the status of its intended users. An executive position warrants a desk that shows seniority and authority. While cheap, a flat-pack desk may destroy the image you have spent many years building for your company. So, think of your business type and products and choose furniture that complements and befits this.
Chairs
Chairs need to work with the desks you plan to use them with. If the work carried out requires you to move closer than a fixed arm position will allow, then this is something you’ll have to consider. It may be that many hours are spent in the office chairs so allow for this when buying, opt for those with additional support for the lumbar region and your staff are sure to thank you for it.
Quality
Finally, let’s talk about quality. While it’s tempting to save money where you can, particularly if you’re only just starting out, the old adage ‘buy cheap, buy twice’, is so often true. Getting the best for your budget isn’t easy, but choosing leading furniture specialists for your office furniture will not only allow you to benefit from years of experience in what needs to be considered when selecting office furniture but you’ll also be assured that the furniture you’re getting will stand the test of time.
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