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10 Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Office Furniture with examples

10 Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Office Furniture with examples

03 Jun 2024
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Introduction: Selecting the right commercial office furniture is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, durability, and meeting the needs of your clients or your employees. With so many options available in the market, making the perfect choice can be daunting. This comprehensive guide provides 10 essential tips tailored specifically for interior designers, project managers, facility managers or business owners to purchase the right office furniture for employees.

1. Understand Users Requirements

Before embarking on the furniture selection process, take the time to thoroughly understand the users requirements, including their industry, workspace layout, and employee needs. This insight will guide your decisions and help you choose furniture that aligns with your users objectives and enhances their workspace.

Example: For a tech company with a collaborative work culture, you should prioritise flexible and modular furniture solutions that promote teamwork and innovation.

2. Prioritise Functionality and Ergonomics


Functionality and ergonomics are paramount considerations when selecting commercial office furniture. Opt for ergonomic designs that prioritise employee comfort and well-being, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting productivity. Look for features such as adjustable height, lumbar support, and breathable materials in chairs and desks. For example, the Vitra ID Chair Concept offers numerous customisation options, allowing companies and users to create personalised ergonomic task chairs. Developed with Antonio Citterio, the ID Chair Concept provides extensive adjustability, ensuring optimal comfort and support. 

3. Focus on Durability and Quality


Commercial office furniture is a long-term investment, so prioritise durability and quality craftsmanship to ensure longevity. Select furniture constructed from sturdy materials such as solid wood, metal, or high-quality laminate that can withstand daily wear and tear in a corporate environment.
Walter Knoll is renowned for producing exceptionally high-quality furniture. The experts at Walter Knoll leverage their extensive experience to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, resulting in furniture that not only looks elegant but is also built to last. Their commitment to using premium materials and employing meticulous construction techniques ensures that each piece of furniture offers both durability and timeless appeal. This dedication to quality makes Walter Knoll a trusted choice for those seeking furniture that stands the test of time in demanding office settings.

4. Consider Customisation Options

Offering customisation options allows you to tailor furniture solutions to meet the specific needs and preferences of your clients. Look for suppliers and furniture brands like Lexta, Vitra and Sedus  that offer a wide range of finishes, fabrics, and configurations, allowing you to create bespoke furniture pieces that complement the overall design scheme. Lexta is particularly famous for its extensive customisation options across all the products they carry. A prime example is Lexta’s signature Hero Modular. This versatile seating solution offers over 30 configurations, ranging from a single-seater bench to a spacious 7-person L-shaped sofa. Such flexibility ensures that every piece of furniture can be adapted to suit different spaces and functional requirements, making Lexta an ideal choice for creating personalised and adaptable office environments.

5. Optimise Space Utilisation

Efficient space utilisation is essential, especially in commercial environments where maximising usable space is crucial. Select furniture that optimises space without sacrificing comfort or functionality, such as multifunctional pieces that serve dual purposes or compact designs for smaller workspaces. The Se:lab series from sedus offers excellent solutions for optimizing space utilization.  These products facilitate agile working styles by combining multiple functionalities into single pieces of furniture. The se:lab tableboard serves as a sit-stand desk with integrated whiteboard functionality, allowing for seamless transitions between working and brainstorming sessions. This dual-purpose design not only saves space but also encourages dynamic movement and interaction among team members. 

6. Incorporate Brand Identity

Consider your client’s brand identity and corporate culture when selecting office furniture. Choose pieces that reflect their brand values, aesthetics, and personality, creating a cohesive and branded environment that resonates with employees and visitors alike. A great example of this approach is our recent project in Shanghai for Ipsen. Ipsen’s office is meticulously colour-coordinated with their brand identity, creating an immersive experience for everyone who steps inside. The furniture and decor are carefully selected to reflect the company’s colours and aesthetic, reinforcing their brand values and creating a unified look and feel throughout the space.

7. Source Sustainable Solutions


Incorporating sustainable office furniture solutions not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with corporate social responsibility initiatives. Look for manufacturers that prioritise sustainable materials, production methods, and certifications, offering eco-friendly options that meet your client’s sustainability goals. Brands like Vitra and Sedus offer commercial office furniture made with sustainable materials and supply chains, complying with ecological standards such as BIFMA Level. This commitment to sustainability is evident in their manufacturing processes, material choices, and product designs, supporting eco-friendly practices and contributing to a healthier planet. For example, Vitra integrates ecological considerations throughout their product lifecycle, utilising recycled and recyclable materials and minimising waste. Their products, often Cradle to Cradle Certified™, promote a circular economy by prioritising recyclability and safe materials. Similarly, Sedus prioritises ergonomic design and eco-conscious production practices, epitomised by offerings like the se:motion chair. Their commitment extends to utilising renewable energy sources, attaining zero waste objectives, and securing certifications such as ISO 14001 and GREENGUARD.

By choosing furniture from Vitra and Sedus, companies reduce their environmental impact, support sustainable practices, and meet growing demands for eco-conscious business solutions.

8. Test Before Purchase

Before making a final decision, test out furniture samples whenever possible to assess quality, comfort, and functionality. Visit showrooms or request samples from manufacturers to evaluate the products firsthand and ensure they meet your client’s expectations. 

Example: Arrange showroom visits or furniture trials for your clients to test different seating options and provide feedback before making a purchase decision.

9. Plan for Future Growth

Anticipate your client’s future needs and growth projections when selecting commercial office furniture. Choose flexible and scalable solutions that can adapt to evolving workspace requirements, allowing for easy expansion or reconfiguration as the company grows. One standout example of such a solution is Vitra’s Comma office system. Vitra’s Comma office system offers unprecedented flexibility and scalability, inspired by the dynamic needs of modern entrepreneurs. Its unique design, featuring a few easily assembled elements and a claw mechanism, allows for swift reconfiguration to meet evolving workspace requirements. This adaptability makes Comma a strategic investment for businesses anticipating future growth, offering customizable options and sustainable materials for a practical and eco-conscious solution to modern office design challenges.

10. Customised Commercial Office Furniture Solutions


Forge strong partnerships with furniture suppliers like JEB  to access their expertise and resources throughout the furniture selection process. Collaborate closely to ensure that the chosen furniture solutions meet your client’s needs, budget, and timeline.  JEB offers a versatile range of imported and local quality office systems furniture brands that meet client’s time frame, design aesthetic and budget ranging from good to better to best, ensuring top-notch ergonomic standards and sustainable practices in modern offices.

Selecting the right commercial office furniture requires careful consideration of various factors, from functionality and durability to brand identity and sustainability. By following these ten essential tips and examples, interior designers and facility managers can streamline the furniture selection process, meet their clients’ needs, and create functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing workspaces that enhance productivity and well-being. JEB Group has partnered with numerous premium office furniture brands to offer bespoke solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Contact us today to discover how we can help you create an office environment that is both stylish and highly functional. 

#Furniture   #Office