Office furniture might be the most underrated and most frequently used items in your office. So the last thing you want to do is end up with something nobody likes, or something that doesn’t meet your needs.
Choosing the right office furniture is easier with these tips:
Visit Showrooms
At Streamline, we love scheduling showroom tours with our clients at different manufacturers. Whichever furniture dealer you work with, they should be able to set this up for you. It’s amazing how different furniture can look and feel when you see it (and sit on it) “in person”.
Visiting different showrooms also exposes you to various set-ups that may perfectly solve your office furniture needs. Most showrooms have mock-ups that give you an idea of how different furniture will work in various settings. Come armed with measurements for the spaces you’re furnishing so you can see what will fit in your office.
The smaller your office space, the more you may need your furniture to do. Look for smart storage, good design, and furniture that’s multifunctional. Offices have varying needs for things like file storage, flat working space, supply storage, and even the size of the garbage cans. Look for items that will meet your unique needs.
Try a Product Demo
Did you know you can borrow a chair to try out in your office? It’s true! If you’re wavering between a few different styles of task chairs, for example, try getting a loaner of each to see which one you and your staff like best. Feedback from staff is an essential component of incorporating healthy design into your office.
Sitting in a chair for a few hours while you work will feel much different than sitting in a chair in a showroom/retail setting. In addition, your staff will have different needs that might become clear once a loaner is in the office.
Most office staff sit for up to six hours every day. And each of your staff will have different needs in an office chair. Give them the chance to test-run the chairs they’ll be spending so much time in!
Office furniture isn’t only an investment in your business. It’s an investment in the productivity and functionality of your office environment. Trying a product demo eases the pressure of making the right choice by giving you firsthand information about how items will work in-office, and increases your ability to make an excellent match between furniture and your office needs.
Get Finish Samples
Congratulations! You’ve identified the best models of furniture for your requirements. Now…more decisions! You need to choose the finish. We recommend getting swatches of upholstery and other finishes and bringing them into the office to see how they look.
Digital swatches can vary so much across computers that they aren’t a reliable way of determining the best color and finish. Set out physical samples of your swatches in the various areas of your office to see what works best.
The ideal finish complements the office design, feels nice to the touch (especially for those employees who are in contact with their desks and chairs for up to six hours a day), and is durable and easy-to-clean.
Ensure Environmental Branding is Maintained
Whether you have clients visiting your office or not, you likely have an overall atmosphere you’re aiming for. Make sure your furniture supports it. Wood furniture gives a traditional vibe, while steel and glass feel modern and industrial. A minimalist design with sleek lines will work for some brands, while a traditional furniture line will be better for others.
Having the right office furniture that meets your staff’s needs and contributes positively to your office aesthetic is an investment that pays you well for the time and effort spent choosing that furniture. It creates a space where employees can move around freely, work comfortably, and access what they need easily.
