How To...Choose office furniture

No pressure, but you and your employees will have to live with your office furniture choices day in, day out, for many years to come.

Office furniture is a relatively high-ticket item, and the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Compounding the decision is that you must not only consider where your business is now, but where it will be over the life of the furniture.

For these reasons, the task of selecting office furniture cannot be completed in an afternoon. Rather than investing time they don't have to muddle through the universe of chairs, credenzas and cubicles alone, many companies seek professional help - the services of a reliable, trusted furniture dealer.

A good furniture dealer can be an invaluable ally. If possible, get referrals from people at companies that are similar to yours in size and function.

Choose a dealer early in your plans, as he could help you iron out your priorities and set a budget. The dealer should be willing to survey your space, which will allow her to make recommendations that maximize efficiency. The dealer can also advise you about renting or leasing options, and whether they make sense for your company.

Office furniture decisions come down to a combination of style, function and cost. Some companies' budgets dictate that they can only select the most reasonably priced items. However, even if your budget is severely limited, it's important to factor in how long the furniture will last. While higher-quality products cost more, they also last longer.

For companies looking to project a certain image, the furniture's style will be of primary importance. Think about whether clients will be visiting your office regularly, and what you want your furniture to say about you.

Function is a key consideration as well, as comfortable, well- thought-out workstations can increase productivity and organization among employees, while minimizing work-related injuries. Function plays a larger role in the decision process if employees will be seated at their desks for long periods of time. It's less of an issue in the case of salespeople that will spend much of their workday out of the office on calls.

Create a plan for your space that reflects how your company functions. For instance, the current trend is toward open floor plans, which are intended to promote a team environment in which executives roll up their sleeves at workstations like everyone else, rather than barricading themselves inside swank offices.

Many companies choose panel systems, which are nothing if not versatile. Workstations can be moved, added, enlarged or divided as a company's head count changes. Systems can accommodate lighting and wiring, and are available in a wide range of attractive styles.

For conference rooms, many companies look for versatility as well - furniture that can be reconfigured to accommodate many purposes, such as training sessions or meetings, and multiple group sizes.

When making selections, practicality dictates that you go with classic lines, rather than trendy styles. Chances are you will want to order complementary pieces in the future, so select styles that are likely to remain available.

Speaking of sticking around, choose a furniture manufacturer that has been in business for a long time and has an excellent reputation. Ask about the company's warranties. All of the furniture you order should meet industry standards for durability.

After ordering your furniture, your dealer should be able to coordinate the installation as well as provide follow-up service, as needed.

THE CHECKLIST

Choose a furniture dealer early in your plans, as he could help you iron out your priorities and set a budget.

Office furniture decisions come down to a combination of style, function and cost.

Panel systems are nothing if not versatile. Workstations can be moved, added, enlarged or divided as a company's head count changes.

Conference room furniture can be reconfigured to accommodate many purposes, such as training sessions or meetings, and multiple group sizes.

Bernadette Starzee can be reached at starzee@optonline.net.

Copyright 2008 Dolan Media Newswires
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.