Furniture Life: The Best of January 2016

Top furniture and seating brands have hit the ground running in 2016. This month, trend setting products are paving the way for innovative new interiors. In today's post, we'll highlight January's hottest new office furniture and seating solutions. Enjoy!

Mayline was this month's big winner. Their Medina and Sterling office furniture collections have become the preferred choice of interior design teams and industry professionals alike. With contemporary desk configurations, glass accented reception desks, and powered conference tables, Medina is ready to furnish every professional interior imaginable. The Sterling lineup of products blends contemporary and traditional design characteristics to form a one of a kind look that's sure to impress even the harshest critic.

Mayline also stepped up their seating game. The all new Living chair reacts to user movements and minimizes the need for constant lever pulling and tension knob adjusting. Mayline's new Thesis seating collection has dominated training room makeover projects in January. These stackable nesting chairs are available with arms, without arms, and with user friendly tablets that provide that little bit of extra workspace needed to put your interior over the top.

This month, Global Total Office has rocked the conference room! Their powered conference room table models from the Zira collection are more popular than ever. These high tech boardroom solutions help streamline the meeting process with user friendly HDMI, USB, AC, Data, and Ethernet input options. Zira tables are available in a wide range of attractive finish options, sizes, and surface shapes to meet your specific needs.

In addition to Zira tables, Global's Solar seating collection has also enjoyed a rapid rise to superstardom in January. The Solar chair boasts a beautifully fluid structure and integrated mesh surfaces. Designed by Paul Brooks, the Solar chair is nothing short of impressive. These simple yet sophisticated chairs are perfect for conference and training room applications.

Global also raised the bar with their all new 2gether office training table collection. These flip top tables feature mobilized bases that make reconfiguring and storage a breeze. 2gether tables are available in a wide range of size and finish options. Take your training room to the next level by adding high tech power options and modesty panels!

While competing manufacturers are busy following trends, OFM is hard at work setting them! Take one look at their all new Morph seating collection and you'll see what we mean. These contemporary lounge chairs and sofas offer flip up privacy panels and USB power inputs that allow guests to work while they wait.

In addition to the Morph collection, OFM lounge and reception seating from the Triumph collection has also been incredibly popular. The modular components from the Triumph line allow design teams and shoppers alike to create one of kind seating layouts that maximize square footage and floor space.

When average furniture and seating just won't cut it, turn to OFM. Their all new Hex series stools and tables are amongst the industries hottest new additions. These hexagonal top products can be quickly connected and aligned to create unbelievably cool interiors. The Hex works great in lounge, lobby, waiting room, reception, and even educational environments.

5 Ergonomic Tips for 2016

It's time to kick those bad posture habits to the curb. Make 2016 the most comfortable and productive year ever with the help of modern ergonomics. In today's post we're highlighting 6 simple and easy to follow tips to help you achieve improved performance in the workplace. Put these tips to use and form the good habits needed to dominate 2016.

1.) Work Standing Up

Sit to stand products are the latest craze. Wondering why? As sitting for long periods of time can actually shorten your life span, it's important to promote continuous movement in the workplace as much as possible. That's where sit to stand products come in. A sit to stand desk or keyboard tray will help improve blood flow and reduce fatigue. You'll be operating more efficiently and comfortably throughout the day while simultaneously fighting back against office health risks that are looking to bring you down.

2.) Use A "Smart Chair"

Even the most luxurious and expensive ergonomic chair is only as good as it's owner. If you don't put your chair adjustment features to use, you'll gain little support and find yourself wondering why discomfort is still playing a key role in your work day. As most chair operators hate having to pull levers and adjust tension knobs to find the correct sitting position, industry leading seating manufacturers have introduced "smart chairs" that reduce the need for constant adjusting. Smart chairs make finding comfort a breeze. Cutting edge smart chairs like The 6671-2 model from the Global Total Office Ari collection articulate like a human spine and mimic the user's profile.

