Category: Office Furniture

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Lighting Up Your Office

An office which is poorly lit makes for an uncomfortable working environment. Also, many companies will have different types of lighting depending upon what type of work is done in the office. There are some common things to take into consideration when choosing what kind of lighting is needed for the office though. The different factors involved can make for a wrong lighting decision and cause lighting issues so you need to consider functionality along with style.

Below is some advice on lighting up the office:

  1. Light bulbChoose the right bulb: This is the first thing to decide about is choosing the right light bulb. Bulbs are measured for intensity and color according to the Kelvin scale. So the balance of the light provided by bulbs with these considerations is important then so that lights in an office create the same color temperature throughout the office. Also, the wrong light bulbs can create a work environment which is boring because they can make an office almost mechanical in appearance. A 6500K florescent bulb is the best lighting and a low intensity light on the desk will improve the clarity of work.
  2. Use task lighting with overhead lighting: Task lighting bulbs which have a low glare are good because of health considerations. Because using strong overhead fluorescent lighting can be the cause health issues dealing with hyperactivity and sleep problems. Gooseneck lamps are the best source of light for a desk then because these task lights can be directed where they’re needed.
  3. Choose the right size of bulb: The size of your office will determine the size of the light bulbs that you need because bigger bulbs will have more watts. If you have a small office, then you’ll buy small bulbs. If you have a large office, then you’ll need large bulbs. So how big your office is will decide the intensity of the bulbs that you will need to use. Considering how big your office then is an important part of deciding what is the appropriate lighting needed.
  4. The use of indirect lighting: Direct lighting can cause eye strain as well as severe headaches. Side lamps can help with this problem at a computer desk. If you have both types of lighting, the overhead lights can be turned off and just the side lamps used. Be sure to distribute the lights evenly around the office so it reaches all the corners or you’ll have a scary sci-fi effect.
  5. open pantone sample colors catalogueChoosing neutral colors: The colors you paint your walls can have an effect on your lighting. Don’t choose bright or dark colors, stay with neutral. Colors which are neutral reflect less light and work well with modern office lighting.
  6. Using natural light: Natural lighting comes with health benefits as well. It plays an important role when choosing the lighting for your office. If you want to mix natural lighting with artificial lighting then, be sure to purchase low-wattage task lights too which are warm colored to enhance workspace clarity. If your office doesn’t have access to natural light, then purchasing bulbs which mimic natural light is a good idea.
  7. User control: It’s important for each person to have control of a light source. Each individual will have different lighting needs. Additionally, employees may need different types of lights throughout the workday. This is especially true if they have multifaceted workloads that they are keeping up with. By providing different light sources though, then the users have control and they’ll be able to choose which lighting source that they would like to use.
  8. The age of the employee: if you have employees over the age of 50, the requirements for light is double of that of 25-year-olds. So, keeping this in mind before making any major purchases will save you money in the long run from lower productivity from inappropriate lighting. Ask your employees how the current task lighting is working for them too and what you could do to improve the lighting situation. This will help you to make the right decisions when making your task lighting purchase.

The lighting in your office can make a difference in your office production.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/accessories/lighting/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/desks/executive-desk/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/desks/computer-desks/

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How to Choose Reception Seating

Deciding what type of office furniture to buy for your reception seating area can seem like an overwhelming task. But taking the time to thoroughly think through what type of furniture you want is important. You want the furniture to last, look good and clean easily. So, how long your furniture will last in your reception room depends upon the choices you make.

Questions to ask yourself

Before you decide to buy your new reception seating furniture, there are some questions you may want to ask yourself. This especially applies if the furniture you’re considering buying is made from fabric. Below are some things to consider:

