Offices & Workplaces ·
In this article
Office décor is an important process, because design can affect energy, productivity and comfort for the people who use the space. Corporate office design depends on style, personality, budget and the type of office, and it can be tailored to users' needs and to the main purpose of the design. In this article we look at some types of office décor and what to consider when designing one, along with practical tips to improve users' comfort and raise productivity.
The main purpose
Start by defining the main purpose of the office. If it is designed for clients or visitors, the décor should be elegant and attractive. If it is designed for staff, the décor should be comfortable and help to raise productivity.
Current trends
It is worth following current trends in office décor and applying them where they fit, since they often improve the atmosphere and productivity of an office. Examples include adjustable, movable furniture and layouts that encourage collaboration and interaction between staff.
Colour and lighting
Colours should be chosen with care. Bright colours such as red, orange and yellow raise activity levels and stimulate the mind, while calm colours such as blue, green and grey soothe the nerves and help concentration. The office also needs suitable lighting: natural light together with suitable artificial light is preferable, so that documents and computer work can be seen clearly.
Furniture and storage
Furniture should be comfortable and practical. Staff spend a great deal of time in the office, so furniture must be comfortable and of high quality. There should also be plenty of storage, because staff need to keep documents and other equipment in an orderly way.
Space and ornament
Offices should be laid out so that work can flow. Crowded, cramped offices can increase tension and affect productivity. Excessive ornament should be avoided because it can affect focus and productivity, while plants and artwork can bring a sense of calm and comfort.
What types of office décor are there?
Many types of office décor can be used, depending on the office's needs, budget and goals. They include:
Classic office design
This classic décor includes heavy, handcrafted wooden furniture, heavy curtains and luxurious accessories. It suits upmarket offices and companies working in fields such as law, accounting and finance.
Modern office design
This décor is simple and contemporary, with clean lines, calm colours and contemporary furniture. It suits technology, creative and innovative companies.
Industrial-style décor
This décor commonly uses raw materials, dark colours, subdued lighting and rough metal and wooden furniture. It suits companies working in production, manufacturing and engineering.
Natural décor
This décor uses natural colours such as green, brown and blue, living plants and furniture made of natural wood. It suits companies working in environment, agriculture, health and wellness.
From another angle, other kinds of office décor vary with the nature of the tasks and the type of work. Some settings call for a classic décor while others call for a modern one, and so we find administrative offices, working offices and décor specific to home offices. Some of these types are described below:
Manager's office décor
A manager's office is usually classic and luxurious, using furniture made of fine wood, rich designs and dark colours. Luxurious geometric patterns and finely worked artistic carvings can also be added to the walls and ceilings.
Small office décor
A small office is characterised by a modern, simple look, with small furniture suited to small spaces and light, fresh colours that make the space look larger. Wall shelves and wall-mounted cabinets can be used to store documents and files.
Home office décor
A home office is characterised by comfort, privacy and personalisation, and users can design it around their own needs and personal style. Furniture suited to domestic spaces can be used, and the office can be given colours and décor that reflect the user's personality and make them feel at ease.
Wooden office décor
A wooden office is characterised by warmth, authenticity and tradition, using natural wood in the design and furniture, in classic and traditional schemes. Warm colours can be used with natural wood to give the office a warm, elegant look.
Key tips for designing office décor
Several important principles should be kept in mind when designing office décor. Among them:
- Provide a comfortable, healthy working environment: use environmentally friendly materials, suitable natural and artificial lighting, and good ventilation.
- Make the best use of space: this includes designing the different areas of the office, such as reception, work and meeting areas.
- Provide psychological comfort: design offices to give staff peace of mind, through warm, restful colours, calm lighting and suitable, comfortable furniture.
- Focus on quality: use high-quality materials and durable, carefully designed furniture, which helps to provide a comfortable environment suited to productivity.
- Creativity and innovation: use creative, innovative solutions in office design, which helps to stimulate creativity and creative thinking among staff.
- Attention to detail: office décor design helps to improve the quality of the overall office environment and strengthen productivity.
