The Complete Office Furniture Style Guide

• Adjustable-height desks have a work surface that moves up and down with you. If you only have space for 1 desk and want to make switching between sitting and standing as easy as possible, an adjustable-height desk is the best option. With an adjustable-height desk, you can do all your sitting and standing in 1 place. Adjustable-height desks will have either a gas lift, a manual lift or an electronic lift adjustment mechanism. In some collections, the adjustable-height desk is made up of the bridge on a U-shaped desk or the return on an L-shaped desk. 

• Adjustable monitor risers are a fantastic aftermarket alternative for those who don't want to spend a ton on a stand-up workstation. If you want the benefits of an adjustable-height desk but don’t want to get rid of your old desk, an adjustable-height monitor stand is your ticket. These stands and mounts can be attached to your existing desk (or simply placed on top) to provide a low-cost alternative to a standing desk. 

• Standing-height desks have a work surface measuring around 42" tall. If you have a lot of space in your office, you may want to add a standing height desk to the space and alternate between using that and your regular desk.  

• Standing-height L-desks combine the functionality of a standing-height desk with the versatility of an L-shaped layout, offering an expansive workspace designed for productivity. With their generous surface area, standing-height L-desks are great for those who need room to spread out materials, set up multiple monitors or accommodate collaborative tasks. Perfect for larger office spaces, these desks provide ergonomic flexibility and a professional appearance while supporting a variety of work styles. 

What Are Standing Desks Made Of? 

Materials matter when it comes to durability, aesthetics and budget. Here’s what to consider: 

• Laminate—Cost-effective and durable, laminate is ideal for high-traffic areas and is easy to maintain. It’s a smart choice for those balancing durability with budget constraints. 

• Wood Veneer—Veneer desks provide a premium look without the high cost of solid wood. However, they may need more care to retain their aesthetic. 

• Solid Wood—The highest quality option, solid wood offers exceptional durability but tends to be heavy and costly. This material may be better suited for executive offices or spaces where aesthetics are paramount. 

• Metal Frameworks—Modern and industrial, metal frameworks offer durability and stability. They are typically paired with wood or laminate tops. Steel is common, with chrome or powder-coated finishes. 

Standing Desks Can Set Your Team Up for Success 

Creating an ergonomic and adaptable workspace is essential for employee well-being and productivity. A well-chosen standing desk, tailored to your space and needs, offers flexibility and long-term health benefits. 

As you select the right standing desk and accessories, consider it an investment in a workspace that will support your comfort and productivity every day. 

Office boards come in many styles, which means there are many options and narrowing it down can be tough. First, consider what type of room you’ll use the board in and how often you’ll use it. Next, read our comprehensive guide to find the best board for you and your office.

Type 

Whiteboards have a glass, melamine, or porcelain surface meant to be written on with a dry erase marker. You can find whiteboards in any area of the office as they’re ideal for expressing temporary messages to coworkers.

Chalkboards, otherwise known as blackboards, are green or black and meant to be written on with chalk. Although chalkboards were once commonplace, they have been widely replaced by whiteboards over the last several years and are now rarely seen in office settings.

Interactive boards have a touch screen and work with projectors to help meeting facilitators better express their ideas by interacting with graphs and other graphics during presentations.

Presentation boards are wall-mounted cabinets with doors that swing open to reveal a whiteboard and/or corkboard that can be used during meetings but neatly tucked away for a clean look when not in use. Presentation boards are commonly used in private offices.

Bulletin boards are open or enclosed boards with a fabric, vinyl, or cork surface used for pinning up paper and other lightweight items with thumbtacks. Bulletin boards are used in many areas of the office but are especially useful in common areas for announcements.

Announcement boards are enclosed bulletin boards. They typically have a glass door that keeps posted announcements visible while protecting them from theft or damage from the elements in an outdoor setting. The door or doors may be lockable.

Message centers are freestanding multi-bulletin board units that display information on all sides. These are typically seen in common areas, including outdoor spaces where people are expected to approach from all angles.

Map rails are thin strips of cork or fabric material made to run along a wall. These are commonly used in classrooms and hallways for displaying student artwork, learning materials, and, of course, maps.

Directory boards, also called letter boards, are fabric boards with grooves that hold specially made letters. These boards generally help visitors in a lobby find a specific office in a large building.

Construction

Melamine is a plastic material commonly used as a whiteboard surface. Melamine is budget-friendly and lightweight, but this type of surface is more susceptible to staining, ghosting, and denting, so you may need a replacement every few years, depending on how frequently it’s used. Melamine boards often feature a steel backing that makes them magnetic.

Porcelain (or ceramic) is another common whiteboard surface. Although more expensive than melamine, it offers greater durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Like melamine, porcelain boards are easy to write on and often magnetic, but because porcelain is less porous, the surface is less likely to succumb to ghosting.

Glass is not porous at all, which makes it the most durable and most expensive option. Markers erase easily without smudging or ghosting, so these boards should last for many years. Glass markerboards are usually frameless and available in many colors, which gives them a modern appearance most offices desire.