  • Celeste by goSIT Modern PU Leather Reception Chair, BlackIn what part of the reception area will your furniture be placed? This is important because how long your furniture is going to last depends on how often it’s used. If you don’t have a lot of traffic in your reception area, then you could consider linen or silk. But if you are going to have a lot of clients or sales representatives sitting on the furniture, then another option may work better. In that case, you would want something which would hold up better. Consider fabrics which are engineered or combined with other fabrics which are more durable then. Another point is that the tighter the fabric has been woven, the better the fabric on your chair will hold up.
  • Will it be near a window? If your chair is near a window, then keep in mind that fabric will fade over a period of time in sunlight. So, you can move your chair away from the window and the sunlight here. or find a fabric option which doesn’t show fading as much. Also, where there is a heat source in your reception area, don’t place your furniture close to it.
  • What is the ambience of your reception seating area? Think about the mood that you want to express when deciding upon the fabric. The color you choose will set the mood you’re trying to convey in your office. So, if you’d like to have a bright cheery room, then use bright colors. If you want a homier, more comfortable look, then choose earth tones.
  • Why are pattern choices important? Pattern choices are important as explained. A printed pattern can hide a stain better than a piece of furniture made from plain fabric. However, you don’t want something which is loud and clashes with the style of the furniture you are buying, or is already in the office. A pattern which is woven will hold up better than a pattern which is made from printed material also. Additionally, you want to choose something that you will enjoy looking at since you’ll be in and out of the reception area yourself. Another point to think about is that the size of the furniture. A smaller chair, for example, will need a different pattern of color than a larger, bolder piece of furniture.
  • What about cleaning? You need to find out what cleaning methods will work best with the fabric on your furniture. Water-based cleaners or a dry-cleaning product can be used on many chair fabrics. So, check the cleaning tag on the furniture to see which to use on what you will be purchasing. Also, furniture may have a lettered cleaning code to explain what cleaning method to use. Another question to consider here is whether you should have extra stain protection. There are different types of fabric stain protectors which can be used to protect furniture from stains, mildew, bacteria and odors.

Other upholstery furniture options

Herman Miller Swoop Used Reception Chair with Wood Surround, Green Pattern and MapleIf you’re concerned about durability of your reception office furniture, there are better options. These would consist of leather, vinyl or mesh. Below are the explanations for each:

  • Vinyl seating: Vinyl seating looks and feels very like leather, but it has less maintenance. It cleans up very easily.
  • Leather furniture: This furniture breathes class and comfort. When considering leather, look at its color, the quality of it and whether it cleans up well though. A leather protector can be applied before using the furniture additionally. Leather furniture needs to be kept out of the sun too.
  • Mesh chair: These mesh chairs are wonderful for ventilation and will help your clients stay cool while waiting. It allows airflow on the back of the person sitting in it which cuts down on cleaning the chair as often.

Your reception area should not only display your taste, but say something about your company

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/reception/reception-chairs/

https://www.business.com/articles/choosing-reception-furniture-for-your-office/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upholstery

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Choosing Bookcases for Your Business Office

When you’re in your office, it’s naturally a place to conduct your work. It should be a space which not only improves your productivity, but also lets you organize your thoughts. Many times, the lack of organization can interfere and hinder productivity on a project though. By being organized; however, you can bring calm and order to your workday instead of having to search through a pile of papers to find what you’re looking for when doing a project.

A bookcase is one of the necessary pieces of furniture to help with office organization. Since bookcases and their bookshelves come in all sizes and shapes, one can be found to suit your needs. Now some bookcases are made for large offices and some bookcases are better suited for smaller offices. But no matter what your needs are, there’s a bookcase which will cover them and also add beauty to your office.

For the smaller office

Kimball Bookcase in Putty with Laminate TopNow, just because you have a smaller office, doesn’t mean that you can’t have style. There are bookcases which are perfect for small spaces and can help with storage problems. To decide which bookcase is best suited for your smaller office, consider how your office is set up and how much space you have. Then check to see what style will suit the rest of your furniture and your tastes. So, if your furniture is cherry, there are some beautifully made cherry bookcases. If you prefer walnut, they come in walnut too. You can additionally have bookcases that are strong and made from steel or other materials that are stylish.

And since smaller office can still have a mountain of paperwork, a bookcase for a smaller office can help to keep the top of the desk tidy also. You’ll still have everything at your fingertips, just better organized. A bookcase can keep your office looking tidy.

For a larger office

If you have lots of room in your office, a bookcase that’s larger may be a better choice. It will provide lots of excess storage to help you get organized in no time at all. Some bookcases even have cabinet doors which you can use to place items that you don’t want to be in view. In addition, the larger bookcases will give you the added space to keep excess items against one wall.

