5 Mistakes to Avoid While Buying Office Furniture

Adding new furniture to the office space can be both exciting as well as overwhelming. Investment in office furniture solutions must be accompanied by a few smart decisions to ensure the best bang for the buck. However, there are a few common mistakes that can be avoided while buying new office furniture.

Do not weigh looks over comfort

Furniture has the power to influence the attitude and productivity of employees in an organization. While aesthetics play a crucial role, managers must consider other factors like employee preference and convenience while picking furniture for the office. Managers must remember that the comfort felt for the first minute of usage must last through hours of tedious work.

Smaller companies often ignore the significance of furniture

Smaller start-ups and companies with a very low employee base often ignore the importance of choosing the perfect furniture for their working space. However, when the employee base is smaller, organizations can indeed take advantage of the fact and customize seating solutions based on individual preference and need easily. For instance, some offices may benefit better from collaborative workstations which work best when the number of workers are not too high.

Making price the topmost priority

Setting up an office space takes much time, effort and money and to get the best out of the initiative one must plan for the long term. Ensure the office furniture procured is of top quality and that you have weighed plenty of options in terms of brands, colors and patterns. One cannot manipulate office space and its furniture very often so take time to test the quality of your furniture rather than making a hasty decision based on cost alone.

Color and pattern mismatches

A piece of furniture may attract individuals instantly but its fit into the current office space must be tested before making the purchase. For instance, furniture that is too huge for a small reception space or overly gaudy furniture for the conference room can turn out to be a complete mismatch.

Purchase decision

Cohesive office furniture solutions can enhance the looks of a commercial space and offer a more refined and professional look. Check whether you will receive end-to-end solutions from delivery to installation before you make the purchase to make the transition hassle-free.

Browse through Court Street’s exclusive collection of office furniture at www.courtofficefurniture.com. Consult our experts for all your office decor related needs and to help you choose the perfect furniture for the workplace.

Tips For Office Furniture Layouts

Do you think your office looks too old school? Well in today’s competitive market, even an inkling like this one should be taken seriously. Your office layout is much more than the placement of desks and chairs, it’s your business’s basecamp. It should convey your product’s character, rather than appear like any other corporate office.

Here are five tips to consider before you start redecorating,

1.Creativity

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There are certain office layouts that have been used very frequently because they work. However it’s okay to move away from the traditional and explore something more adventurous. Placing a mini garden between your office furniture is not frowned upon anymore, in fact it might just improve productivity. Let the employees help you with this creative process. As your design moves further away from the mundane, it moves closer to uniqueness.

2.Keeping up with nature

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Decorating your office with lamps and brightly lit bulbs is appreciated by your hard working employees. However, for the sake of the environment and the economy, it might be a better idea to optimally utilize natural light. Incorporating French windows, glass exteriors could work well for your employees and your accountants. So this time consider placing your office suite furniture in a place that receives ample sunlight.

3. Brainstorming space

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Work isn’t the same without brainstorming sessions. Once you’ve lined up a meeting with a potential client, it’s time to generate amazing ideas. Now all you need is a space that will help those thinking wheels gain some momentum. It doesn’t have to be a conference room, it could be a space that most employees would feel comfortable in.

4. Let’s chat over coffee

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Sitting at your desk for hours together isn’t productive, you could just listlessly stare at your screen for hours together, it’s better to take breaks to refocus your attention. An office design should incorporate this idea, employees need breakout spaces. It could be a gaming room or simply a cosy corner where you can dish out office gossip.

5. Clutter or De clutter?

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There is always a debate whether a cluttered space is pro productivity or not. Many entrepreneurs of creative start-ups swear by it. An office that looks organized in its own haphazard way, gives the employees the comfort to be themselves instead of being cautious. It promotes creativity, on the other side are those you believe primness is a requisite in a corporate environment. You need to analyse the comfort and preference of your employees and decide which side of the argument you support.

So start selecting contemporary office furniture to revamp your workspace.

