You’ve made it. You’re good at what you do, and your business has the growth and sustainability to prove it. Take a moment to look around your workspace with a critical eye. Does it show the same style and efficiency as your mission statement and financial records? If not, it’s time to make a change. The thought of revamping your workspace may be a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Upgrade your furniture without breaking budget or stride. Release your inner interior decorator and make your office look boss!
Plan Out Your Professional Workspace
You’ve been doing your job successfully for a while. How exactly do you like to work? Do you have your best ideas while standing up? Do you like to pace when you’re on a conference call? Do you run out of room on your desk? New office furniture should enhance your existing strengths, not force you to develop a whole new set of work habits.
Get ahold of a few office design ideas from magazines and social media, or have your interior design-loving friend come by your office for a peek. Then ponder on these thoughts to begin planning your improved office space.
- What do you like about your existing furniture?
- What about your current office layout makes you crazy?
- Can you function at your finest with your current arrangement?
- What furniture, lighting, or rearranging could help you become more efficient?
Focus on Value, Not Price
A quick trip to the internet or a local box store will show you the range of discount office furniture available. If budget is a major issue, there are good finds to be had, but you’ll need to be careful. Refer back to your plan and preferences often to make sure that anything you buy meets your criteria. Saving a few dollars by choosing something you’ll hate is not a bargain. On the flip side, there’s nothing wrong with finding the perfect thing, even if gently used from a second-hand store or antique shop.
Perhaps you have excess furniture, right in your own home? Is there an old dresser that could be renovated into your new office bookshelf?
Paint is relatively affordable and a pop of color can do wonders for your mood. Who doesn’t want to be in a better mood while at work? Ergonomic Trends has an entire guide on the psychology of color, so if you are torn on what hue to choose consider what emotions each color ignites. While red brings upon thoughts of leadership, blue gives off vibes of idealism, and orange can spark energy.
Beyond painting, other office decor ideas are friendly on the corporate card. Decluttering can be free and extremely effective. Take inventory of how many items you keep on your desk. What can be done without it? What could be hung on a wall instead? The minimalist look isn’t just trendy, it is also purposeful. When we have too much going on in our work area, it can be hard to concentrate on a task, feel motivated, and focus on what’s important at that moment. Clearing off your desk and if possible, move it closer to a source of natural light. This is also free and having the sun brighten your day is far less draining than being under fluorescent bulbs all day.
Remember Your Body
Whether you stand or sit or pace the floor, your working habits take a toll on your body. Make sure your new furniture gives you the support and protection you need, from feet to joints to the spine. Ergonomic seating matters. Choose something with good lumbar support and adjustable height and armrests. Wired.com has an awesome guide to this year’s best office chairs and surely you will find one that meets your criteria.
If you choose to use a standing desk in your workspace, be sure it is the correct height and size for you and your office layout. The New York Times has a comprehensive guide to the best standing desks and workstations. Some of the best new features in standing desk upgrades are:
- Push buttons for raising and lowering
- Larger work areas
- Built-in power sources to hide cable clutter
- Fresh colors and designs
Home is Where the Money’s Made
Post-2020 life has seen a surge of work-from-home jobs. If you are looking for home office design ideas, we have a few thoughts. Some of us in the WFH club are lucky enough to have a separate space to claim as our home office while others find ourselves juggling work from the living room or kitchen table. Whatever your home work environment happens to be, you can make small improvements to speak more to the professional you are.
Consider portability. Having the ability to move your workspace where it fits best in your home and family dynamic is a huge upgrade. When you need a sunny window, wheel your desk to your favorite lookout. When you need a quiet moment locked away to focus, take work to a bedroom where you can close the door. One of the most important things about working from home is being able to separate the tasks of your job from your at-home to-do list.
Your Decor Tells a Story
Choosing the furniture for your professional workspace requires a clear aesthetic vision that reflects your organization’s values, especially if you will be welcoming customers inside the office. Every aspect of your space—from wall art to floor coverings to lighting—creates a significant impression. Take your time choosing the pieces you want; be imaginative, even bold, if these qualities are what your customers expect.
A business or career in its early stages can feel a bit chaotic; it’s important to notice the milestones that spell success in your professional environment. A welcoming, functional workspace is a sign that what you’re doing is working. Using the simple principles here, you can upgrade your office to reflect your organization’s values and your personal style, all while boosting your mood and effectiveness!