Cork is a lightweight substance obtained from the outer layer of a cork oak tree. This material is often used as the surface on bulletin boards since it easily holds thumbtacks. Plus, cork grows back very quickly, making it a sustainable material.

Rubber behaves similarly to cork but is often preferred due to its eco-friendly design. Rubber is also better at withstanding the outdoor elements and does not support the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria in damp areas.

Fabric is another common bulletin board material. It’s often preferred due to the variety of colors and patterns available. Fabric is often preferred over cork because it better hides pinholes caused by thumbtacks.

Vinyl bulletin boards are weatherproof and easy to clean, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Special Features

Eco-friendly boards are manufactured using recycled materials such as milk jugs and water bottles. It’s common to find eco-friendly outdoor boards since recycled materials are usually weather-resistant.

Enclosed boards have a door, which is usually made of glass and may be lockable. These are ideal for use outdoors where weather resistance is needed and in areas where announcements need to be protected from potential theft.

Mobile boards roll on casters, which are often lockable to keep the board in place while in use. Mobile boards are often used in conference and training rooms with ever-changing layouts and as partitions between workstations.

Reversible boards have a whiteboard surface on both sides or a whiteboard surface on one side and a bulletin board surface on the reverse side.

A breakroom is more than a room for employees to sit and eat during lunchtime. It’s a getaway. It’s a space for coworkers to chat, chow down, and chill out. Workers need time in the middle of the day to get their minds off the job and relax a little, and providing a breakroom that’s inspiring and relaxing is the best way to get the batteries recharged and reenergized for the afternoon. So, where do you begin? This comprehensive guide to breakroom furniture should help.

Breakroom Tables 

Dining tables come in 2 heights—standard height, counter height, and bar height. All 3 are great options for a breakroom, and many businesses use a combination of 2 heights or even all 3 to create an interesting look and give users some options. Also include some ADA height tables (between 28" and 34" tall with at least 27" of knee clearance between the floor and underside of the table) to ensure your breakroom is wheelchair accessible.

Outdoor tables, including picnic tables, are great additions to outdoor spaces. Who doesn’t want to enjoy Mother Nature on a beautiful summer day? Equipping your outdoor space with weather-resistant furniture will give your employees plenty of options.

Coffee and end tables are ideal for lounge areas with sofas and loveseats. A well-placed coffee table or end table can be the finishing touch on a cozy spot, providing room for beverages and reading materials.

Breakroom Seating 

Café chairs and bar stools usually have a simple design that’s meant for breakrooms and restaurants. These seating options come in a wide variety of styles, including stackable options and nesting chairs, so you can create a look you’ll love in your office.

Benches and booths are great for seating multiple people in an area without taking up too much room. Whether you choose built-in booths or mobile benches, your employees will appreciate the extra seating options. 

Lounge seating is ideal for breakrooms because it provides a cozy space for employees to relax during their breaks. Lounge seating can include club chairs, sofas, loveseats, ottomans, and other soft seating commonly found in residential living rooms. While upholstery provides a more homelike feel, vinyl is much easier to clean, so consider which is more important before making your decision.

Breakroom Storage

Storage cabinets can be small or large and come in a huge range of styles. For the most part, your breakroom storage will come in the form of upper and lower cabinets, similar to what one might see in a residential kitchen. Mobile storage carts and credenzas are also viable options. 

Coat racks are smart additions to breakrooms of any size because they provide a designated spot for employees to hang coats and umbrellas, keeping your lunchroom looking tidy.

Magazine racks provide a designated spot for reading materials in the room. With magazine racks, your space won’t get cluttered with magazines spilled all over your tables, and employees will know exactly where to go to grab something to read during their break.

Refrigerators and beverage coolers are, of course, key components of the functioning breakroom. Make sure the refrigerators in your office are the right size and that you have the right number of them to support the number of employees in your business.

Breakroom Accessories

Waste receptacles and recycling stations should be added to your breakroom in an easy-to-see location so that everyone can easily tell where to toss their bottles, cans, and trash. 

Floor mats are especially necessary for a breakroom if you have a door to your lunchroom leading outside. A floor mat will trap dirt and debris before it gets inside. It can also prevent employees from slipping on a wet floor after a hard rain or snowfall.

Cleaning products and paper products are essential for keeping the breakroom neat and tidy. Equip your lunchroom with sanitizer and soap so that the space can be cleaned regularly. You should also keep paper products like plates and napkins on hand for employees who may need them to enjoy lunch.

Artwork comes in a vast and varied assortment to match the rest of the furniture and décor in your space. Measure your walls before deciding what type of painting or print to place on your walls.

Clocks aren’t totally necessary in a breakroom, but employees certainly appreciate them. Add one to your breakroom (or a couple if you have a large breakroom) so employees can easily tell when break time is over.

Acoustic dividers can keep sound within a confined space, making them especially beneficial in a breakroom where employees spend a lot of time chatting and making noise. Adding these specially designed tiles to your breakroom entry will keep the sound in and prevent echoing and amplification of noise from disturbing workers outside of the room.

Well-Designed Breakroom Advantages

A well-designed breakroom provides employees with a reprieve from their busy work life, improving morale and making the office an all-around better place.