7 Notable Must-Have Furniture For Your Office
We take a look at the latest trends in tables, chairs and seating that will be the rage of office interiors in 2021 and beyond.
1. Modular furniture for post-pandemic
After the onset of the pandemic, the furniture design industry also saw a shift away from the enclosed cubicle furniture to more open and modular pieces. These modules are designed to cater to the privacy and social distancing of a working individual. Many companies have rolled out ‘pods’ that can work as an individual or collaborative spaces but with a lot more flexibility.
Nook has designed such structures to encourage the safe return of employees.
BuzzieBracks created by Alain Gilles also features adjustable modular environments that can be used according to one’s needs.
2. Dynamic seating for organic seating areas
Apart from desks and chairs, offices are going for organic seating areas. They work well with the largely changing work methodologies of companies.
To accommodate the principles of co-working and wellness, Threefold Architects have designed a multi-purpose space for Paddington Works. At the centre of their design is an informal stepped seating area used for presentations, lectures or informal meetings. This flexible space can cater to various types of activities.
3. Workstation accommodating collaborative environments
The pandemic has made us realise that collaborative environments will thrive in the future. The age-old cubicle framework of a typical workplace will soon retire.
Therefore, to accommodate the needs of a collaborative office, apt furniture should be chosen. This furniture should be light in weight and movable to easily reconfigure a space. This type of furniture will aid interactions and create a better brainstorming platform.
4. User-centric desk designs for better productivity
Table design for offices has to be user-centric. The nature of work highly influences the type of table needed. A table should accommodate all multifunctional needs of the employee. A table should come with a storage unit, space for personalization and ample table top space. Keeping in mind the ergonomics, tables now come with adjustable top height. This can transform them into a desk or a workstation according to the user’s needs.
5. Ergonomical chairs for a healthier back
The chair forms the backbone of all office furniture, hence it should be comfortable to facilitate long working hours. Ergonomics plays an important part while choosing a chair design. There are many options one can go for, ranging from executive chairs, conference chairs or drafting chairs. Features like leather cushioning or memory foam padding in the seat, armrests and headrests increase the comfort level.
A mesh back is breathable and is highly useful as people tend to sweat. The height of the chair should be adjustable to go with the desks. Chairs that come with lumbar support help in reducing back pain and hence proving beneficial.
6. Sofa for a flexible backdrop
Day after day, the technology is shrinking, letting us do away with large spanned desks. The pandemic has made it possible to go for flexible furniture. A classic leather sofa adds greatly to the aesthetics of a space. Durability and ease in maintenance should be kept in mind while choosing the furniture.
Some designs also incorporate built-in storage units and charging ports. Sofas are an elegant part of the furniture and can give any room a vibrant personality.
7. Innovative Storage
Storage units form an integral part of office furniture. Pantry furniture, file cabinets and wall-mounted shelves can be seen dotting any office space. Innovation in this sphere has led to cabinets serving many functions.
They can be made lightweight and flexible to use as temporary partitions that can be reconfigured accordingly. For a collaborative environment, they can also act as whiteboard or screen supports.
Conclusion
Hence, it is clear that user-centric design and ergonomics will form the basis of furniture selection in 2021 and beyond.
There will be an emphasis on wellness design in the workplace to increase employee productivity. The pandemic has also brought a change with the integration of innovative seating spaces and flexible workstations.
A healthy, vibrant and functional workplace is crucial for better productivity.
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