Office space is decreasing as realtors try to fit more units into office blocks and large, private offices are becoming an endangered species. The recent trend has been for offices to be more open plans with room for collaborative spaces. These spaces are slowly encroaching on that nice corner office you always dreamed of, leaving you with less floor space. But this doesn’t have to mean that the walls are literally closing in on you. With some creativity and smart furniture choices, it is possible to create a cozy space. Here are some tips on how to furnish a small office.
What Do You Mean There’s No Room for a Recliner?
Choosing furniture for a small office doesn’t mean you have to go for kid-sized stools and tables; it just means that there may not be room for executive oak desks and plush leather chairs. And this is where it is possible to have some fun with it.
Ergonomically designed chairs are designed to be minimalistic but supportive, so they don’t have to take up a lot of room. Sit/Stand desks can be adapted to any task you are doing and help you change your position without having to walk away from your desk.
Preach What You Practice
Working within the confines of a small space can be claustrophobic, but with some creative thinking, you’ll be amazed what you fit in. Some executives around the states have managed to fit bucket chairs, small sofas, storage, and desks into tiny spaces and they are more than happy with their office.
When looking at the space, make a list of the essentials you need in your office and what kind of work you are likely to do there. Being pragmatic will help remove unnecessary storage space and guest chairs. These days, a lot of furniture has a multipurpose design, which can be moved and adapted to fit into a wide variety of nooks and crannies. For example, you could have a desk that could be your personal space and also have an attachment to it for meetings with other colleagues, eliminating the need to go to a meeting room.
Play around with the Lighting
Lighter colored furniture and access to a natural light source can help the space you are in feel much bigger than it is. Choose pastel colors and whites, and make sure the walls complement the furniture, as dark-colored walls can negate the effect of the furniture. On the other hand, dark-colored flooring gives the room a wider and longer feel.
Throw Away the Filling Cabinets
Large, metal filing cabinets that block out the sun are slowly being phased out in modern offices, as more and more businesses are relying on cloud-based storage. If you decide to have a desk in the office, look for one with smart storage solutions, as you just don’t have the space to store reams of paper.