6 Colors to Help Improve Workplace Efficiency

Lackluster offices are productivity’s biggest enemy. Studies have shown that office walls and furniture that are dull and bland induce, to a certain extent, a feeling synonymous to sadness and depression. 

Hence, choosing the right colors in your offices can have a profound impact on productivity. An office that comprises a medley of vibrant hues increases output and instills creativity in the people working there.

The impact of colors though, isn’t limited to the internal aspect; it sends a strong message to people coming to your office for a meeting or conference. For example, the use of bright, vibrant colors on walls and furniture indicates that you’re a fun, young and quirky place to work with. It’s not a question of form-over-function, but more of narrowing down to a combination that incorporates the best of both worlds.

Here are a few tips on the right colors for your office – 

1. White, minimalist furniture 

Offices that claim to be modern and futuristic have embraced the use of white furniture. The color white, when used on executive office furniture, exemplifies futuristic design and innovative thinking. Tech companies that lay emphasis on their R&D and innovation can incorporate minimalist, white furniture to accentuate these aspects.

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2. Bright, vibrant colors

Studies have shown that bright hues help in alleviating stress and increasing productivity. The use of vibrant colors in decorating offices depicts openness, forward thinking and a sense of collaboration. When people come to your office for a meeting, the first thing that comes to mind is that your office is a fun and quirky place. 

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3. Red 

The color red, according to experts, stimulates you physically, and invokes a sense of urgency; so if there’s something that you want your employees to attend to urgently, red is your color. Red works best when there’s a physical job at hand; if yours is a workshop that repairs vehicles (a physical task), then blue isn’t the best color to motivate employees. Red provides the required physical stimulation. 

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4. Yellow

This color is viewed by psychologists as the color of optimism, energy, and freshness. It is perfect for an office that has designers, writers and other creative professionals, as it spurs their creative minds. 

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5. Blue and Green

These colors on the other hand, are known to improve efficiency and focus. They help employees stay calm and happy, thus indirectly increasing efficiency and focus. 

Often said to be the most productive color, blue works best if you’re an accountant. 

But don’t make the mistake of using only solid blue; add a splash of orange to introduce balance, and a bit of emotion. 

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6. Black

If yours is a luxury business or high fashion company, then black is your color. A lot of high-end fashion brands use black in their logo, so using black furniture for your office will reiterate the same —luxury. Black is a color that can make anything look elegant, and gives things a distinct, exclusive look; the same also applies to your modern executive office furniture. 

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Different colors thus will help create different kinds of environments at your workplace. Depending on the type of business, you can use these colors and their shades to inculcate a certain mood.

And these days, furniture of all kinds is available at the click of a button. So if you think renovating or decorating your office is a daunting and laborious task, fret not, you can find a large variety of office furniture online. 

Office Furniture Styles For A Brand New Perspective

1.  Eco-friendly furniture

Deforestation has led to climatic changes and the effects of pollutants in the air have caused irreversible environmental damage. While there is much that we cannot do, small steps taken by organizations can have far reaching consequences. Go green to do your part to keep the planet healthy and choose furniture that is Eco-friendly. Fewer resources and pollution have brought about a massive change.

Quite a few places offer office furniture online that is made of recycled or re purposed materials. You could also use Eco friendly wood such as bamboo for flooring and furniture. Organizations can also choose recyclable furniture, which can be disposed in an environmentally sustainable way when it reaches the end of its life span.

2. Minimalist furniture

The work space has shrunk. People are building home offices. It is time to bid goodbye to large and heavy furniture pieces that occupy space. Less ornate furniture gives organizations the flexibility to try a more contemporary style. Swap cluttered spaces for airy, breezy rooms and heavy chairs for fun and portable stools. Lean, simple and elegant furniture that takes up little space are perfect for the modern work place and reflect the changing perspectives of organizations today.

Whether it is sleek chrome and glass modern designer furniture or neon colors and funky plastics, contemporary furniture and the minimalist aesthetic go hand in hand. No matter which look reflects your organization’s aesthetics, switch to minimalistic furniture to stay on trend!