3.) Reduce Eye Strain

It's hard to work effectively if you're constantly rubbing your eyes and fighting blurred vision. Let's be honest, starring at a computer screen all day long is a problem. That being said, it's likely unavoidable for those looking to keep their jobs. A simple screen filter can be picked up at your local office store. It's a good place to start. To take things a step further, we highly recommend attaching an articulating monitor arm to your workstation. Visual strain can be quickly reduced by raising your computer screen to eye level. An articulating monitor mount will help you tackle this task in minutes. If funds are tight, don't skip this tip. Just use a stack of books or magazines to raise your screens. You can make the switch to a professional monitor arm when you're ready, but do what you can to fight visual strain in the mean time!

4.) Promote Good Blood Flow

When blood flow is reduced, you're muscles can cramp and "fall asleep". We've all had it happen, and it's no fun. Luckily, there are some great ways to fight back. First and foremost, work with your feet facing forward and flat on the ground. Don't cross your feet or prop them up on the base of your office chair like a foot rest. In addition, you can promote good blood flow by using an ergonomic task chair with a waterfall seat edge. When all else fails, take short breaks! Stand up from your desk. Shake out those muscles. Walk around for a few minutes, and get the blood flowing before returning to your workstation.

5.) Use Posture Reminders and Ergonomic Tips Charts

Studies have shown that workers who placed a list of tips and reminders within eye sight of their computer screen yielded positive results. The best part, it's free! Print out a list of good posture tips and ergonomic reminders today to start forming the good habits needed to operate at peak performance levels in the workplace. We've provided a few of our favorite tips to help.

Helpful Workplace Tips:

• Keep Back In Contact With Chair At All Times
• Don't Hunch Over Keyboard Tray To Type
• Keep Feet Flat On Ground And Facing Forward
• Take A 5 to 10 Minute Break Once Every Hour
• Keep Computer Screen At Eye Level
• Don't Look Down To Type
• Compute At Correct Angles

How To Improve Corporate Appeal In 2016

Looking to take your corporate interiors to the next level? We've got you covered! In today's post we'll highlight the tips, tricks, and product suggestions you'll need to help you business stand out from the competition. Enjoy!

This year, respected furniture and seating manufacturers like Global Total Office, Mayline, and OFM are hitting the ground running. By pushing the limits of innovation and crafting unique new office products, these industry leaders are introducing trends that will make your interiors pop.

If you're looking to improve corporate appeal in 2016, you'll want to start in your guest welcoming area. This is where first impressions begin to form. While a sofa and lounge chairs would work, we highly recommend going modular! Creating a unique modular seating arrangement will impress your visitors and showcase your design ingenuity. Modular seating layouts offer unmatched versatility and functionality. Many of today's top modular lounge and reception furniture collections are even available with power options designed top improve the guest waiting experience. Your guests can work while they wait with USB and AC input options centrally located in modular chair arms.

Once you've improved your guest waiting area, it's time to focus on the work floor! While traditional cubicle configurations will always have their place, these days businesses are turning to open desking layouts. Open desking promotes collaboration in the workplace. It provides a far less cluttered look that's sure to make your employees and guests feel more at home. Open desking configurations are also very advanced. Power options and unique storage solutions are available to take operational functionality to the next level.

Planning on hosting important meetings in 2016? You'll no doubt want to create a modern conference room that's ready to meet the needs of your growing business. To do so, we recommend going with sleek conference room chairs like the Joplin from Woodstock Marketing. These European Style office chairs will help you maximize the number of guests that can fit around your table. You'll also want to consider a conference table with available power options to help your business streamline the meeting process. A powered table and sleek chairs will take your corporate appeal and productivity to the next level.

Corporate appeal is in the eye of the beholder. That being said, following the latest trends will help. If you need help transforming your interiors, don't be afraid to ask the pros for tips. You can get inspired for an upcoming office makeover project by visiting a showroom in your area, or browsing social sharing sites like Pinterest and Instagram online. Consult with your team about their ideas for improving corporate appeal and form a group of advisors you trust. In the long run, your space will be appealing if you keep the makeover process simple. Don't over do it with the addition of too many room accents and assessors. In most cases, keeping it simple is the best way to go!