Some bookcase are cubicle in appearance and may have four square shelves. These are good for storing large pieces of office equipment, books or even files for easy access. Plus, there are bookcases which have lateral file drawers, and shelves. One shelf may be adjustable and one stationary for easier access. It may also have adjustable file bars for letters and legal sized papers. Everything will be at the tip of your fingers.

Options

Everyday Cherry Small BookcaseBookcases can come in an assortment of styles, materials and sizes. They come in mahogany, cherry, maple, walnut; laminated, metal, melamine; and even steel. The colors can range from gray, green, maple, espresso, black, putty, white, bamboo and more. One of these colors is sure to make a wonderful accent in your office.

Plus, bookcases come with 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 shelves for your many office needs are. Bookcases then are simple office accents that add organization and contribute to the aesthetics of the office. In addition, bookcases can be 30 inches tall, 44 inches, 66 inches and even 70 inches tall. There’s one to fit any size office; large or small.

You may even want to think about adding two bookcases to your office for added storage space. You can use one for office work and one for storage. You can have them match or contrast each other; there are so many choices for you if you want to mix or match your office décor. By figuring out the dimensions of your office, deciding what color or colors you want, the number of shelves which are suitable for what you want them for and the style of bookcases; you can have your office beautiful and organized in no time at all.

Buying a bookcase for your office to control the chaos strewn on your desk is a smart idea.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/laminate-and-metal-used-37-inch-storage-maple/

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/0921-new-cherry-laminate-bookcase-66-inches-tall/

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Reasons to Purchase a Locking Fireproof Filing Cabinet

There are many reasons for you to purchase a locking fireproof filing cabinet. They may not compliment much as an office décor, but they are really important when it comes to protecting valuable company documents. While having documents on the computer is handy, they can be accessed by the wrong person or accidentally erased. Sometimes, having documents physically on hand can be especially important to a business.

Reasons for locking fireproof filing cabinets in your office

A locking fireproof filing cabinet has many benefits. With the many different types and styles of filing cabinets, finding one to suit your office needs shouldn’t be difficult either. Still, you will need to find a filing cabinet based on the features which will work for what you need. Now these cabinets are designed to withstand the heat from a fire and to protect files from damage. Below are some other reasons for purchasing a locking fireproof filing cabinet for an office’s needs:

  • Fire Proof Two Drawer File CabinetTo prevent important documents from being stolen: Having a locked filing cabinet prevents theft of valuable documents and papers. Different documents can even have monetary value, or contain pertinent information to a company that has a monetary value to someone other than the person intended to receive the information. If the papers are important enough, thieves can even sell them to competitors. Additionally, some documents are necessary for obtaining permits and licenses to run businesses. Even though these documents may not be of any worth to anyone else; the time, stress and effort to replace them can be a major inconvenience.
  • Protection for business information: Most businesses have general information on paper and sensitive data. Being sure that these papers are in a safe and secure place is of the upmost importance. With a locking fireproof filing cabinet; however, business processes, data on customers and even product designs can be locked away. Another thought for you is that if a disgruntled employee obtains information which is detrimental to the running of a business, that business could be ruined. Espionage is common in the business world. A cabinet of this type will protect a business from this.
  • Privacy issues: There are many professions and businesses where the privacy of the client is of high priority. Law offices maintain files on clients, and records of clients are used by businesses. Because many of the documents will be sensitive information based, reassuring clients that their information is safe is important. A leak of information will not only harm clients, but will harm the professional image and reputation as well of professions and businesses of this nature.

Choosing the right filing cabinet

To make the right choice in choosing a filing cabinet for your needs, you should consider different options. Here, each locking filing cabinet has different dimensions, forms, features and are made from an assortment of materials. Below is a list of options for you to consider:

  • Fire Proof Four Drawer File CabinetIf you want security in your filing cabinet, then having a locking mechanism is a very important feature. Now one type of cabinet may have a lock that locks all the drawers. This is important if all the files contain information which is sensitive. Another one may have individual locks for each drawer. This type of file cabinet is good for storing mixed information of sensitive files and those which are not. This type of cabinet is also excellent for information which is used often, but needs to be kept.
  • The form of the filing cabinet is also something to think about. There are two main forms, one is lateral and the other vertical. It all depends on what fits in your space better or what your filing needs are.

