7 mistakes to avoid when buying office furniture
Fixing up a new workspace or upgrading an existing office requires a lot of planning. Choosing the appropriate office furniture is often a crucial decision for the space. The right furniture will help improve employee productivity, providing long-term benefits for the business. For this, it is not just important to look at the prices but also check whether the furniture selected is comfortable and provides the right degree of support.
- Not looking into how employees use the space
A business may decide to have an attractive workspace with visually appealing designed cubicles and high-end furniture like height-adjustable desks. However, even with fancy furniture and well-coordinated colors, the space may fail to meet the requirements of the employees. The chosen furniture won’t align with the employees’ preferences or work requirements. So, when planning to purchase office furniture, it is crucial to understand how each employee utilizes the existing space. Check what works and what does not. It is important to look into what will help them to use the space more efficiently without affecting their productivity.
- Failing to utilize existing furniture
When planning to buy new office furniture, many businesses tend to dispose of all the old furniture. This is a common mistake. Completely overhauling the furniture of the entire office will not only lead to additional costs but also increase the carbon footprint. Instead, do an inventory check of the existing furniture. Determine which pieces are suitable for repurposing, reusing, or reconfiguring. Making small repairs can also help extend the life of a few existing furniture pieces. Those that cannot be reused can be taken off the office premises. This will help to reduce costs and the business’s carbon footprint.
- Not setting a budget
There are tons of options available when it comes to office furniture; numerous brands offer various product catalogs, each with varying prices, materials, types, and furniture designs. So, when looking at different office furniture options, it can be confusing to figure out which ones are suitable. Having a budget can make the decision easier. With a fixed budget, a business will have to look at only those options that are affordable for them. Different options are available at different price points, but they are still within the budget. This will also prevent overspending, which could negatively impact the business’s balance sheets.
- Choosing the wrong materials and fabrics
For office furniture, it is important to choose materials and fabrics that are durable and can be easily cleaned. This ensures that the furniture can withstand basic wear and tear. Besides, they last longer and do not need to be replaced sooner. Mesh fabrics are usually considered too durable and strong. Most office furniture brands use this fabric for chairs since they allow better air flow. For furniture in break rooms and lobbies, vinyl fabrics are suitable since these can be cleaned easily without any hassles. In addition, conference rooms can have furniture made from faux leather as these give a professional and elegant appearance. Avoid gaudy and trendy fabrics since these do not match a professional setting of a work place.
- Not picking a color palette
Along with fabrics and materials, picking the right colors for office furniture is essential. Generally, the colors selected should match the brand aesthetic of the business. If this is not possible, pick colors that complement the overall office environment and help everyone feel comfortable within the office space. Usually, muted colors are preferred by many businesses for work settings. Breakrooms and lobbies can have brighter colors.
- Considering only one furniture vendor
When looking at options for office furniture, it is a mistake to go to only a single vendor. Checking out multiple vendors can help individuals find the right deal. This is because various vendors offer competitive pricing. The customer service will also differ across vendors. Besides this, the catalogs will also vary, giving a wide range of options. So, looking into several vendors at once before shortlisting them and asking them for quotations is better. Then, compare their products and services to find the most suitable one.
- Not testing out the furniture
Businesses buy office furniture that will last for several years. A single piece of furniture should be able to withstand different uses from different employees. Before deciding on a type of furniture, make sure to test it out. For instance, when choosing chairs, it can be beneficial to test them from various angles, as different styles can provide a clear understanding of their suitability. Check the height and sturdiness of office desks and chairs.