Trend Spotting: January's Hottest Office Products

This year, industry leading brands have hit the ground running. Office innovators like Mayline, OFM, and Global Total Office are paving the way for new trends that competitors can only hope to imitate. In today's post, we'll review January's hottest office products to identify emerging industry trends geared towards taking your interiors to the next level. Enjoy!

Mayline's revamped Flip-N-Go table collection has become an instant hit. These modular tables boast mobilized bases that make for easy reconfiguring and flip down tops that save space when not in use. These awesome new Mayline training room table solutions feature silver bases that perfectly compliment a wide range of surface finish options. The traditional fixed leg training room tables of the past are rapidly being replaced by flip top variations that provide significantly greater functionality.

No training room furniture configuration would be complete without quality seating! Mayline further complimented the Flip-N-Go collection with their new Thesis series chair. These ultra cool training room seating solutions will help maximize interior square footage and productivity. Thesis chairs are available with arms, without arms, and with retractable tablets. Much like the Flip-N-Go tables, all Thesis models can be nested or stacked along perimeter walls to save space when not in use.

OFM never fails to impress! This trend setter is always up to something big. Just this month, OFM enhanced their Marque reception desk collection with the addition of a super swanky white finish option that's complimented by silver metal frame trim. These contemporary reception desks from OFM feature curved fronts that look great from every angle. Marque stations are available in 5 sizes that can be equipped with ADA compliant sections for hand-capped and elderly office visitors. Leave no doubt, white reception desks will be trending big time in 2016!


In addition to the their all new white reception desks, OFM also gave us innovative new powered tables. Endure tables feature retractable stools that support users up to 300 pounds. All models are equipped with surface level power ports that include AC and USB inputs. Endure tables can be used individually, or connected to form larger configurations. This soon to be best selling collection provides the perfect blend of retro, industrial, and modern design characteristics.

Taking on a conference room makeover project? Keep your space up to date with furniture and seating from Global Total Office. Last year, Global Zira series conference tables stole the show. In 2016, their poised for a repeat performance. These high tech boardroom solutions can be equipped with HDMI, USB, AC, Audio, Phone, Ethernet, and other advanced input options. The Zira collection is still on the upswing. These tables aren't new to the industry, but they are still trending big time!

Global's new Solar seating collection is perfect for the conference room! These sleek mesh chairs are available in a choice of alabaster and asphalt frame finishes to compliment a wide range of mesh color options. Released just a few short weeks ago, the Solar collection has enjoyed immediate success. These mesh conference room seating solutions are the work of renowned designer Paul Brooks. The Solar comes equipped with an integrated swivel tilt function that requires no bulky control mechanism. The result is a beautifully fluid structure that promotes a clean look in any interior it graces. While designed for conference room applications, the space saving features of the Solar also make it a perfect choice for professional training, private office, and classroom environments.

Shop Smart: 2016's Best Boardroom Table Buys

Selecting the perfect meeting table for your business can be a difficult task. That being said, we've got you covered. In today's post we'll highlight 2016's best boardroom room tables from industry leading brands like Mayline, Cherryman Industries, OFM, and more. Rest assured, the tables showcased here will improve corporate appeal and impress your valued meeting guests. Shop smart in 2016 by selecting one of these awesome tables!

With more than 10 full service furniture collections, Mayline offers the largest selection of professional conference room tables. This year, their Medina tables have firmly cemented themselves on the best sellers list. The Medina MNC8 model 8' conference table is available now for just $503.99. This hybrid boat shaped table boasts straight sides and curved ends that are complimented by a unique silver modesty panel. The MNC8 table, and all others from the Medina collection are available with power modules starting at just $205.00. Leave no doubt, this will be 2016's most popular conference table collection.