Vertical cabinets have many cabinets which are stacked one on top of the other. The cabinets are usually deep, but also narrow and short. The drawers open towards the person who is opening the drawer in front of the cabinet. These take up little floor space, and you can separate files by each drawer.

Lateral drawers aren’t as deep, but are wider. These can hold many files in one drawer, but the file cabinet is usually lower to the floor than the vertical cabinets. These cabinets are great for offices which have limited space to walk in.

Protecting your files is the same as protecting your business.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/storage-filing/fire-filing-cabinets/

http://www.ebay.com/gds/5-Reasons-Locking-File-Cabinets-Are-a-Wise-Choice-/10000000177634155/g.html

http://www.youngmontana.com/5-reasons-need-fireproof-filing-cabinets-sydney

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The Function of Whiteboards and Glass Marker Boards

Chalk boards at meetings are a thing of the past. White boards and glass marker boards are now what’s being used in meetings and for presentations. They can be used in the same fashion that a chalk was used but without the hazard of breathing chalk dust. Too, there are different types of whiteboards and glass marker boards. This makes it easy to find one which will suit your office needs.

Types of whiteboard

There are different types of whiteboards for use in your office or conference room. Listed below are some of the different kinds of whiteboards and options:

  • Square Glass White BoardMelamine or plastic whiteboards: This whiteboard has a non-magnetic surface or you can have a choice of a steel backing which will let it accept magnets. If you want a whiteboard which is budget friendly, then this is the perfect board for your budget. Melamine is easy to mount because it’s also lightweight.
  • Porcelain or ceramic whiteboards: This is a more expensive option but it has a more durability. It also has a high resistance to stains and scratches. The porcelain boards have an easy writing surface and most of the time magnetic. Another good point is that it doesn’t “ghost” which is when marker stains are left that can’t be wiped off. Porcelain is heavier, although easier to clean and more durable than melamine, so it may take at least two people to mount it.
  • Glass whiteboards: This type of whiteboard isn’t porous at all. So, you won’t have staining or unwanted ghosting at all on a glass whiteboard. Markers will erase with smudges easily and lasts a long time. The glass whiteboards can reflect a double image if magnetic and if the lighting is poor, which could make them difficult to read sometimes Another point is that glass whiteboards don’t have a frame, so it has a modern eye-catching appearance.

Where will the whiteboard be placed?

Steelcase Mobile WhiteboardWhen purchasing a whiteboard, keep in mind what room you’re going to be using it in. Also, what the whiteboards intended purpose will be. If it’s used in a conference room where it may be used also as a projection screen, you’ll need a board with a matte finish.

If a whiteboard has too high of a gloss finish, it will produce a glare which will make it hard to read from. If training sessions is what its purpose it, then you’ll need an interactive board. A board which is interactive integrates your computer and your projector onto your whiteboard. This grabs and helps to retain the attention of your employees and makes a better learning experience.

If the whiteboard is going into your executive office, then you may want to look at an enclosed whiteboard. These come in cabinet form so it can be concealed when it’s not being used, keeping the professional appearance of your office intact. The side of this type of whiteboard also has additional whiteboard space, or a corkboard, so you can keep memos on it and post notes.

Wall mounted or free-standing whiteboard

You also have to decide whether you want your whiteboard to remain stationary at all times in one room. Or perhaps instead, one that’s mobile which can be transported wherever you need it. The benefits of a wall mounted whiteboard come in either a frameless or framed version. The framed version either comes in a metal frame or it can come in wood and be matched to the furniture in the office. If it’s mounted, then your board is where you want it to be.

But, if you prefer to move your whiteboard wherever you’re going to be, then you might like the mobile option. This option can be moved from room to room, so you won’t need one in every room there’s a meeting or a program. It can also be used as a room divider or a partition and it adjusts to the height which is needed.

