How to pick the right office furniture
It's quite surprising how people view things like office furniture as unimportant. Considering you use this piece of furniture every day, it has a massive impact on your well-being and productivity. Sitting at the wrong desk can cause neck, back, and hand issues, forcing you to work in an unnatural position.
In addition, spending 8 – 10 hours a day at work can be quite tiring if you don’t have the right office furniture. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, finding the right furniture for your workspace should be your top priority.
Here at vidaXL, we offer a huge range of office furniture to suit workspace. Our collection includes high quality office furniture in a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. Browse our collection to find the perfect furniture for your office space.
The different types of office furniture
There are a few different furniture types, the most common type being office desks and chairs. You can choose from different designs depending on the type of workspace you want to create. Here are the most common types of furniture you can choose for your office.
Office desks
The office desk is one of the most popular types of office furniture. It's the workbench of any workspace, providing the needed space for writing, examining, and processing information. The desk can also provide storage for office accessories and a platform holding office machines. Office desks come in different styles and sizes. Here are the three most common types of office desks.
- Writing desk: Smaller and simple, a writing desk has a thin, flat surface with an open space beneath. It’s best for people who just want space for writing, typing, or studying.
- Computer desk: Designed for the classic desktop user, a computer desk is large and features shelves or extra cubbies for computer accessories such as keyboards and hard drives.
- Executive desk: Larger than the average desks, an executive desk is suited for people who want ample surface space and plenty of storage. Its design brings a sense of professionalism and status to a space. You can find these desks in different shapes, including L-shape, rectangle, and U-shape.
Office chairs
The office chair you sit in is just as important, if not more important, as the desk you use. Most chairs found in offices are not ideal for long-term use, often lacking adjustable height, lumbar support, and adjustable armrest. You spend a significant amount of time sitting on your office chair, so choosing a comfortable chair is very important. Here are the most common types of office chairs.
- Task chairs: Ideal for a wide range of office settings, task chairs come in a number of styles. These office chairs have a simple design and often provide sufficient back support.
- Ergonomic chairs: Designed to encourage natural positioning of the body, ergonomic chairs have gained much popularity in recent years. They improve blood circulation, improve posture, and prevent back pain.
- Executive chairs: These office chairs are more expensive than other types. They provide better comfort. Most of them come with all the features of ergonomic chairs.
Office tables
Most offices have at least one or two tables. Tables are a subtype of desks. However, while any desk can work as a table, not every table can work as a desk. Office tables are useful in sorting emails, temporary housing documents, displaying stuff, holding committee meetings, etc.
They are usually lightweight and don't have any storage, like shelves and drawers. An office table can also serve several people - it’s generally not associated with anyone. They work well in the middle of a room, unlike desks, which, depending on the design, work better when placed against the wall.
Filing cabinets
Even though technology has made it easier to store data in soft copies, filing cabinets still play a crucial role in storing and organizing documents in the modern office. Whether a small business or a large corporate company, file cabinets provide essential storage solutions for every workspace.
They come in different shapes, sizes, and styles to suit your needs. The different types of file cabinets include lateral file cabinets, vertical file cabinets, mobile file cabinets, and open shelf file cabinets. When choosing a filing cabinet, consider the size of documents you want to file and the storage space you need.
How to choose the right material for your office furniture
Excellent office furniture can be distinguished by the material used in its construction. The durability of your furniture is influenced by the quality of materials used.
Unfortunately, many people are uninformed about the materials they need to choose when buying home office furniture. The most commonly used materials include wood, metal, polypropylene, MDF, and Melamine. Let’s take a closer look at these materials to help you understand better.
Wood
Sturdy, durable, and a natural beauty, wood is one of the most popular materials for furniture. Wood is also easy to clean and maintain, making it an excellent choice for business workspaces. You can buy office furniture online in different types of wood, depending on your personal preference, office type, and budget. Teak is one of the most popular types of wood. It's highly preferred because of its strength, durability, and sturdiness. Its wood grain has a high oil content level, which protects the wood against extreme humidity and UV rays.
Metal
Practically unbreakable and durable, metal is a common material in furniture. Most office furniture combines metal and other materials in its construction. The most commonly used metals are steel and aluminum. Steel is solid and the longest lasting of any material type, but it can also be heavy. On the other hand, aluminum is lighter and prone to dents. If you have to choose between the two, consider the dependability of steel and the convenience of aluminum.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is another common material used to make furniture for offices. It’s a type of plastic that synchronizes every movement of the furniture while remaining strong, durable, and versatile. Office furniture made from this material is durable, resistant, comfortable, and very ecological. It will also take some serious beating before breaking.
MDF
MDF is an excellent alternative to solid wood. It has the traditional look of solid wood, but it's a low-budget, less durable option. However, it remains a highly popular choice among people looking for furniture for their office. It's currently one of the most common materials in the furniture market. One of the main advantages of MDF manufacturing is that it results in the sustainability of wood by utilizing wood residue generated from sawing.
Soft materials
Most office furniture has soft materials for extra comfort and style. Upholstery, mesh, and felt are the most common soft materials. Mesh offers the perfect blend of functionality and fashion in an office chair, creating a breathable back, which is great for guest or task chairs. Upholstery is a great choice for corporate office furniture as they come in different textile options. Felt is a less common material, but it's mostly used in noise reduction panels or upholstered furniture. You can also find options in artificial leather.
What furniture do you need for your office?
Your office is where all the work takes place. If you don't have the right furniture, which includes desks, chairs, and storage, your business will struggle. Here are guidelines to help you decide on the furniture that suits you and your workspace.
Consider your needs
First, determine the function of your office and the type of furniture you need to achieve your goals. The right furniture design will improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost productivity. You'll need different furniture depending on the type of business you run. Offices that require a lot of storage need filing cabinets. Avoid selecting office furniture just because you like its design or color. If possible, go for furnishings that match your office personality or brand. Once you’re done with the basics, you can move to other details.
Determine the layout of your workspace
You also need to determine the size of your office space so that the furniture you pick fits perfectly. Also, take into account the location of electrical outlets and windows. All these details influence your choice of furniture.
Start with a desk and chair
Desks and chairs are the most basic office furniture. They give you the space you need to perform your everyday task. A typical worker spends most of their time sitting behind a desk chair. You can also improve your traditional chair with an ergonomic office chair for added comfort, especially if you regularly experience back pain.
Comfort is crucial
Considering the number of hours you work in a day, comfort is essential. Finding a desk that goes with a desk is a great way to ensure you are comfortable throughout the day. In addition, the best furniture for your office goes beyond comfort and aesthetics. Going for the best materials can save you money in future repairs and replacements.
How to care for your office furniture
Caring for your office furniture is important in ensuring they remain in top condition and last longer. Here are a few tips to consider.
- Clean the furniture regularly using a damp cloth
- Try not to place office furniture near a window to prevent the sun from damaging its material and color
- Make sure your desk, chair, or filing cabinet is stable enough before using it
- Avoid putting office furniture on top of each other. This will damage the materials and make furniture unstable.
Looking to update your workspace? Browse our collection for the best office furniture
