7 mistakes to avoid when buying office furniture
Buying furniture is a long process, especially when it is for an office space that will be used by numerous people with varying tastes and requirements. There are several factors to consider throughout the process, like the office space, budget, preferences, any theme, and more. If you are considering buying office furniture, here are some mistakes to avoid and tips on how to make the best decision for the new space for everyone.
Choosing looks over comfort
Yes, an aesthetically pleasing office space makes for an elevated experience. But comfort is of more value than just looks. Individuals typically spend more than a couple of hours at their desks discussing, brainstorming, making presentations, and whatnot. So, it is understandable that they need comfortable furniture and not just good-looking furniture. Looking at office chairs with headrests and ergonomic designs should be the priority. There should be a lumbar support system, padded seats, and also armrests included in the design.
Not checking the warranty
Buying furniture means spending a lot of the budget for the office. When in charge of such a responsibility, it is advisable to ensure an adequate warranty on the items since they are bound to get some wear and tear over time. The manufacturers may also provide you with a manual of after-sales care that you can follow for these products. Check the information thoroughly and note whether repair or replacements are mentioned for products that do not work well with your needs. Is there a timeline attached to this warranty? What is it? Is there any room to push and negotiate? If you need any spare parts, will they be willing to provide them for you? This is a lifetime investment, so don’t be shy about negotiating the best deal possible for yourself.
Choosing fixed furniture
This may seem like a small factor to consider, but it can make a huge difference. There are some perks to non-portable furniture; for example, not moving the furniture every day will likely lead to lesser wear and tear. Fixed furniture also lets you plan the layout of the room better, enabling you to have more room for storage and other necessities. However, what happens when you have to move spaces or when you need to change the design of the place? Getting fixed furniture removed is expensive, and you will mostly not be able to use it again because of space or design changes. So, get portable furniture. They are easy to manage and can be scaled up or scaled down.
Impulse buying
Impulse buying is not an advisable course of action, especially when buying office furniture. This is because all the furniture must look uniform and meet various factors, like comfort and budget. When you make an impulse purchase, you may value the discount on the piece or its appearance. However, these are not always primary factors when it comes to office furniture. Also, it is vital to pick furniture pieces that will stand the test of time and look good even after a trend has passed. Since you will not be able to buy furniture every season, it is best to plan the furniture in a way that enables it to look great and last for a long time.
Consider the office space
This is probably one of the first few things to consider. Buy furniture keeping the office space in mind. Plan out the look and feel of the office and then invest in pieces that will enhance the look of the space. Take measurements and chart out plans to get an idea of how this will work. Designate areas for meetings, meal spaces, brainstorming sessions, and dedicated spaces for the relaxation of your employees, and invest in furniture accordingly.
Selecting random items as a set
You may really like a chair you found at a thrift store and a desk at a new furniture shop. While they both may look good and have great colors, do they meet the ergonomic requirements of someone who will be sitting in this setup for hours? This is why mixing and matching single pieces may not always work because they are not meant for the same purpose. Besides, this does not bring any uniformity in the office space, so it may give off a more chaotic feel. Investing in furniture in vibrant colors is not wrong, but it should be planned in a proper manner.
Not opting for insurance
Did you know that office furniture can also be insured? This is an essential step in setting up the office to insure the property inside the office. It would be unthinkable to put so many hours of work and resources into designing an office and lose it all to a calamity with no possible recovery. Insurance can be expensive, but researching thoroughly can help you select the right company that offers an attractive premium. Also, in some cases, a third party may fund the office and demand that everything be insured to be sure that the money is recovered in case of any accidents, theft, or damage.
If it is a small business, you can also think about speaking to your employees and considering their suggestions for the furniture.