Ideas for Optimising Your Work Oasis: Office Furniture for Small offices
In a world where the office is shifting to the home, the comfort and functionality of our workspaces have become paramount. The challenge that besets the at-home office worker or the small business owner is the often cramped and overcrowded small office space.
How do we maximise functionality without overwhelming our small space? From intelligent office furniture design to strategic storage solutions, this post is your comprehensive guide to revamping your small office space effectively.
Types of Office Desks Ideal for Small Spaces
Small Desks
When your office is just an alcove or a modest section of your living area, choosing a compact desk is key among all of your office furniture. Small desks offer the perfect balance of functionality and space efficiency.
In New Zealand, models like the "Ergoplan Office Desk" are a hit for their sleek design and size when it comes to a small desk, which fits comfortably in tight corners without sacrificing work surface. The size of the desk you choose should balance between your work requirements and the constraints of your space. The Ergoplan Desk comes in three standard sizes, each designed to cater to different spatial and functional needs:
The version 1200 mm wide x 600 mm deep: This compact size is most suited for home offices or smaller workspaces where conserving space is crucial. It's often referred to as a student desk, providing ample space for a laptop and writing materials without overwhelming a small room.
Standing Desks
The vertical nature of standing desks makes them a dream for the vertically-challenged office. With the right choice, standing desks can provide ample space to work without the cubic clutter associated with traditional desks.
The Cubit electric adjustable sit to stand desk is a good small desk with the standing desk benefit, an excellent solution, particularly suitable for small spaces and hot desk areas. This desk combines functionality with sleek design to cater to various users and their ergonomic needs.
The standout feature of this small desk is its electric adjustability, which allows for a height range from 660 mm to 1205 mm. This feature ensures that users of different heights can find their perfect ergonomic position whether sitting or standing. This quick and effortless adjustment makes it ideal among high quality office furniture items and desk ideas for small spaces or environments where the desk may be used by multiple people throughout the day.
Corner Desks
Corner desks are an ingenious solution for small offices due to their unique ability to maximise underutilised space. By fitting snugly into the corner of a room, they not only free up central floor space but also make the office appear larger and more open. This type of desk is particularly beneficial in environments where space is at a premium, offering a significant amount of work surface without the bulky footprint of traditional desks.
Additionally, the design of corner desks often incorporates an extensive range of storage options such as shelves and drawers, which are seamlessly integrated into the desk to keep the office tidy and organised in a small space. The strategic use of a corner desk can transform a cramped room into a functional and efficient workspace.
The Cubit corner workstation desk, with its dimensions of 1500 x 1500 mm wide and 700 mm deep, is an excellent choice for those who require a compact yet functional workspace and comfortable work environment. This desk is particularly suited for positions that do not demand extensive surface area wasted space, but still need the practicality and ergonomic comfort of a larger desk.
Enhancing Functionality with Smart Storage Solutions
Under Desk Storage
Maximising the utility of every inch of space is critical in a small office setup. Storage is a part of office furniture, an often overlooked area is the space beneath the desk. Under desk storage solutions, such as filing cabinets and pedestal units, can be incredibly beneficial for small offices. They will allow you to have office supplies always in hand whenever you need them while keeping everything organised.
These storage options come in various styles — from drawers that easily slide under your desk to mobile units with wheels for flexibility. The beauty of under desk storage lies in its ability to keep essential documents and supplies at arm's reach without cluttering the work surface. For small offices, this means enhancing the functionality of the workspace while maintaining a clean and organised aesthetic.
Optimising Desk Space with Creative Add-ons
Partitions
In a shared space or open-concept room, office partitions are a piece of office furniture that can delineate your office nook from the rest of your living area. These double as a way to keep your working area private and section off a small space to make it feel like a part of a larger room.
Cable Management
In a small space, visual clutter can have a big impact. Invest in easy-to-install cable management solutions to keep all your tech and their necessary cords organised and out of sight.
Selecting the Right Office Chair for Small Office Spaces
Small Ergonomic Office Chairs
One of the most important pieces of office furniture for you workspace is the office chair and function should never come at the cost of health. Ergonomic office chairs, like the "Holly Mid back office" or "Evo 3 express Luxe High Back" are a must in any office. They offer back support and tilt functions—all in a size that fits your small space.
Ergonomic chairs offer a plethora of benefits, particularly in small office spaces where comfort might otherwise be compromised due to the limited area. Firstly, they are designed to support the natural curve of the spine, significantly reducing the risk of back pain which is often associated with prolonged periods of sitting. This is crucial for professionals who spend hours at their desk.
Additionally, ergonomic chairs can lead to improved posture over time, as they encourage the user to sit in a position that aligns the back, shoulders, and neck, thereby minimising strain.
Stools and Ottomans
Consider the use of stools or ottomans for common areas and resting areas. They not only provide a great range of trendy seating solutions and small home office ideas but can also often be tucked completely under the desk, freeing up valuable floor space.
Tips for Arranging Your Small Office Space
Efficient Layout Planning
Plan your space with the potential in mind. Measure your area, and choose furniture that fits but doesn't overcrowd. Be prepared to shuffle things around until you find the setup that maximises both productivity and space.
Combining Products Effectively
Think vertically with shelves to free up floor space, or use a combination of desk and wall storage. When every inch counts, don’t underestimate the power of the tiered approach to space utilisation.
Décor That Creates the Illusion of Space
The strategic use of mirrors, light colours, and minimalist decorations can create the illusion of a larger space. For instance, a mirror can not only reflect light, but if placed correctly, it can make your small office seem bigger.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pieces of office furniture for your small space is paramount to creating an environment that not only maximises efficiency but also supports your well-being and productivity. This careful selection of office furniture ideas not only ensures that your office space serves your daily needs but also reflects your personal style, making it a welcoming and enjoyable place to work.
Remember, the essence of design is not in the size of your office but in the comfort and functionality it provides. Mix and match the products and solutions to suit your individual work style and the space available. Invest in the right office furniture now; it's an investment not only to save space in an office and in your business but in your well-being and productivity as well.