Different whiteboards work for different offices; you have to decide which one works for you.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/accessories/white-boards/

http://www.meetingsimagined.com/tips-trends/3-ways-use-dry-erase-board

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How to Buy New Healthcare Furniture

When you’re buying healthcare furniture for your medical office, there are some considerations to think about. This is because healthcare furniture has special features because patients may need these. Also, your receptionist may need a certain kind of desk that is different from regular office furniture. So, for patients some furniture pieces that you buy may have wheels and others may have leg rests though they look much like regular office furniture. So below are some of the mistakes that you could make when buying new healthcare furniture to avoid.

  • Healthcare chairBuying the wrong fabric: Just because you fall in love with a type of fabric for a chair doesn’t mean that it’s the right kind of fabric. For example, a pretty cotton fabric may be lovely, but it probably won’t hold up to the constant wear and tear if used often. A healthcare grade vinyl is a much better choice. It can hold up to repeated cleanings. It can also be treated with a protective antimicrobial coating to inhibit harmful bacteria growth. It will additionally stand up to the heavier use that you can expect from patients who may have trouble getting out of chairs.
  • What you didn’t like about the old furniture isn’t thought about:  When you’re contemplating replacing old furniture, then think about what didn’t work with it. This way when you buy your new pieces you’ll know what not to look for as well as what not to look for. For example, maybe your receptionist needs a desk with a barrier between her and the clients for more privacy to consider because the old desk didn’t have this feature.
  • Choosing price over value: Yes, bargains are great, but not when it affects the life of the furniture. A chair which is made to be used occasionally then won’t withstand the heavy use of day to day traffic. So, if it needs to be replaced sooner than expected, then you really didn’t save any money.
  • Buying a product not fit for what you want it for: If everyone was built the same, then buying chairs, desks and furniture for the waiting room would be a lot easier. So, you need furniture pieces that are comfortable for the people intended for them having the right pieces in the waiting room. If you’re buying a desk chair for an employee too, for example, a chair designed for up to a certain weight; but the person using it weighs more than that, that could be an accident waiting to happen. But by purchasing a plus size chair if needed, that problem is easily solved.
  • Bariatric Side ChairBuying for appearance and not function: Everyone wants to project a professional appearance and have a wide range of furniture options. When choosing your furniture, choose not only for the appearance though, but how well the furniture pieces will function in your office. Now Ergonomic design may be crucial for some members of your staff. These chairs have lumbar backrest supports, foot rings, contoured seats and adjustable armrests and seats. With these chairs, it can cut down on work related injuries and days called off work due to back and neck problems associated with people who work long hours at desks.
  • Making purchases that don’t match your accounting department’s depreciation: This means that if you purchase a piece of furniture which your accounting office is expecting to last 8 years and it lasts 5, you’ll then be buying a new chair without the tax benefits involved being completely used for the old furniture. This means that you’ll have to replace furniture sooner than you were expecting to, and your accounting department won’t be happy.
  • Not figuring in the total cost: When you buy your furniture, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You need to ask about the taxes on the furniture, any special handling charges, freight charges and even if there are assembly and installation charges. Now, the place where you buy it may mention “Delivered Price” but this can have other meanings too. Does it mean that it will cover inside delivery to your business for example? Or will it need to be brought in by you up a flight of stairs?
  • Not finding out if the vendor will be there after the sale: You need to ask how the vendor handles warranties if there is a problem; for example, if something arrives broken. Ask for references so that you can check to see how satisfied other customers were with the service provided also.

Buying healthcare furniture for your office isn’t difficult think about what you want to purchase.

Reference:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/healthcare/

http://www.textileschool.com/articles/330/type-of-fabrics

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How Healthcare Furnishings Differ from Standard Office Furniture

One of the most common complaints from office workers are back and neck pain. Most of these complaints can be traced back to whatever chair or desk they are presently using. Now workers will adjust their bodies to their chairs so that they can keep being productive, but that isn’t how the body was designed. So, this can cause the spine to misalign. A person hunching over a desk which is too low then or a chair that isn’t close enough to the computer can be a real problem causing a loss of productivity and profits for a business. When this happens, the result can be shoulder and neck pain as well as chronic headaches for workers also which leads to turnover rates rising.

