The Complete Office Furniture Style Guide

So you’ve heard that sitting all day, every day is detrimental to your health, and you’d like to do something about that. Great! Deciding to get a standing desk for your office is easy, but choosing the right standing desk for your space and work style is another matter entirely. To help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to standing desks thatincludes everything you should consider before taking the plunge.

What Size Standing Desk Should I Get?

Standing desks come in a huge range of sizes, from compact to executive, so be sure to determine what size desk you need before you begin shopping. 

Measure the Office 

Measure the size of your office to determine how large of a desk will be possible within the space. When measuring the square footage of the area where you’d like to put your desk, allow at least 2 feet of space around it.

Measure Doorways and Stairwells 

In addition to the room where the desk will be going, you will also want to measure any doorways or stairwells that the desk must travel through on the way to your office. If there will be a lot of slender doorways or narrow stairwells to navigate on the way to your room of choice, you may want to consider getting a desk that isn’t too big or comes ready to assemble (RTA) just to make sure that it will make it into your office in the first place. 

Measure Yourself 

That’s right—you are one of the most important things to measure. Measure where you want your arms to fall when standing so that you know whether or not you’ll need a desk with a keyboard tray. You’ll also want to note a comfortable place for your eyes to land on your monitor or monitors to determine the height of the desk you should get and whether or not you will need a monitor stand for your computer.

Tip: The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” higher than your eye level.

What Types of Standing Desks Are There?

Standing desks or stand-up desks come in a few different styles to satisfy the needs of a wide range of users. Depending on whether you have an existing desk and your budget, you may want to consider each option to select the one that's best for you.

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. Remember that standing all day can be as detrimental to your health as sitting all day, so if you only have a standing height desk and no standard height desk, you will also want to get an ergonomic drafting stool so you can still alternate between sitting and standing.

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.

What Are Standing Desks Made of?

Laminate is the most affordable option. Although laminate can look like it has real wood grain, it is actually made from a form of particle board with or without a wood grain print. Desks with a laminate surface construction are ideal for high-traffic offices because laminate does not scratch or dent easily and is generally easier to maintain and keep clean. Laminate is also affordable, making it a great choice for businesses on a tight budget. 

Wood veneer is a smart option for those who want a real wood look without the solid wood cost. Wood veneer desks have a similar base as laminate furniture (typically particle board) but feature a thin layer of real wood on top. Veneer desks can be trickier to clean and care for than laminate, but the veneer layer provides a much richer look that many offices prefer.

Solid wood desks are hard to find, but they are the best quality option available. As the name implies, solid wood desks are made of solid wood. These beautiful desks are of the highest quality, but they are very heavy and can be quite expensive. It’s more common to find adjustable height desks with a metal framework and solid wood top.

Metal desks are modern and durable. Although you can find all-metal desks, most come with a wood or glass top and have a metal framework for stability and industrial aesthetics. Metal desks are usually made of steel, though the gauge may vary. The desk may come in either a chrome or powder-coated finish.

Do I Need Standing Desk Accessories?

Anti-fatigue mats help soothe sore feet. We recommend you stand 15 minutes for every hour you sit at work. Because extended periods spent standing can be hard on your body, we also recommend that you add an anti-fatigue mat to your workspace. Anti-fatigue mats are thicker than the average mat, often with a padded construction that may include a foam insert. This allows you to stand for long periods without straining your legs. An ergonomic sit or stand chair mat takes it a step further by providing both a plush anti-fatigue mat and a smooth plastic chair mat in one handy unit. You may also want to consider keeping appropriate footwear at the office since standing in high heels or uncomfortable dress shoes will make standing difficult.

Keyboard trays keep wrists and fingers comfortable. Just as moving throughout the work day is important, so is positioning your wrists properly when typing. This is why measuring your body in relation to where your wrists fall naturally is so crucial. If you have your eye on a stand-up desk that does not come with a built-in keyboard tray, you may want to inquire about what types of add-on keyboard trays are available. Your wrists should remain at a 90-degree angle, not tilted too far up or down.

Wrist pads assist in ergonomic performance. A similar aide to a good keyboard tray, a wrist pad may also help you stay more comfortable while standing. A gel or foam wrist pad will help guide your arms, forcing them into the most comfortable and ergonomically appropriate position to encourage better blood flow and keep aches and pains at bay.

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.