Knowing Your Options when Purchasing Office Furniture

Needless to say, different offices have different requirements. Nonetheless, there are some standard office furniture fixtures that are normally used in Australia and elsewhere. The office desk is one such fixture. For most people, their desk serves as their primary workspace, an area where they can type, write, read, compute and answer the telephone. Moreover, across office desks, interviews can be conducted and meetings can be held.

Office furniture suppliers, like Progressive Office in Melbourne, sell desks made from metal, wood, glass and plastic. In most instances, unless it is a specialised "computer desk", a desk will include a horizontal work surface -- which might hold a monitor and computer -- and storage. Specialised computer desks might not provide storage. Desks that do offer storage might have a drawer with inbuilt compartments, designed to hold office supplies, whereas other drawers might have space for files and stationery.

Hutches might be available with desks as well. Hutches offer storage space and usually, they have room for CDs and books, with some letter-sized shelves where projects can be kept. Some have cabinets too. Desks have several distinctive shapes. Frequently, they are oblong, however they can be U shaped or L shaped.

These days, there are four substitutes for desks that are commonly used. Computer stands and computer carts -- compact furniture fixtures that hold a monitor and computer -- can function in place of desks, where space permits. These office furniture items are designed to maximise the use of space. Often, these fixtures are on wheels and can be moved if required. Typically, the carts include some additional storage space, but the stands do not.

Furthermore, armoires have been adapted from their use as pantries or storage cabinets into computer centers. These fixtures combine the advantages of computer cabinets with extra space, and lots of armoires are able to conceal everything they store behind their doors. For a home office, this can be very useful. Finally, some people discover that tables work for them as desks, as well as staging and meeting areas. This can be an appealing option for home offices too, because tables can be used for multiple purposes.

The obvious office furniture item to accompany the desk is the chair. Progressive Office in Melbourne sells numerous types of comfortable and affordable chairs for offices. Executive chairs are the most costly desk chairs, and usually feature leather upholstery. Typically, compared to other chairs, these have more adjustments and higher backs. Managerial chairs are less visually impressive than executive chairs, but the ergonomic design is the focus. Specialized chairs with additional height to fit drafting tables are available with footrests, and with arms as optional extras.

For storage purposes, office furniture can take the form of cabinets (including filing cabinets), shelving and bookcases. These come in a range of materials, such as resin, wood, metal and laminate, and in numerous styles and sizes. Coat racks and meeting tables are two other furniture items that can complete the look of an office. 

5 Ways to Make Your Office Functional and Stylish

Let's face it, a workplace or home office can be rather dull and boring at times. In addition, how the office space is organized can cause more headaches than efficient actions. That is why it is important for a worker to establish ways that can make their workplace or home office functional and stylish. This will help increase efficiency and can help stimulate the worker's mind during their work day. Here are 5 ways to make a workplace or home office functional and stylish.

1. Layout and Space

One of the most important dimensions to any workspace is maximizing and using the layout and space of a work area. All of these factors will depend on the particular workspace, but if a worker has walls, a high ceiling, and different paths to enter the work area, these factors should be taken advantage of. Use walls to have hangers or cabinets and take advantage of high ceilings and walls by putting in bookcases. Always clear the paths that enter the work space so the worker and other workers can walk by the work area without hindrance. For example, do not have file cabinets, scanners, fax machines, or computer parts in the way of someone's walking path. Committing to using the work layout and space to one's advantage can neatly organize the office.

2. Lighting

Lighting is essential in any office, but the workplace or home office might not have the most effective lighting sources. Try buying desk lamps, floor lamps, or table lamps that can help brighten up the workspace. This will allow the worker to read text easier and the bright light can help energize the worker, improving their cognitive skills. It is also important to have natural lighting in the office, since this can help to improve health and the mood in the office.

3. Use Stylish Office Materials

Sometimes the typical desk and office products can be somewhat dull to the eye of a worker. Luckily, many office supply companies use unique materials to produce the usual office supplies and furniture everyone needs. One great example of this is acrylic plastic. This plastic is not only used to make office supply products like rulers or signs, but it can also be used to make chairs and desks. Acrylic has the appearance of glass, but is lighter and more malleable. This is just one alternative substance a worker can use for their office that will be different than the typical metal desk and office supplies.

4. Ergonomic Choices

Many people are unable to work properly because the office chairs they use do not help their back or posture. This can seriously affect cognitive capabilities and physically harm the worker from day-after-day of bad seat use. Ergonomic chairs help workers use a chair that can help their posture and back, relieving any dull pain that could arise from sitting in the chair all day. This could increase a worker's cognitive capabilities and help the worker work more efficiently.

5. Personal Items Throughout

One way to make the workplace or home office feel comfortable is to adorn the office with personal items. These items may include pictures on the desk, frames on the wall, hand-crafted items, like a hand-made basket, placed across the office, or achievement items, like certifications, diplomas, or pictures from big events in one's life in the office. This can help the office feel more like home and influence the worker to dedicate their time more effectively toward their work while they are in the office.

Work offices do not have to be dull or boring. Whether at work or at a home office, it is important to personalize the office while purchasing appropriate and dazzling products that can increase the worker's efficiency and cognitive health.