Another concern is that the basic seated position in a normal office chair can lead to the shortening of hamstrings and cause the hip flexors to tighten. This will cause chronic lower back pain as well as sciatic pain. The reason for this is that the people involved are trying to keep their legs perpendicular to their torso. This puts a lot of strain on the tendons and muscles of the legs and hips. Again, productivity goes down and turnover rates go up.

Discomfort and chronic pain can be one of the causes in loss of focus.

Herman Miller AeronSome reasons for this kind of pain are listed below:

  • A desk which infers with movement and restricts leg room.
  • Shelves and cabinets which the person has to stretch to open or to reach.
  • Back pain as well as shoulder pain from badly designed furniture.
  • Eye strain, headaches and migraines from poorly placed furniture in relation to computer screens.

The benefits of ergonomics

The way a person sits affects the way and length of time, they work. If they are in pain, the pain is distracting and cause loss of work production too. Breaks are taken more frequently just so that the person can get up and walk around to relieve the pressure on the back and in the legs. However, with the proper chair, the person is more productive and not in pain. Office furniture which is ergonomic has been designed to support a person’s natural function, well being, and facilitate comfort then. For example, below are some of the benefits of an ergonomics chair.

  • Steelcase Leap V2 in Red FabricWhen a person’s body is in the correct posture, the body stays aligned and there is less discomfort experienced. When an adjustable chair is used, it permits a person’s feet to remain flat on the floor too. The knees remain at a 90-degree angle and parallel to the person’s hips for good body support.
  • If a person sits in a chair without a head rest, it causes both shoulder stiffness and a sore neck. The headrest will support the person’s head while talking on the phone or writing a report though.
  • If a person doesn’t have proper support for the back and spine, it can cause stress on the body. This can cause minor to severe pain. The backrest of the chair should be tall enough then to support the entire spine. It needs to follow the curve of the spine at the right angle to fit the person’s body.
  • When sitting in a hard chair, it puts pressure on the hips. Selecting a chair that’s padded with a seat depth that’s sufficient will help to reduce this kind of stress and pressure. The chair needs to have seat depth of 2-4 inches when it’s measured from the back of the person’s knees then.

The chair a person sits in should be user friendly. Because discomfort and pain are distracting and take away focus on work. This disrupts co-worker teamwork too when people are in pain. With ergonomic chairs though, productivity improves, attention is retained and creativity and problem solving is at the front where it belongs.

Ergonomic office furniture promotes employee well being and provide better levels of energy. It adds to greater cognitive focus because there are less physical distractions caused by pain and discomfort. It improves the circulation of the body and reduces strain in the neck and shoulders.

When all ergonomic office furniture available is considered, the workplace is a better place.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/healthcare/

http://www.goldtouch.com/non-ergonomic-vs-ergonomic-office-spaces/

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When Your Chair Doesn’t Fit You

Herman Miller Meridian Used 3 Drawer 30 Inch, Medium Tone

It’s a fact that not everyone is shaped alike. Some people are tall and thin, some are short, some are skinny and some people are big and tall. So, one office chair does not fit all sizes of people, and you shouldn’t expect it to. Also, a good quality office chair shouldn’t hurt your back or affect your work performance. In addition, not only does a good chair that fits your body help your back, but it maintains your blood circulation as well. With a good chair, you’re more likely to be pain free at work too, and then you are more productive. Now an office chair with a few adjustments levels made may fit your needs because like clothing off the rack, it won’t fit right without a few alterations. So, it will work better for you if the chair has the right amount of adjustment levels.

The size is important

Steelcase Criterion Plus Size Used Task Chair, Dark BlueA chair seat usually measures between 15 to 17 inches. This measurement runs from the back of the chair to the front edge of the chair. But in actuality, it really needs to be long enough to fit you comfortably. This also goes for the width of the chair seat. It should be wide enough so that the thighs of the person sitting in it fit comfortably; not touching the armrests. For most users, this measurement is about 18 inches wide. Some manufactures will offer width adjustable armrests as well as seat sliders and a selection of seat widths custom designed for the employee who needs or wants the extra seat space.