3. Multi functional furniture

Smaller spaces cannot accommodate a lot of furniture and need to make sure the space is used optimally. Multi functional furniture is ideal for spaces like these. For example, modern furniture NYC makes space for additional storage or can even transform from a table into a chair depending on the situation. Another great example of this kind of furniture is stack able furniture, which is always a great space saver in a modern office, especially a start-up.

This type of furniture is great for conference rooms, meeting rooms, all-purpose rooms and offices that use hot desks. It is extremely effective in task based rooms as well. While it cannot be the mainstay of an organization’s office furniture, it is definitely worth having at the work place. 

5 Healthy Alternatives To Your Office Chair

A number of studies prove that sitting in the same position for long durations can lead to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity and other life threatening disorders. People who have desk jobs often complain about back and other joint pain. Quitting your desk job isn’t the right solution to save yourself from these disorders but replacing your office chair with a healthy alternative definitely is!

Take a look at these 5 healthier versions of premium office furniture

1) Exercise Ball

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Although many are aware of this alternative very few have actually given it a try. Let me remind you of its benefits. It not only encourages good posture but it also keeps you active at all times. When you sit on an exercise ball your body constantly makes minor adjustments using the core muscles of your body including the abs and lower back muscles.

2. Treadmill desk

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You can’t take work to the gym but you can definitely bring the treadmill to work. If your work doesn’t allow you to take breaks or walk for a few minutes here and there then you should definitely think of using this alternative. The desk on the treadmill can be detached as well as adjusted according to your height preference.

3) Kneeling chairs

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While sitting on a kneeling chair you don’t exactly kneel but you relieve pressure from your back with the help of your shins. Its unique design reduces strain on the lower back and encourages good posture. The Balans chair is the first kneeling chair and was created in the year 1979. Since then, a number of models have been developed and sold on office furniture online websites.

4) Stand up stools

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With no backrest and shape of a horse’s saddle, this is another version of an ergonomic office chair. As there is no back rest it compels user to sit in a better position without slouching. Apart from urging a good posture it also improves circulation, breathing and muscle tone.

5) Balance stools

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The benefits of a balancing stool is similar to that of an exercise ball except the stool stays in place and does not move all the time. So if you are looking for a slightly less unconventional office chair, a balance stool is your best bet. 

Office Furniture Styles For A Brand New Perspective

1.  Eco-friendly furniture

Deforestation has led to climatic changes and the effects of pollutants in the air have caused irreversible environmental damage. While there is much that we cannot do, small steps taken by organizations can have far reaching consequences. Go green to do your part to keep the planet healthy and choose furniture that is eco-friendly. Fewer resources and pollution have brought about a massive change.

Quite a few places offer office furniture online that is made of recycled or repurposed materials. You could also use ecofriendly wood such as bamboo for flooring and furniture. Organizations can also choose recyclable furniture, which can be disposed in an environmentally sustainable way when it reaches the end of its life span.

2. Minimalist furniture 

The work space has shrunk. People are building home offices. It is time to bid goodbye to large and heavy furniture pieces that occupy space. Less ornate furniture gives organizations the flexibility to try a more contemporary style. Swap cluttered spaces for airy, breezy rooms and heavy chairs for fun and portable stools. Lean, simple and elegant furniture that takes up little space are perfect for the modern work place and reflect the changing perspectives of organizations today.

Whether it is sleek chrome and glass modern designer furniture or neon colors and funky plastics, contemporary furniture and the minimalist aesthetic go hand in hand. No matter which look reflects your organization’s aesthetics, switch to minimalistic furniture to stay on trend!

3. Multifunctional furniture

Smaller spaces cannot accommodate a lot of furniture and need to make sure the space is used optimally. Multifunctional furniture is ideal for spaces like these. For example, modern furniture NYC makes space for additional storage or can even transform from a table into a chair depending on the situation. Another great example of this kind of furniture is stackable furniture, which is always a great space saver in a modern office, especially a start-up.

