The design and selection of office furniture can have a significant impact on the productivity and comfort of employees. A well-designed office space with appropriate furniture can help create a positive work environment, promote employee health and well-being, and increase productivity. In this article, we will explore the different types of office furniture commonly used in modern workplaces.

There are main types of office furniture:

• Office Desks
• Office Chairs
• Pedestals
• Office Cupboards
• Office Bookcases
• Filing Cabinets
• Reception Furniture
• Meeting Chairs
• Meeting Tables
• Silence Booths
• Office Screens
• Coat Stands

Desks

Office desks, foundational to every workspace, serve as platforms where tasks come to life. They vary significantly, not just in desktop shapes but also in the intricacies of their leg constructions. From a desktop perspective, there are straight desks, corner desks, and wave desks, each tailored to fit different spatial and functional needs. Delving into the construction of their legs, we find diverse designs: Cantilever desks with their extended structures, straight metal frame leg desks exuding simplicity, panel leg desks offering robust support, bench desks which are perfect for collaborative environments, and height adjustable desks which provide ergonomic flexibility. The selection of a desk often intertwines with an employee's role, the spatial constraints of the office, and individual preferences.

Straight Desks

The epitome of simplicity and functionality, straight desks feature a flat, rectangular desktop. Ideal for standard office tasks, these desks are versatile and can fit into almost any office space. Their straightforward design ensures that they are easy to position, whether against a wall or in the middle of a room.

Corner Desks

Maximizing the utility of office corners, corner desks, often L-shaped, offer a spacious work area that wraps around the user. This design provides ample space for multiple monitors, documents, and office accessories. Perfect for multitasking professionals, corner desks make efficient use of underutilized spaces.

Wave Desks

Blending the best of straight and corner desks, wave desks feature a curved front, granting ergonomic benefits by allowing users to reach various areas of the desk comfortably. The wave design can also add a touch of modern aesthetics to the workspace.

Cantilever Desks

Distinguished by their unique leg design, Cantilever desks offer extended support beams that provide stability without the need for traditional legs at each corner. This results in increased legroom and a cleaner, more open aesthetic underneath the tabletop.

Straight Metal Frame Leg Desks

With legs crafted from sturdy metal frames, these desks exude a contemporary and industrial feel. The metal frame ensures durability while offering a sleek, minimalist look that complements modern office interiors.

Panel Leg Desks

Constructed with wide, flat panels as legs, these desks are known for their robustness. The panel legs not only provide sturdy support but also allow for privacy, often coming with integrated modesty panels.

Bench Desks

Promoting collaboration, bench desks are long tables that can accommodate multiple users side by side. These are ideal for team-based tasks, open office layouts, and spaces where flexibility in seating arrangement is key. Bench desks are made up of straight desks, which work in a leg sharing arrangement. Aside from collaboration benefits, this solution saves money.

Height Adjustable Desks

Prioritizing ergonomics, these desks can be adjusted in height, allowing users to alternate between sitting and standing. With the push of a button or turn of a crank, employees can customize their workstations to their comfort, promoting better posture and reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting. The usually overlooked feature is the ability to set the sitting height of the desk optimal to users preference (not just everyone is "made" for a standard 730mm high desktop).

Office Chairs

Office chairs are another critical piece of furniture that affects the comfort and productivity of employees. Ergonomic chairs that provide good lumbar support and allow for proper posture are essential in reducing the risk of back pain and discomfort. Main types of office chairs are as follows:

• Operator chairs
• Mesh chairs
• Ergonomic chairs
• 24-hour chairs
• Meeting chairs
• Executive chairs
• Reception chairs

Operator Chairs

Office operator chairs are designed to provide comfort and support to individuals who spend extended periods of time working at a desk or computer. These chairs typically feature adjustable height and tilt mechanisms, lumbar support, and armrests to help alleviate strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. The seat and backrest are padded to provide additional comfort and promote good posture. The base of the chair usually has casters to allow for easy movement around the workspace. Additionally, some office operator chairs may have features such as adjustable headrests or footrests to further enhance comfort and reduce fatigue.

Mesh chairs

Mesh chairs are a popular type of office chair that feature a backrest and seat made of mesh fabric instead of traditional upholstery materials. The mesh allows for better ventilation and breathability, making them a great option for individuals who tend to get hot or sweat while sitting for long periods of time. Mesh chairs also often have adjustable lumbar support and armrests to promote good posture and reduce strain on the back and shoulders. The flexible nature of the mesh material allows it to conform to the user's body, providing customized comfort and support. Additionally, the lightweight construction of mesh chairs makes them easy to move around the workspace. With their combination of comfort and functionality, mesh chairs have become a popular choice for many modern offices.

