Furnishing your office environment

Why furnish your office?

It's pretty obvious why one would choose to furnish an office - imagine 30 office workers tapping away on their computers whilst squatting on the carpet! It would be more useful to ask, 'Why furnish your office professionally?'

There is a wealth of choice when it comes to office furniture from the simple to the grandiose but it is vital that you get the right balance of functionality and style.

Office furniture plays an important role in your business:

From a visual point of view, furniture can be used to reflect your company ethos. What does a contemporary glass desk say differently to a traditional oak boardroom table? Colour schemes and styles can be used to compliment corporate branding. Furniture can have a psychological effect; think of how impressed/uncomfortable you may have felt walking into another business' reception. Aesthetically pleasing furniture can increase the moral of your staff on the office floor or create an inspirational environment for a conference meeting.

Functionality must also be given equal weight. You may think that a bright orange funky chair will look great next to the water cooler but if was not designed for a computer operator to sit in for seven hours a day then it is not a practical solution. It is all too easy to cram as many desks and chairs as possible into a workspace but storage, for example, must be taken into consideration and more importantly health and safety.

A professional furniture supplier can help you get the balance right and at the same time meet the demands of your timescale and budget. Most professional furniture suppliers are also able to take the plans of your office and through the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and consultation with yourself suggest furniture layouts that are efficient, space-saving and cost-effective.

What are the benefits of using professional furniture suppliers?

• A stylish and comfortable, bespoke office environment
• Access to the latest designs and technologies
• Health and safety requirements met
• Ergonomic solutions for computer workers
• Consistency throughout the office/across branches
• Removal of old furniture
• Cost-savings on bulk purchases
• Efficient use of space through CAD design layouts
• The correct balance of desks, seating and storage

What you need to consider when furnishing an office?

• What is the size of your office space?
• Are there any styles or colour schemes you prefer?
• How many members of staff are there?
• What storage requirements will you require?
• Is your office a 'hot-desk' environment?
• Is there more than one branch?
• What is your timescale/budget/location?
• Do you have any special requirements e.g. DDA compliant reception unit?

What to look for when choosing a supplier?

• Experience
• Reputation (portfolio or past case studies)
• Delivery times
• Product guarantees
• Environmental policy
• CAD design
• Price reductions on bulk purchases
• Removal of old furniture
• Ability to swap-sell
• Customer service and general demeanour

_{* Compiled by Hills Office Furniture}