What really defines a successful office fit-out? Is it the lighting? An impressive layout? The flow of the space? Well it’s all of these things and one other very important element - furniture. The chairs, desks, storage solutions, art, phone booths and statement pieces. 

Office furniture isn't just about random pieces to fill up space - it's about choosing the right type of furniture that fits the needs of the teams but also elevates the overall look of the space. Furniture choices are important as you want pieces that serve the functionality requirements of the departments and also supports employee well-being and long-term productivity. 

The UAE is a commercial hub, there is a buzz around the city and you can feel it. Office spaces past and present reflect this energy and moving forwards the same applies. The furniture you pick for your UAE office has to compliment the flow of the space but also reflect your company's personality. 

Picking the right type of furniture for a commercial office fit-out in the UAE is not always as straight forward as you might think. You need to pay attention to the quality, functionality, style, colour, look and of course budget. Getting the furniture wrong can lead to a cluttered space, dissatisfied employees and unimpressed visitors. All of which we want to avoid as much as possible!

What to consider when choosing the right type of furniture for your office fit-out.

Ergonomics

How long do you and your team spend sitting in a chair every day in the office? 

Studies say, in the majority of office settings, employees sit around 6 to 8 hours each day. Which is a lot of sedentary time. This is why ergonomic furniture is a prime consideration for the well being of your employees. Chairs in particular which support the body’s natural position and lessen discomfort and long-term health problems are a starting point.

You can pick from stylish, sturdy and colourful ergonomic chairs that can transform even a plain looking office space into an exciting, healthy place to work. By catering to the well being of your team, you prioritise their health and long term comfort which in turn can yield higher productivity! 

Multi-Purpose Workstations

In today’s modern working environment a desk is a multi use area. It’s often not even ‘your’ desk anymore. You have options to choose a shared desk setup for a hybrid team, or a standing desk option for those employees who prefer switching between sitting and standing positions. For a limited space office, there are desks that come with built-in storage - an absolutely wonderful space-saving approach! And easy on the budget too.

In the UAE, office spaces are at a premium so choosing multi function desks that support the hybrid worker model are a smart investment.

Storage Solutions

Where does paperwork usually end up? On a cluttered desk? A cluttered desk fosters a cluttered mind - so let’s not implement that! Instead, offer smart storage solutions to keep things tidy. 

UAE offices mesmerise visitors with jaw-dropping designs that blend modernity with practicality. To avoid detracting from the grandeur of the design we need to invest in sleek, built-in storage that seamlessly blends into your office design and adds value to the space without compromising the look. Think beyond bulky filing cabinets! Think about modular storage that complements the office design you’ve spent time and money on creating.

One More Thing to Consider: Furniture for Breakout Areas - Recharging Your Workforce.

Have you thought about how your employees need down time at the office? Whilst a focused workforce is every businesses aim, people need time to disconnect and take a break. Office space is not just for work- it’s also about bonding, brainstorming, open discussion, creativity and connection! The old fashioned segmented office doesn’t allow for any of this, so work towards building in revitalising break out areas for not just the team but the management too! 

Creating such a space where employees can relax, brainstorm, or have casual/important meetings or conversations is a challenge. As you also don’t necessarily want the space so comfortable they’re falling asleep! Having said that, dedicated nap areas are creeping into more and more office designs. Comfortable lounge furniture, modular seating, sound proof wall coverings and good quality coffee can all contribute to healthy vibrant collaboration spaces. 

Finishing Up

If you are struggling to figure out which type of furniture would be most suitable for your new office or existing office fit out. You can reach out to top commercial office fit-out companies in the UAE by using our trusted Contractors Direct platform. 

We have been helping businesses connect with top-level fit-out contractors (who have gone through our rigorous due diligence process). Our smart AI algorithm only recommends those fit-out contractors who specialise in your kind of project, either by industry, location or desired style.

We also have our smart Fit-Out Cost Calculator to help you estimate how much your fit-out project will cost. So that from the outset realistic budgetary expectations can be set.