Choosing office furniture for your home office or work place is not always as simple as it may seem. In order to find the right furniture, here are some issues you may want to consider:

Desks

The style and size of computer desk you will need depends largely on the type of work you will be doing and the space you have available. Make sure you choose a desk that will have enough surface space to allow for your computer, keyboard and any other accessories that you will be using. Choosing a desk with ample storage space can help reduce clutter and provide an aesthetically pleasing work environment. Accessories such as an articulating keyboard, which can adjust up and down and side to side and accommodate multiple users, are items that you should also review.

L-shaped, or corner desks, offer additional space for office equipment, such as fax machines and printers. If you require extra storage, consider choosing a desk with a hutch, as this will free up your desk top.

You should also consider the size of your office when shopping for desks. For offices with limited square footage, L-shaped or corner desks are often the ideal choice as they utilize the available wall space. You may also choose desks with wheels, as these can be moved from room to room or out of the way when not in use. Where the room space allows, U-shaped desks maximize the work area that is within reach.

Chairs

When selecting a chair, consider the amount of floor space you have. Armless chairs are often ideal for offices with limited space or for your home computer desk. Many office chairs have arms that are set back from the front of the chair, allowing you to pull closer to your desk, while still providing support for your arms. You may also want to select a chair with adjustable arm heights. These chairs are a good choice when different family members are sharing a home office or when you are performing different functions at your desk such as typing, writing, and speaking on the telephone.

You should also address Ergonomics when choosing an office chair. The benefits of ergonomic seating go beyond comfort. Ergonomic seating features can help reduce the occurrence of many work related injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, cumulative trauma disorder, and back and neck pain. For more information about chair ergonomics visit our Ergonomics page.

Tables

Office tables are often essential for presentations and meetings. Additionally, office tables can provide extra surface space when working on a project. The style and color of your office table should compliment the look and feel of your office. For offices with limited space, small round tables or folding tables may be ideal. For offices with more room, a larger conference table can provide a functional meeting environment for you and your guests.

Filing

In spite of the increased dependence on computers, the filing cabinet is still an office essential. Many filing cabinets are designed to fit on or under your office desk. However, if you have ample wall space but room space is at a premium, you might find that a lateral file will work best for your filing needs. They are not as deep as standard file cabinets, yet they provide plenty of storage.

If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss your office needs or space, we will be happy to assist you in planning your office area. Home Office Direct representatives are available Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. If an after hours consultation works better for you, just call our office and leave a message. We have operators on duty 24/7 and someone will be happy to return your call.