Office furniture includes desks, chairs, storage units, shelving, filing cabinets and other work accessories that are used in a business setting. These pieces are primarily designed to promote productivity in the workplace by helping employees work more efficiently and comfortably. Using ergonomic designs, these items can help reduce physical stress and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
As a result of technological furplab.com advances, the market for office furniture has expanded dramatically in recent decades. A large percentage of office workers spend much of their time at a computer, so many manufacturers have created specialized desks, chairs and other workstations that are intended to maximize productivity while reducing the risk of musculoskeletal problems.
Some of the best office furniture is made from wood, while others are crafted from metals and plastics. The most important factor in determining the quality of an item is its ergonomic design, which involves considering how it will be used and what sort of movement it will need to support. Desks, for example, need to be designed with adequate leg room to prevent cramping. Chairs need to be comfortable and provide ample back support for the spine. The right desk surface can also make all the difference, as a flat or rounded surface may cause neck strain for some people.
Aside from the functionality of office furniture, many consumers also consider the aesthetics when making a purchase. For this reason, many retailers carry an array of styles to suit a variety of tastes. Wayfair, for example, has a huge selection that ranges from minimalist to industrial to mid-century modern, with options available in a wide array of finishes.
Other popular retailers include Target, Walmart and Costco. Each of these retailers has a substantial home office section that includes a wide range of affordable, yet stylish desks, bookshelves and other furniture. The selection at Walmart is especially vast, and includes a number of ergonomically sound desks and chairs that are priced moderately.
One of the most recognizable names in office furniture is Herman Miller, which was founded 115 years ago in Zeeland, Michigan. Herman Miller is unique among commercial furniture manufacturers in that it has been known for incorporating designs into its products that are both functional and artistic. In fact, some of the company’s more innovative workstations and chairs have been featured in museums as works of art.
Other major manufacturers of office furniture include Steelcase and HNI Corporation. The latter was originally founded to produce wooden chests, but has since grown into a diversified office furniture producer. Its best-known products are desks and chairs, some of which have been influenced by designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Isamu Noguchi. Steelcase, on the other hand, is renowned for its sleek, contemporary designs. The company has won numerous awards and has been recognized as one of the top furniture companies in North America.