Additionally, most office chairs are designed for people who weigh less than 250 pounds. But the good news is that there are now available big and tall, plus size and heavy duty chairs. These are for employees who feel the need for extra support and chair room. If this type of chair is what you’re looking for, you will have to consider how big the workspace is that the chair is going to be fitting into also. A smaller area will have to have a smaller chair. So, a larger space to accommodate a larger chair may have to be worked out by the employer.

What is the best chair for you?

Most office chairs on the market do have some adjustment features. But for your chair, you may need a chair which offers more than armrest and height adjustment. So, a halfway decent chair should adjust at least five different ways. The best kind can adjust up to fourteen different ways. In addition, your chair should have lumbar support for your lower back. A chair that is of good quality will have lumbar support which is adjustable so that you can change it according to the body type and the curvature of the spine of the person sitting in it.

Herman Miller Aeron QuartzAnother option to think about is a rolling chair. If you’re the type of person who sits in the middle of your desk and then has to reach across a big desk it to get at the furthest corner, then wheels on a chair are a good idea. Even if your desk is on the small side, when you can roll your chair, it helps prevent strain on your back from having to reach across your workspace. Also, one of the things to check for here to is that the chair has a wheel base that’s well built and that it glides across the floor easily.

In addition, a swivel base on a chair is just as important because if your chair stays put, then your body will have to swivel. This can cause fatigue and stress on the muscles in your body. You need to make sure that your chair fits your body type then and works well in your work environment.

If you have a larger frame, manufacturers are producing chairs which have a wider seat pan, are bariatric or heavy duty so that they have reinforced structures while still blending into the office nicely. Having a larger frame doesn’t mean that people have to settle for second best. So be sure that the chair you chose fits the body type using it and is comfortable. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your chair.

Finding a chair to fit your body type really isn’t difficult today because there is such a wide selection

Reference

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/chairs/plus-size-chairs/

http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/desk-chair-office-guide/

http://www.sysfurniture.com/index.php/2014/08/28/pull-chair-lets-talk-plus-size-office-chairs/

http://www.bumbargers.com/2012%20Chair%Buying%20Guides.pdf

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Why Buy a Used Office Furniture?

As a business owner, you try to save money where you can. You also know that buying new office furniture can be an expensive output. So, more and more office managers and business owners are buying used office furniture to furnish their offices. If you have a limited budget, then used furniture may be the answer to your problem of needing furniture in your office. Additionally, by shopping carefully with a reputable dealer, you can find furniture that looks as good as new and will be accepted by your office employees gladly. Then you can refurbish your entire office, including the cubicles of your employees.

HON-Initiate-6x6-01Now if you’re looking for used cubicles for your employees, Initiate Used Cube by HON is one that you should check out. The cubicles are 67’’ high by 6’ deep and 6’ feet wide, so they are roomy and can be comfortably furnished. They are on box file pedestals and have one file pedestal with an overhead storage cubicle. It comes in gray and is sold in pods of 4 or more so that you can buy for more than one employee when you purchase these. Each employee would then have their own private space. More work would then get accomplished as your employees would have better work spaces, and you’ll have happier employees. Everyone likes to have their own space, and this will be done at a considerable savings to you.

Other benefits for buying used

There are other benefits to buying used office furniture. Below are some of those benefits listed:

  • You save money: By bargain shopping and hunting for the best deals you can save up to 50 percent and still buy good quality furniture even if it’s used. Most of the office furniture only has very minimal wear and tear because of having been used for only a couple of years. Once the price tags are removed, people usually can’t tell new from used. Your office will just have a comfortable feeling to it and your office will have a whole new look at a much lower cost.
  • You save time: New office furniture can take up to 6 weeks to be delivered while you and your employees are working on top of the breakroom tables. Most used furniture places though can have your furniture to you within a 48-hour window. You and your employees will be working in offices with new used furniture in style and comfort within a short time.
  • Help the environment: By going green and recycling still good used wooden desks, they won’t go early into a landfill. So when you buy used, you get a better deal and help the environment.
  • More bang for your buck: When new office furniture arrives at your office, the resale value drops immediately. It will drop to 25% of the purchase value five years of your purchase. When used furniture is purchased, resale value can be as high as 75% of the purchase price though. So, you can save money when you buy it and get back a nice amount if you resell it at a later date.

