The space you have available and your teams’ needs will guide you in choosing the right office furniture. Constraints, ergonomics, comfort, safety, design… here are the different points to consider.
Managing the space
Identifying your spatial constraints will save you from any disappointment. Carefully measure your premises and use a floor plan to make informed choices and avoid oversized furniture.
Worth noting: you need to allow at least 80 cm behind an office chair so that it can be pushed back. You should also leave at least 1 metre between furniture to allow your teams to move around and cross paths.
Depending on the activities, space needs will vary. You therefore need to determine the spaces you will need: turning offices into an open-plan space, meeting areas, reception, social zones, rest or relaxation areas… Ways of working have evolved, and it’s only natural that office fit-out evolves too.
Complementarity and modularity are the guiding principles here for your office furniture. Movable walls and walled sofas help structure the space while preserving everyone’s working comfort.
Ergonomics and comfort
Properly choosing your professional furniture means opting for pieces that suit each person. Ask your team members for their opinion. They are best placed to define their own needs, whether for their chair or their storage units.
We generally spend 8 hours a day at work, so ergonomics and comfort are fundamental. Ergonomic office furniture fits the user’s activity as closely as possible. This includes height-adjustable desk tops, for example. The choice of the office chair is essential: favour padded seats with armrests. Nothing stops you from going for alternatives such as a sit-stand desk or a sitting ball.
Comfort also comes through lighting and acoustics. Remember to vary the types of lamps and also to make the most of natural light, a source of well-being. Glass roofs can be ideal. Against noise, acoustic cushions and specific coverings improve well-being.
Office furniture safety
Safety must come first when choosing office furniture. It must meet the current safety standards. Circulation must be easy and evacuation quick in case of emergency.
To avoid any injury, favour sturdy pieces assembled by professionals. Desks with rounded edges will also spare you a lot of trouble!
In addition, considering the environmental impact is essential today. That means choosing durable furniture produced ethically and planning how it will be managed at the end of its life.
Office furniture design
Your furniture reflects the image and spirit of the company. Play with materials (wood, metal, fabric, glass) and colours to build a decoration aligned with your values and your visual identity.
For example, combine clean design, cosy textures and vibrant colours for a work environment in which your employees will enjoy working.
Above all, stay consistent by harmonising the decoration of your workspaces.
Choosing the right furniture therefore means optimising the available space and taking your teams’ needs into account. For optimal effectiveness and well-being, a safe, comfortable and pleasant work environment is essential. Adding decorative elements such as plants, accessories or frames will give it a unique identity.
