Monday, 25 August 2014

7 Popular Trends in Modular Office Furniture

It increases efficiency, adds style and character, and utilizes space in the best possible manner. There’s no doubt that modular office furniture is here to stay. But like everything else, it does undergo shifts in styles, trends, designs and patterns. Here are a few of the most popular modular office furniture trends these days:

1. Cubicles out, open plans in: Where modular furniture scores most over traditional furniture, is in its ability to make efficient usage of space. This bodes rather well for office spaces, where real estate in any case comes at a premium. Instead of opting for small, boxed-in cubicles, a lot of offices embrace the idea of open office plans. They not only enable great space utilization, but also facilitate an office culture that is more conducive to communication and teamwork.

2. Glass, chrome & metallic designs: Modern office furniture design leans towards the use of a lot of glass and metallic finishes for adding elegance and style to the interiors. Clean lines, minimalistic features and plenty of productivity-enhancing elements define modular office furniture these days.

3. Clever storage spaces: Gone are the days of heavy, 8-ft high, wood-paneled filing cabinets. Modern offices are increasingly taking the smart approach of combining smart functionality with innovative designs. As a result, spacious storage areas are created under workstations, mounted to low beams, and often bundled for teams with individual areas inside.

4. All-in-one workstations: Workplaces have to be equipped with high-tech equipment, audio and video conferencing needs, etc. To facilitate better productivity without continuously moving from one place to another, the concept of all-in-one workstations is fast gaining popularity. These clever designs allow maximum functionality and are customized to office spaces. Many of these are portable, foldable, and capable of accommodating any digital needs. Furthermore, they are adjustable to suit individual physical needs as well.

5. Experimentation with color: Modern workplaces, more often than not, encourage individuality. So a lot of office furniture is now available in delightful color palettes. Reflecting the spirit of the company, the ethos, the culture, modular office furniture is no longer meant to serve the singular purpose of seating and working. It is a stamp of the company itself. White glass desktops set off by a contrasting dark shade of wood or lovely lime green, pale yellow shades are a fairly popular sight these days.

6. Flexible, compact, lightweight: Modular office furniture makes great use of material. Executive desks, workstations, conference and reception table and chairs, storage spaces and worktops are all designed to lend a far greater degree of flexibility in performing routine office tasks. This furniture is also lightweight and compact, yet strong and durable.

7. Ergonomic features: “Ergonomic design”, contrary to what some might believe, is not a passing fad. With the number of hours we spend at work each day, the comfort aspects delivered by office furniture assume paramount importance. Reputed manufacturers and labels of modular office furniture consider ergonomics as a key characteristic in their designs. Adjustable heights of chairs, posture-enhancing contours and optimum workstation sizes-everything helps and contributes.