Thoughts about used furniture

Indiana UShape EspressoOne of the biggest misconceptions about used furniture is that there isn’t much life left in this kind of furniture and that the furniture will be worn out. Additionally, it’s also thought that previously owned office furniture won’t hold up like new furniture. But by buying from a reputable dealer, you can buy pre-owned, gently used office furniture that will last for a long time that was originally expensive and meant to last to begin with. An office that was hardly used or a business that remodels a lot will have nice furniture which is perfect for what you’re looking for.

Now if you’re just starting up in a business, then you can spend up to 70% more on new furniture than when buying used. So, used furniture won’t sink your budget, and your office will still be functional and stylish.

So, why buy new when used will do. If you can find the same quality and style of furniture, why not buy it used. Desks, cubicles, chairs, and more items not mentioned are available. Check out a reputable used office furniture dealer and see for yourself.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/6×6-initiate-used-cubicle-by-hon-sold-in-pods/

https://www.allbusiness.com/new-vs-used-office-furniture-11025-1.html

https://www.business.com/articles/how-much-can-you-save-with-used-office-furniture/

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Using Dividers and Panels for Privacy

The good thing about using dividers and panels is that you can create private rooms without having to remodel your office. These dividers and panels are flexible and can be used about anywhere. They give you the feel and the look of a wall without having to modify any physical structures. When you’re finished with them, you just put them away too until they’re needed the next time.

Uses for room dividers and panels

  • Use the dividers and panels to divide rooms. This will mean that you can be more creative in how you use and divide up space.
  • To add character to room space, dividers and panels can be used as accent pieces.
  • To disguise areas that you don’t want to be readily seen, use dividers and panels.
  • For privacy use dividers and panels.
  • Dividers can be used as sliding partitions in offices when built in.
  • Use them to build barriers depending upon how much worker space is needed.

Other uses

Mobile Divider PanelsSometimes, according to your business needs, you may have to have extra office space that you only need for a few weeks. By using mobile dividers and panels though, you can roll everything into a storage area when the job at hand is completed. When they are needed again, just roll them back out and set up your work space. In addition, with dividers and panels, you can make the exact shape which is needed for a meeting. You can make different set ups for the use of space too.

Another use is to designate foot traffic in the direction you want it to flow. If you have a work area where you don’t want interruptions to occur, use the dividers and panels. This way foot traffic can be directed to the receptionist or proper administrator. Then your other working staff isn’t interrupted constantly with questions better answered by the right person. You can even incorporate your business logo on the frontside for a professional look, and employees can use the other side for tacking charts and needed paperwork. Some dividers and panels can be customized with dry erase features also so that a whiteboard is on hand for meetings. Managers will then have a place to explain about upcoming projects with the right tools right at their fingertips.

In addition, with using dividers and panels, it’s more affordable then remodeling your offices permanently. This is especially true when you then have to remodel your office again after the first expensive permanent remodeling. If you’re renting your office space too, then it’s more feasible and less costly to have rooms which can be made portable instead of having your landlord modifying the space that you’re in. Dividers and panels are not only affordable, but a practical choice as well for your workspace.

Steelcase Answer Panel Metallic FabricAlso, if you do want something a little more permanent, dividers can be attached to the floor. The good thing is that the dividers aren’t permanent the same way walls are. This will allow you to take one large office space and make it into subdivided offices. This gives your employees a quieter place to work where they can be more focused on the job at hand because the dividers and panels can be soundproofed ones. In addition, this kind of setup saves on the expense of remodeling the workspace, yet there’s still privacy. Some of the dividers and panels have glass windows at the top for light if that’s something that you’d like to think about as well.

When concerned about more privacy, business space and personal space; you don’t have to go through the cost of expensive remodeling. The options explained above can be used so that your office really fits your needs.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/cubicles/dividers-panels/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room-divider

http://www.roomdividersny.com/room-dividers.htm