Your Guide to Designing and Furnishing Private Offices and Executive Offices
A private office or executive office is a dedicated space designed for a single person or small group of executives within an organization. These offices are typically larger than standard offices and often feature high-end finishes, luxurious furnishings, and amenities such as private bathrooms and sitting areas.
When designing, planning, and furnishing a private office/executive office, it is important to consider factors such as the size of the room, the lighting, acoustics, technology, and furniture. A well-designed private office can provide a comfortable and productive workspace for executives, while a poorly designed one can hinder their effectiveness and productivity.
What Should Be in an Executive Office?
When designing an executive office or private office, you must include:
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Executive desk: Executive desks are large desks that usually come with 2 pedestals (filled storage cabinets, filing, or drawers) on either side.
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Ergonomic chair: Ergonomic chairs are designed to help your body maintain proper posture while working.
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Storage unit: You can include a credenza, a bookshelf/bookcase, filing cabinets, or a display case, depending on your storage needs, budget, and aesthetics.
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A comfortable place to sit: You will also want to include comfortable seating for 1:1s and small meetings. That may look like guest chairs that can be placed aton the front of the desk, or it may look like adding a small table with club chairs in the corner of the room.
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Lighting: Good lighting is essential for creating a comfortable and productive atmosphere. The room should have ample natural light, supplemented by artificial lighting that is adjustable to suit different needs.
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Tech needs: Be sure to include any necessary technology, like a computer, telephone, or printer.
How Do You Lay Out an Executive Office or Private Office?
The layout of an executive office should be designed to create a comfortable and productive workspace. Typically, the executive desk should be placed in a central location with seating areas arranged around it. Storage units, bookshelves, and credenzas should be placed against the walls to maximize floor space.
How Do You Decorate an Executive Office?
When decorating an executive office, it is important to choose high-quality and commercial-grade materials. The color scheme should be neutral or muted, with pops of color used to add visual interest. Accessories such as plants, lamps, and decorative objects can also be used to enhance the decor.
What Are the Features of an Executive Office or Private Office?
An executive office, or private office, should have comfortable furniture, including a large executive desk, comfortable chairs, and a seating area. Adequate lighting, storage space, and a private bathroom may also be included. Many executive offices also have higher-end finishes and decorations.
How Can You Make a Corporate Office Look Nice?
Use a neutral or muted color scheme with pops of color to add visual interest. Choose comfortable, commercial-grade furniture that is appropriate for the space, and make sure there is adequate lighting throughout the office. Add personal touches, such as plants, lamps, and decorative objects, to make the space feel more inviting.
Where Might You Find a Private Office, or Executive Office?
Executive offices are a commonly used solution for management workspace in businesses, government offices (in the military, executive branch, county office, etc.), education (principal’s office, staff office, etc.), healthcare, and hospitality.
In addition to providing a quiet place to focus and work, many executive offices function as a place to meet with clients. This is especially true with external-facing departments like sales and human resources, although individuals in marketing, IT, customer service, and other departments may need private offices as well.
Common Materials Used in Commercial-Grade Executive Office Furniture
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Laminate: Because laminate is an engineered material, it can be constructed to withstand high levels of impact and consistent wear. There are different grades of laminate, with some more durable than others. High-performance laminate can be one of the best materials for corporate office settings because of its ability to withstand wear and tear.
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Wood: Solid wood and hardwood furniture pieces are as beautiful as they are timeless. They also come with a couple of drawbacks: They’re heavy, making them difficult to move, and they aren’t as durable as many performance office furniture materials.
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Engineered wood: Engineered wood pairs affordability with durability. If you’re looking for the “solid wood” look but don’t want to pay the price tag that matches it, engineered wood can be an ideal alternative.
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Metal: Metal is lightweight, affordable, and durable, making it a popular material for office desks, especially in modern silhouettes.
How to Measure for Executive Office Furniture Delivery
Measure doorways and stairwells and check against the furniture dimensions to ensure furniture pieces will make it into your office. If you need to navigate slender doorways or narrow stairwells on the way to your room of choice, then you may want to consider getting a smaller desk or one that comes ready to assemble (RTA) to make sure that it will fit.
Need Help? We Offer Design Services
NBF is proud to offer complimentary design services. You can work with our office design pros to create the office space of your dreams.
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