Ergonomic office chairs

Ergonomic office chairs are designed to provide maximum comfort and support for individuals who spend extended periods of time seated at a desk. These chairs typically feature adjustable height and tilt mechanisms, lumbar support, and armrests to reduce strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. The seat and backrest are contoured to fit the natural curvature of the body, promoting good posture and reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The materials used in ergonomic chairs are carefully selected to ensure breathability, durability, and comfort. Some models may also include additional features such as adjustable headrests or footrests to further enhance comfort and reduce fatigue. With their advanced ergonomic design and attention to detail, ergonomic office chairs are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comfortable and healthy workspace.

24-hour chairs

24-hour office chairs are designed for use in workplaces that operate around the clock, such as hospitals, call centers, and other service industries. These chairs are built to withstand heavy use and provide maximum comfort for extended periods of time. They typically feature extra padding in the seat and backrest to provide additional support and reduce pressure points. The materials used in their construction are selected for durability, with high-quality fabrics or leather that can withstand daily wear and tear. The height, tilt, and armrests of 24-hour office chairs are also adjustable, providing customized support to each user. They may also include additional features such as adjustable headrests or lumbar support to further enhance comfort and reduce the risk of injury or fatigue. With their durability and ergonomic design, 24-hour office chairs are an excellent investment for businesses that require chairs that can withstand heavy use and provide long-lasting comfort.

Meeting chairs

Office meeting chairs are a type of seating designed specifically for use in business and professional settings. These chairs are typically designed with a focus on comfort and functionality, featuring adjustable height, tilt, and swivel mechanisms to accommodate different body types and preferences. They may also feature additional padding and support in the seat and backrest to promote good posture and reduce fatigue during long meetings. Office meeting chairs may be upholstered in a range of materials, including leather, fabric, or mesh, and may be available in a variety of colors and styles to match the decor of the meeting space.

Executive chairs

Office Executive chairs are a type of seating designed for use by high-level executives, managers, and other professionals. These chairs are typically more luxurious and sophisticated than standard office chairs, with a focus on both comfort and style. Executive chairs often feature high-quality materials such as leather or high-end fabrics, and may also include ergonomic features such as adjustable lumbar support and headrests. Additionally, executive chairs often have a more executive appearance, featuring elegant designs and sleek, polished finishes. They may also include additional features such as armrests, swivel mechanisms, and reclining functions. Overall, office Executive chairs are designed to create an atmosphere of professionalism and comfort in the workplace, while providing a comfortable and functional seating solution for high-level executives and managers.

Reception chairs

Office reception chairs are typically designed to provide comfort and support for guests who are waiting in a reception area. These chairs are often made with high-quality materials such as leather or fabric, and they may feature plush cushions and ergonomic designs that conform to the shape of the body. They may also have armrests and a backrest to offer additional support, and some models may even swivel or rock to provide extra mobility. Office reception chairs come in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to traditional and classic, so they can be matched to the decor of the office. They are an essential piece of furniture for any office reception area, providing a comfortable place for guests to sit while they wait to be greeted or attend a meeting.

Filing cabinets

Filing cabinets are used to store documents and records, and they come in various sizes and styles. Lateral filing cabinets are the most common type, but vertical filing cabinets are also available. Filing cabinets can be made of metal or wood, and they often come with locking mechanisms for security.

Bookcases

Bookcases are commonly used in offices to store books, binders, and other reference materials. They can be made of wood, metal, or a combination of both, and they come in different sizes and styles. Some bookcases are open, while others have doors or glass fronts for added protection.

Storage Cabinets

Storage cabinets are used to store office supplies, electronics, and other miscellaneous items. They come in various sizes and styles, including vertical and horizontal cabinets. Some storage cabinets have locks for added security.

Meeting Tables

Meeting tables are used for meetings and discussions, and they come in various shapes and sizes. The most common shapes are rectangular and round, but oval and square tables are also available. Conference tables can be made of wood, glass, or metal, and they often have built-in power outlets and data ports.

Reception Furniture

Reception furniture includes items such as reception desks, chairs, and sofas. They are used in reception areas to create a welcoming and professional environment for visitors. Reception furniture can be made of leather, fabric, or other materials, and it often has a modern and sleek design.

Office Pedestals

Office pedestals are another important piece of furniture commonly found in modern workplaces. Pedestals are small cabinets or drawers that fit underneath a desk and provide additional storage space for office supplies, files, and personal belongings. They come in various sizes, from a single drawer to a three-drawer pedestal. Some pedestals have locking mechanisms for added security, and others are mobile for easy maneuverability. Pedestals can be made of wood, metal, or a combination of both, and they often have a sleek and modern design that complements other office furniture. Overall, office pedestals are a useful and practical addition to any workplace, as they help keep workspaces organized and clutter-free.

Summary

Above are most of kinds of office furniture there are. We understand this is a lot of information with little advice. If you are considering purchasing office furniture it's best to give us a ring for free on 0800 6525 700, or if you want to read more, perhaps our complete guide to office furniture will interest you.