- Stay within the budget: manage the budget for the office décor carefully, keep to the agreed figure, and aim to achieve the intended goal at the lowest possible cost.
What are the best colours for offices?
The right colours for a given office are chosen according to the character the owner wants to achieve, the purpose of the office and the kind of work done there. Even so, some colours suit most types of office, including:
- White: a calm colour that creates a quiet, bright working environment. It helps to bring a sense of freshness and focus, and it reflects cleanliness and order.
- Blue: a calming colour that helps to improve concentration and attention and to reduce stress levels. It can also convey confidence, stability and respect.
- Grey: an elegant, sophisticated colour, often used to create an atmosphere of seriousness and stability.
- Green: a restful, calm, natural colour that improves attention and concentration and eases stress and tension.
- Beige: a warm, calm colour that helps to create a cheerful, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The main points to consider in office lighting
Suitable lighting design is an important part of office décor, because it affects staff comfort and health, and it can improve performance and productivity overall. The key points to focus on in lighting when designing office décor are:
- Provide natural light: use as much natural light as possible, as it helps to improve mood and concentration and saves energy.
- Provide artificial light: use it in a suitable, careful way, with ceiling, floor or wall lights and desk lights.
- Provide medium-level lighting: offices should have moderate lighting, and desk lights can be used instead of bright overhead lights.
- Distribute light well: spread light evenly across all areas of the office, including the work, meeting and reception areas.
- Provide adjustable lighting: it allows staff to adjust the light to their personal needs and work tasks.
- Provide healthy lighting: use full-spectrum lights to improve staff health and comfort.
What are the most important pieces of office furniture?
The furniture an office needs depends on its size and the kind of work done there. Even so, some basic pieces are needed when designing office décor, including:
The table
A table is a basic piece in any office. It can be used for work, meetings, relaxing and eating. Table sizes vary with the size of the office and the needs of the work.
The office chair
The office chair is one of the most important pieces of furniture in an office, used for sitting while working. Types of office chair vary with design, the materials used and the comfort they offer.
The filing cabinet
A filing cabinet is a basic piece in offices, used to store files, documents and other equipment. Sizes and types of cabinet vary with the size of the office and the volume of files.
Shelves
Shelves are used to store books, files and other equipment, and can also be used to decorate the office. Sizes and types of shelf vary with the size of the office and its needs.
The side desk
A side desk is used in large offices, or for managers and staff who need extra workspace. It can be used for work, meetings and eating.
The side table
A side table is used to hold small items and other accessories such as a phone, keys, glasses and a pen.
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Key factors when choosing office flooring
The factors to consider when choosing office flooring vary with each office's needs and preferences. Even so, here are some important ones to look at:
- Durability: choose flooring that is durable and resistant to wear, because offices see foot traffic, furniture, electronic equipment, shoes and heavy loads.
- Safety: flooring should be safe and non-slip to avoid accidents and injuries.
- Maintenance: choose flooring that is easy to maintain and clean, and resistant to stains and dirt.
- Comfort: choose flooring that is comfortable for staff, flexible and soft underfoot, and that helps to reduce fatigue and strain.
- Thermal insulation: flooring that provides thermal insulation and helps save energy. Glass and wooden floors can help improve heat insulation.
- Design: choose flooring that suits the design of the office and reflects elegance and professionalism.
- Cost: also consider the cost of office flooring, how readily available it is on the market and whether it fits the budget set for the office design.
- Environmental impact: consider the impact of the flooring on the environment, and choose environmentally friendly flooring made of sustainable materials.
Plasterboard in offices
Plasterboard is a building material made of gypsum plaster and card, formed into panels and fixed to walls or ceilings. It can be used in office décor in several ways, including:
- Dividing space: plasterboard can divide the office into different parts, such as meeting rooms, individual offices or reception areas.
- Covering walls: and adding ceilings with concealed lighting and other light fittings.
- Improving sound: plasterboard can improve sound quality in the office when installed as a suspended ceiling with sound insulation.
- Fitting furniture: plasterboard can be used to build in concealed furniture and storage designed specially for the office.
- Decoration and ornament: carved patterns, geometric shapes and other ornament can be added.