This type of furniture is great for conference rooms, meeting rooms, all-purpose rooms and offices that use hot desks. It is extremely effective in task based rooms as well. While it cannot be the mainstay of an organization’s office furniture, it is definitely worth having at the work place.

5 Iconic Furniture Designers of the 20th century

When it comes to designers, chances are you are well versed with clothing and accessory veterans like Louis Vuitton, Donatella Versace or contemporary designers like Alexander McQueen. But what about furniture and interior décor? These master craftsmen and genius designers have changed the way modern man looks at furniture. Yet, their names are only well known in certain circles, while their genius goes unacknowledged by the larger population.  

Here is a list of 5 iconic 20th century furniture designers who revolutionized that way we look at modern office furniture.

Charles and Ray Eames 

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The quintessential modernist couple designed and created furniture, buildings and other art forms including exhibitions and film. They founded and spear headed one of the most creative design offices in post World War II America and their work reflected their contagious enthusiasm for life and art. Together they created some of the most iconic furniture of the 20th Century that shaped the way people looked at objects and designs. 

One of their most famous designs is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. The designer couple wasn’t looking to change the world, when they set out to design a chair that had the ‘receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt’, as a birthday gift to friend. However, they did just that with this iconic chair which has since evolved into a hallmark of high end executive office furniture. 

Marcel Breuer 

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This famous Hungarian-American architect and furniture designer was one of the pioneers of the “modern” style of design. He was one the most influential designers of the 20th Century. Breuer was also a very successful architect, known for designing buildings like the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the monastic Master Plan and Church at St John’s Abbey in Minnesota. 

Marcel Breuer’s designs have become representative of the philosophy and domestic culture of an entire era. He is best known for his work with extruded steel to create lightweight metal furniture. Inspired by the strength and flexibility of his bicycle, he applied the same material and construction principles to chair design and thus his master piece, the ‘Wassily Chair’ came to life.

Phillippe Starck

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Son of a French aeronautical engineer, Starck jump started his design career by designing the interiors of two nightclubs in Paris. Impressed by his work, the President of France, Francois Mitterand asked him to refurbish one of his private apartments.

Starck’s designs are subversive, intelligent and always interesting, making him one of the great designers of our time. The Hudson visitor chair by Starck is amongst the most iconic furniture designs of the 20th Century. It was designed by Starck for the Hudson Hotel in New York City. Each Hudson chair takes 8 hours to polish. It is included in the design collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Jean Prouve

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Born in Nancy, France, Jean Prouve was a craftsman, designer, rchitect, manufacturer, teacher and an engineer. His career spanned over sixty years during which he produced furniture, prefabricated houses and facades. His work had a stylistic appeal that combined bold elegance with economy. 

While designing the Standard Chair, Jean Prouve took into account the fact that chairs bear the most weight on their back legs. Tabular steel piping was used in the front legs while the back legs were made from voluminous hollow sections that passed the weight to the ground.  

Jean Prouve is considered one of the most innovative architects and furniture designers of the 20th Century. His life and work has been inspirational to many. The Standard Chair reflects his artistry in every way and serves as a beacon of modern designing philosophy.

Mies Van Der Rohe 

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He was one of the most influential architects and designers of the 20th Century. Mies’ minimalistic style proved to be extremely popular with the elite and the masses. His famous aphorism, ‘less is more’ is still widely used by many. By emphasizing open spaces and revealing the material used in construction, he helped define modern architecture.

Mies was highly respected in Europe for his innovative structures which include the famous Barcelona Pavilion for which he designed his most iconic creation, The Barcelona Chair. It is one of the most recognized objects of the 20th Century and is a tribute to the marriage of design and fine craftsmanship.

Meis’ work, radiates his confidence, rationality and elegance. Beyond merely affecting our lives, his works endow them with greater significance and beauty.