If you’re redoing your office and want a timeless design and high-style furniture for your office, think mid-century office furniture. This type of furniture design was original in the 1950’s, but is now the latest rage. Furnishings for this look include the styles of chairs, desks, bookcases and filing cabinets used back then for starters. This furniture gives the 50’s look which has an appeal all its own.
The furniture design is sleek with tapered legs and with edges which are beveled which give the pieces the iconic look of the ‘50’s. The designs are functional and simple, and each piece can speak for itself in elegance of an era gone by.
If you want something in your office with taste and elegance, then this is the type of furniture which is great to purchase. It makes a statement; it says something and brings warmth and shows good taste in your décor.
The 50’s
The features of this type of furniture are its classic look which is understated with clean lines. The theory behind this is that function is important because form follows function. This furniture is known for an uncluttered sleek look then that is both geometric and organic in form. The furniture has a minimum of ornamentation.
Part of the charm of this style was the combination of new construction and the use of plastic. The plastic was used for the look it brought itself too rather than trying to make it into an imitation of something else. For example, trying to make it look like wood. Other materials were used in making 50’s furniture also like metal, plywood, vinyl, glass, Lucite and Plexiglass.
When you redo your office in mid-century modern office furniture though, don’t do a full-scale replica of the time because it looks better blended. So, use pieces which reflect that period without being overwhelming. Pieces which were iconic from that period too have been copied and adapted now, so you can find pieces for your office that will fit your budget. Try not to get too many patterns and stay within a color range. Accent pieces against one another with your office furniture so that it adds to the elegance of your office setting.
Some examples of mid-century modern office furniture:
This desk is the Louis L Shape Veneer Desk Left Return, with a wood veneer surface. It has a privacy panel and a box pedestal. The legs are the chrome look of the 50’s with silver powered grommet. The desk also locks.
This Herman Miller Eames, Molded Plastic Side Chair, is a white plastic shell with chrome legs and has a modern design. It looks like a 1950’s chair when shell chairs were all the rage.
The Knoll Pollock Executive Leather Used Chair is a fixed height with fixed arms and of a vintage design. The tan leather has buttons in it which helps to make this a workable design.
This Herman Miller Geiger L Shape 30×66 Right Return Desk is a light maple reminisce of the 50’s in both the color and sleek shape. The wood is veneer. The desk has I box and 1 box file pedestal along with other features. There are 1-2 drawers lateral, and it has metal loop handles.
This Herman Miller Geiger Camden Used Leather Guest Chair has an upholstered seat, arms and back. It has a wood frame with fixed arms. It made from leather, the color of chocolate, with cherry legs. It has a very sleek simple design.
The furniture of the 50’s had a charm all of its own. You can acquire that same look in your office by combining different pieces together. The look is sleek, clean and functional and makes a statement. Just remember again not to over wow your clients with the 50’s so blend the furniture in. Like with technicolor where watching more than one movie can be overwhelming.
The 50’s are a time well gone. But the look is making a comeback because of the understated style which can bring an office both a professional look that says competence and a look that says a handshake is my word.
References:
https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/louis-l-shape-veneer-desk-left-return-walnut/
https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/herman-miller-eames-molded-plastic-side-chair-white/
https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product/knoll-pollock-executive-leather-used-chair-tan/
In what part of the reception area will your furniture be placed? 
If 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:
Why comfort should be important
What is all comes down to is this. Redesigning a workspace is almost like redoing the face of your company even if the only people who spend a large amount of time there are your employees. Basically, your office design is actually for your employees benefit then, and their well-being is one of your top priorities. So, when you’re redesigning the workspace, put yourself in their places and imagine what it would be like to spend 40 hours per week in the workspace. Just remember that the key to a happier employee workspace is comfort and style.
One thing that it’s important to understand is that you make a decision about the style for your office. Traditional, contemporary and casual furniture do not blend well. You need to make a decision about which style you prefer. Many people work with an interior decorator to decide on their office style because it involves so many different elements. These include the furniture, the flooring, the wall colors and artwork.
Contemporary furniture is sophisticated. The colors are usually neutrals like black and white which are accented with bolder colors like red. Many offices with contemporary furniture have blank or neutral walls and use them as a backdrop. The pieces are minimalist meaning it has soft curves and clean lines. In some cases, you’ll have the option of choosing of bright colors or unusually shaped pieces.
Most modern office pieces share some similar design concepts. They are typically black, white, glass or feature certain types of wood. Chairs are often made of mesh or have unusual cushion colors. The design is minimalistic style. The overall style is simple and uncluttered. Furniture has few accents or decorations and is generally unadorned. This makes it easy to blend modern pieces together. Keep in mind, though, that modern and other furniture styles tend to clash.
There are other details you can use in a conference room or training room to create a modern atmosphere. Did you know you can purchase glass marker boards? These look extremely modern. You can find them in unusual shapes. Some even appear to hover off of the wall which enhances the unusual effect. Whiteboards are available in a variety of styles. Some even have the capability to print the text and drawings that you have written so that you can save the information.
Decoration can make a big difference. A fun, stylish break room can make the space fun and attractive. Painting the room different colors from the rest of the building will help it stand out from working parts of the office. Consider colors and styles that don’t match the rest of the building. You can furnish the room with fun and functional furniture in a variety of styles. There is no reason you need to have to use standard corporate furniture in the break room. Explore more options. What about pub tables and stools in parts of the break room? Don’t try to design a plain break room.
