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Adding a hutch to your workspace can be an ideal solution if you need additional storage. As with any new furniture purchase, though, it’s important to know your space and take measurements before placing your order. Here are some measurements that matter when selecting the right hutch for you and your workspace.

Overall Width of the Hutch

The overall width of the hutch is one of the most important measurements, as it will indicate whether the hutch will fit your desk. This measurement isn’t always as obvious as it seems. For example, some hutches are only designed to fit one side of an L-shaped desk, which means it may be too large (or even too small) for the other side of the desk.

Compartment Space

If more storage is your overall goal, ensure the compartment space available in the hutch will suit your needs. Some hutches are designed as decorative display cabinets, which may not always fit certain office supplies.

Area Clearance 

Area clearance refers to the space between the bottom of the hutch and the top of the desk surface. Consider how much room you’ll need here, especially if you use multiple monitors. Knowing this space's height and width allowance and how it compares to your needs will help you find the right hutch.

 

Design & Innovation

More From NBF

Now Trending: Driftwood Finishes

Now Trending: Driftwood Finishes

Neutral colors will always be in style, and gray has been a clear front-runner for modern offices that find black depressingly dark and white blindingly bright. The trend toward gray has moved from being just a shade you paint on the walls to being a color you can use as a base anywhere, from the upholstery on chairs to the finish on your desk. In fact, we’ve seen more gray ash desks and tables over the last couple of years that have a weathered, driftwood-like appearance. With this finish, you can still get the beautiful wood grain look you love but in a soft, neutral shade that will look good when paired with just about any other color.

In an Office

The rustic look of gray ash gives it a homelike appearance, making it a great choice in an office. Whether in an open-concept workstation or a private office, you probably spend a lot of time at work. In fact, many office employees spend more waking hours in the office than they do at their residences. Making your office feel a little more like home is a great way to boost your mood and, by extension, your productivity.

In a Waiting Room

In the same way that you want your office to feel like home, you want to give your guests a warm welcome as soon as they walk into your reception area, which is just what this finish helps achieve. Not only does the color give off a soft look, but it can also be paired with any accent color when you want to turn up the volume. Pair it with bright green accents for a bold look or subdued blue for a calm, serene appearance. No matter what look you’re going for, this color delivers.

In a Conference Room 

Conference tables and storage units in ashy gray tones are attractive but not overly distracting. This makes them a great choice for use in a conference room wherein the goal is to create a professional look without taking away from the importance of your meetings.

Similar Washed-out Wood Tones 

You still have options if you want a little more color in your work life but love that soft, washed-out look. The NBF Signature Series Metropolitan collection comes in a boardwalk walnut color that’s light and rich at the same time, closer to brown than gray. If you want to go even lighter, the At Work collection comes in a Warm Ash finish that’s practically blonde, giving you a light, airy look that’s more intriguing than plain white.

Now Trending: Modern Office Furniture

Sleek and sophisticated furniture is here to stay, and we’re not just talking about in your home. Due to its attractive look, modern furnishings are only gaining in popularity in offices all over the world. Modern office design creates an air of professionalism through minimalism, focusing on thin profiles and mixed materials. It’s a fashion statement that can be seen in every corner of an office, no matter how large or small the business may be. Here are some of the ways we’ve seen modern office furniture implemented in recent years.

Now Trending: Outdoor Breakrooms

The breakroom has the potential to be the best space in your office, depending on what you do with it. Keep it plain and sad looking, and your employees aren’t likely to want to sit in it for very long. But provide an innovative and inspiring space, and your employees will thank you for the reprieve from the hours of sitting at their desks.  

One up-and-coming trend in office design is creating break areas outside, which is especially welcome when the weather gets nice again after a long winter. So think outside the cube, and take these tips for creating a great outdoor break area!

Location, Location, Location 

The first and possibly most important step toward adding an outdoor breakroom is choosing where it will go. Your business may or may not have much say in this matter, but if you do, choose a location with plenty of natural sunlight. Catching some rays can be a great mood booster for employees taking breaks outside, and it can leave them feeling energized and ready to tackle the afternoon workload. Consider adding umbrellas in case they need a break from the sun. Of course, you may also want to add some furniture to some shady areas to keep employees comfortable on those particularly hot summer days.

Get the Right Furniture 

You won’t be able to use just any old breakroom furniture in your outdoor area. Choose chairs, tables, and other furnishings specifically designed for outside use. These products can withstand harsh outdoor elements like rain and direct sunlight, and you can even keep many outside year-round. Depending on how large the space is, you’ll want to provide chairs and tables for employees to eat lunch at, plus a lounge area for chatting and even holding outdoor meetings.

Go for the Green 

It’s easy to find outdoor furniture that’s not only weather-resistant but eco-friendly as well. From benches and picnic tables to waste receptacles and outdoor boards, hundreds of products are made entirely from recycled materials. These are great for the environment and great for you since most are made from materials such as recycled milk jugs that are completely maintenance-free.

 

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