How to Choose Office Furniture: A Guide
The interior setting of an office matters not only for staff convenience but also for a firm’s image — and the right furniture plays a key role here. After a renovation or modernisation, a natural question arises: how to choose office furniture so that it suits the interior, is comfortable and doesn’t become an unnecessary expense.
The range of office furniture is enormous, and without furnishing experience it is easy to make a mistake. In this guide we look at which sets an office needs, how to assess the space, how to furnish informal zones and the director’s office, and why a comprehensive approach matters. For the basic quality criteria, read the separate article Requirements for Office Furniture.
Characteristics and sets of office furniture
Office furniture is chosen by established canons: first of all ergonomics and strength, and only then beauty and style. Ergonomics are observed strictly (which is why demand for ergonomic furniture keeps growing), while style depends on the office interior. The key characteristics to consider:
- form — in most cases without excessive frills;
- appearance — a strict or free style;
- functionality — practicality, convenience, ergonomics, adjustability;
- finish — the upholstery material and other details.
Besides standard desks and chairs, an office may need sofas, soft armchairs, coffee tables and storage systems — shelving and cabinets. Every detail in the setting plays its role, so it is best to avoid excess.
Frameless furniture for informal zones
Recently, frameless furniture has become popular — bean bags, sofas or chairs with no rigid frame, filled with polystyrene balls. They don’t fit strict office standards, but they are great for casual meetings in separate rooms and are especially in demand in creative studios, where there is practically no substitute for them.
Such furniture is a simple way to add relaxation or informal-communication zones to an office without breaking the main business style.
How to assess the space: Open Space or offices
The first thing to do is assess the free area and the number of workplaces. The format of furnishing depends on how loaded the room is:
- Open Space requires a different furniture set than traditional offices or offices with partitions.
- The number of employees also matters: with 4-5 people in a room you can experiment with the layout; with 8-10 you will have to plan the arrangement in detail.
That is why furnishing is best coordinated with the layout as early as the design stage. If the space is divided by partitions, the article on Office Partitions: Why They’re Worth Using will help.
Furniture for the director
Furniture for the director’s office or zone should differ from the general picture — it is a status indicator, and a guest immediately sees who the top link is. The director is usually given massive furniture with leather covering, in a single style. It must be soft and comfortable, since a director often spends more time at the workplace than ordinary staff.
Style, budget and a comprehensive approach
The main rule of successful furnishing is a comprehensive approach. First decide on the office style, and only then choose furniture so that it fits the interior harmoniously. It is also worth outlining the budget in advance: this helps balance practical work zones (where simpler, sturdier furniture is appropriate) and representative ones (where more expensive solutions are justified).
When all the important nuances are considered — from area and number of workplaces to style and budget — the risk of buying furniture that won’t fit is reduced to a minimum.
Office furnishing with Partner Create
Office furnishing is part of a coherent interior, not a separate stage. Partner Create will help select and place furniture alongside the overall design, layout and style of the office — from concept to delivery as part of a single complex of works.
Examples of completed interiors are in the office spaces portfolio.
Choosing office furniture in brief
- Furniture is chosen by canons: first ergonomics and strength, then beauty and style.
- The set: desks, chairs, sofas, coffee tables, storage systems (shelving, cabinets).
- Frameless furniture (bean bags) — for informal zones and creative studios.
- The format depends on area and number of workplaces: Open Space and offices are furnished differently.
- Director’s furniture is massive, leather, in a single style, soft and comfortable.
- The key is a comprehensive approach: first style and budget, then furniture selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by assessing the free area and the number of workplaces — the furnishing format depends on this. Then decide on the office style and budget, and only then choose specific furniture so it fits the interior harmoniously.
Open Space requires a different furniture set than traditional offices or offices with partitions. The number of employees also matters: 4-5 people give room to experiment, while 8-10 require detailed layout planning.
Frameless furniture — bean bags, sofas and chairs filled with polystyrene — suits informal zones and casual meetings. It doesn’t fit a strict business style but is indispensable in creative studios and relaxation zones.
The director’s furniture differs from the general setting as a status indicator: usually it is massive furniture with leather covering in a single style. It should be soft and comfortable, since a director spends a lot of time at the workplace.
Choose office furniture with Partner Create
Well-planned furnishing means team comfort, a considered space and a worthy company image. Partner Create will help select furniture alongside the office design and take responsibility for the result.
Explore our work in the portfolio, read useful materials on the blog, or get in touch to discuss your project. Call +38 050 388 24 49.
We also recommend Requirements for Office Furniture and How Hot Desks Work in the Office — they will round out the picture of furnishing and space organisation.