Whether running a small business or a multimillion-dollar corporation, every office wants to save money wherever possible. Although saving money may be wise, plan carefully when budgeting for your new office furniture—some pieces are worth the splurge. Read on to determine which pieces of furniture are worth the extra investment and which can save you some cash upfront.
Reception Area
You should prioritize the comfort and appeal of the reception area or waiting room, as it often helps visitors form their first impression of your business.
Splurge: Reception Desk
When it comes to the main desk in your waiting room, we suggest choosing a piece of furniture that will make a statement and promise long-lasting use. Even the cheapest reception desks are expensive, so believe us when we say this is not a piece of furniture you want to replace in a few years’ time.
Not only is it expensive to replace, but it’s difficult to replace as well, considering it’s such a large piece of furniture. Do yourself a favor and go with a durable reception desk that’s built to last, and pick something attractive enough to draw in your visitors as soon as they step foot through your front door.
Save: Occasional Tables
Coffee and end tables are waiting room necessities, but they don’t need much of your budget. Occasional tables in a reception area are used very lightly, so selecting inexpensive options won’t mean needing to replace the furniture the same way it would for a reception desk. In addition, occasional tables aren’t as expensive to replace as larger furniture is, so it won’t be a major blow to your budget when they’re ready for an update.
Conference Rooms
Whether discussing strategy with team members or presenting to potential clients, important business happens in your company’s conference room.
Splurge: Conference Tables and Chairs
Similarly to reception desks, conference tables are expensive, and you won’t want to replace yours too quickly, especially if the table is large. We recommend splurging on your conference table of choice. Choose something sturdier and more resistant to heavy use to ensure you won’t need to replace it anytime soon, saving you money in the long run.
In addition to picking the right table, we also recommend going with conference chairs that are comfortable enough for long meetings. After all, nobody will be productive in a meeting if their back is killing them.
Save: Storage and Case Goods
Storage and case goods in the conference room are generally used sparingly for electronics and paperwork. This type of furniture is not subjected to frequent daily use, so you’ll be safe selecting a mid-price option that may not be as heavy-duty as your conference table. Ready-to-assemble laminate options are usually a good choice for the budget-conscious buyer.
Breakrooms
It can be tempting to cut costs when furnishing an employee breakroom, but happy employees are productive employees—make sure they have a comfortable space to relax or eat lunch.
Splurge: Tables and Chairs
Tables and chairs are the most important furniture employees use in the breakroom. These furnishings are used daily, which means they need to withstand heavy use. We recommend choosing sturdy tables and chairs designed to be durable and easy to clean. This way, you won’t need to worry about furniture breaking or needing to be replaced for a long time.
Save: Décor
A breakroom should be a place that inspires creativity and relaxation in your employees, so the right décor is a must. But tons of budget-friendly décor and accessory options are available when designing your business’s lunchroom. We recommend getting all the important furniture first and selecting your décor based on the remaining budget. No matter the budget, you’ll find a selection of artwork, lamps, and area rugs to fit into it.
Private Offices and Workstations
Workstations are hugely important to your employees' overall productivity and happiness, so the furniture you select for private offices and cubicles should be of the best quality you can afford.
Splurge: Desks And Office Chairs
Desks and office chairs should be high quality enough to withstand daily use and comfortable enough for employees to work at them all day. Providing employees with a standing-height desk option has become essential in today’s workforce. Offering an office chair with the right ergonomic adjustments will ensure employees are comfortable enough to work productively all day.
Save: Guest Chairs
However, one thing you can save on is the guest chairs employees keep at their workstations for visitors to use. Whether choosing side chairs in a corner office or a task chair in a cubicle, these chairs are used very lightly and don’t need to withstand harsh wear the way the employee’s ergonomic chair needs to. Adjustments on these chairs may also be minimal, which will help you save on the cost.
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