It's truly amazing how far the office furniture world has come in the past 5 years. Brands like Mayline, Cherryman Industries, Global Total Office, and OFM have pushed the envelope and raised the bar. In today's post we'll take a look at the latest trends compared those that were hot 5 years ago to see just what a difference 5 years can make.
Furniture Finishes
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There was a time when finishes like cherry, maple, and mahogany ruled the office furniture world. These tones were considered cutting edge and innovative. While these classic wood grain tones will always have their place in the industry, a new wave of finish options has started to emerge. With the popularity of laminate furniture lines came endless possibilities, and brands like Global Total Office saw the opportunity to change the game. This year, Global has paved the way with finish options like Absolute Acajou and Which Chocolate that are in a league of their own. Mayline has also made huge strides with finish options like Gray Steel, Textured Driftwood, and Textured Sea Salt. These days, interior design teams, shoppers, and industry professionals alike can truly be creative with their design projects!
Office Chairs
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These days, office chairs are incredibly comfortable, supportive, and adjustable. We thought the same things 5 years ago! The ergonomic seating world is constantly evolving. What we feel is great now, may be old new in just a few months. Just 5 years ago mesh back chairs where really becoming popular. Now this popular chair option has become a staple of the modern workplace. We used to be impressed by chair arms that simply went up and down. These days, even the some of the most basic chairs boast multi functional arms that go up, down, forwards, backwards, and side to side.
Chair mechanisms have also become much more advanced. The typical office chair 5 years ago would be equipped with just a couple of paddle levers that would adjust the height and angle at which you sat. In 2015, chairs are ready for much more. Tilt tension knobs, lumbar adjustments, and seat slider mechanisms are becoming the new standard.
There's also been significant style changes in the seating industry. To make a long story short, gray is rapidly becoming the new black! Just last year, white leather chairs were flying off the shelves. This year, the trends have moved on. Now designer fabric chairs with unique patterns are becoming more and more popular. Chair shoppers are looking to let their individual style shine. It's for this reason alone that classic navy blue and burgundy chairs are being quickly forgotten! If you want to see where the seating industry is headed, just take one look at the new iOO chair from Eurotech Seating. The cutting edge blend of a white frame and black seating surface works together to form one of the most stylish and equally comfortable seating solutions on the market.
Technology
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Modern technology and craftsmanship have made it far easier to improve performance in the workplace. A few years back, powered conference room tables where just being introduced to the business world. Now it's rare that a furniture supplier sells a table without some sort of power option. In 2015, high tech power modules that include USB, data, phone, HDMI, AC, and audio inputs are readily available.
Fixed leg training tables used to be the way to go. These days, it's all about modularity! Businesses love the ability to fold tables down and nest them along walls to save space when not in use. A mobilized training table can be easily reconfigured without the need for heavy lifting. Modular tables make training environments more functional, easier to clean, and far more appealing. If you're interested, take a look at the new 2gether table collection from Global Total Office. They are the best new training room solutions on the market.
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Powered lounge furniture was extremely hard to find until the last 2 years. In the past, furniture manufacturers were able to get by with traditional black leather sofas, lounge chairs, and guest chair models. It was considered pretty snazzy to have a beam seating configuration in your lobby! This year, brands like OFM have pushed the envelope. With collections like Morph and Serenity, you can quickly improve decor as well as the guest waiting experience. Look for powered guest seating to become the industry standard in the next year!
Ergonomics
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Kick that basic retractable keyboard tray to the curb. It's no longer the ergonomic standard. Sure it will increase your amount of usable desk space, but articulating models are now available to help you compute at healthier angles. Sit to stand keyboard trays are also available to help prevent extended sits in the workplace.
Today's monitor arms are surprisingly similar to those produced just 5 years ago. It's safe to say, if it's not broke, don't fix it! Monitor arms really come in handy in the workplace and will help you reduce eye strain and improve the rate at which you compute.
Height adjustable desks were available 5 years ago. The consumer models would go up and down using hand cranks. Surprisingly, this actually seemed high tech. This year, electronic models have become readily available. They've pushed the old hand crank tables right out of the market. Now you can take your ergonomic workstation up and down with the push of a button. These high tech desks promote continuous movement in the workplace and greatly improve blood flow.
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