Cherryman Industries understands the needs of your growing business. This year, smart shoppers will turn to popular Cherryman conference tables from the Amber collection to simultaneously improve functionality and efficiency. Amber conference room tables like the AM-410N boast expandable tops that allow you to increase surface length without the purchase of a whole new table. At just $989.00, the AM-410N is the best modular conference table buy of 2016.

Selecting a conference table from OFM will ensure your business maximizes visual appeal, and the budget! Popular OFM conference tables like the 55118 make installation a breeze. These modular tables require no tools for assembly. With OFM's patented quick connect system, tables like the 55118 can be configured in minutes. The 55118 table is available in 3 quick shipping finish options that will also help you meet tight conference room makeover deadlines. At just $646.99, this table for meetings from OFM is also a great buy that will help maximize your shopping budget.


Smart conference table shoppers looking to save big in 2016 will turn to Offices To Go. This industry leading furniture and seating manufacturer provides best selling workplace solutions designed to maximize style with a minimal financial investment. Check out the Offices To Go SL9544RS model conference table and you'll see what we mean. Priced at $358.99, this professional table boasts a 95" wide top and attractive racetrack design. The SL9544RS is available in 5 attractive finish options. Matching storage products and presentation boards are available to complete your space.

When the average conference room table won't cut it, turn to Global Total Office. The tables from Global's Zira collection are amongst the best in the business. Global Zira series powered conference room tables are available with high tech modules that can be equipped with USB, HDMI, Audio, Phone, Ethernet, and other user friendly input options designed to help you streamline the meeting process. When it comes to powered conference room tables in 2016, Zira reigns supreme. All Zira tables are available in oval, racetrack, and rectangular variations. More than 20 attractive finishes are available, along with 2 popular edge styles to help you add a personal touch. Zira tables like the Z48120REE offer 10' long tops and an abundance of modern appeal that will no doubt earn your space the compliments it deserves. Zira tables are a bit more pricey than the other models highlighted in today's post. That being said, if your business needs top notch power options in the boardroom, there is no better solution than Zira.

Office Design 101: Keep It Contemporary In 2016

Modern and contemporary office furniture will dominate the market yet again in 2016. This year, brands like Mayline, Global Total Office, and OFM will all raise the bar with trend setting desk collections, reception stations, conference tables, and professional seating solutions. In today's post we'll highlight ways to keep your space up to date with the latest trends and the products you'll need to get the job done right. Enjoy!

First things first, you'll need to start your contemporary office makeover project off with a great chair. We highly recommend selecting a "smart chair" from a brand like Global Total Office. Smart chairs provide excellent comfort without the need for constant lever pulling and tension knob adjusting. High tech smart chairs like the 6671-2 Vion chair from Global Total Office will take office comfort to the next level. This cutting edge chair articulates like a human spine and allows the chair back to reshape itself to mimic any user's profile. The Vion automatically responds to body movements and sitting positions to provide you with the comfort you need, when you need it. Other contemporary smart chairs like Global's G20 should also be considered in 2016. Both models are available in a wide range of cool mesh and seat color combinations.

Once you've selected the perfect contemporary office chair for your space, it's time to build a workstation around it. This year, brands like Mayline will reign supreme with innovative desk collections like Sterling and Medina. These full service lines offer a variety of U shaped desks, corner desks, L shaped desks, and modular executive workstations that will earn your interior the compliments it deserves. Medina and Sterling desk configurations also come equipped with the storage components needed to help keep you well organized. Both Sterling and Medina are available in trend setting finish options like Gray Steel and Textured Driftwood.

Design Tip:

Go with gray in 2016! Gray wood grain furniture and gray leather office chairs are rapidly becoming the preferred choice of interior design teams and shoppers looking to craft high end contemporary interiors.

Space Planning Tip:

Before selecting a contemporary office desk for your work space, be sure to obtain accurate dimensions of your interior. Take note of entry ways, windows, and power outlets that will affect your furniture layout.

With a smart chair and trend setting desk configuration, you're space will be nearly complete! To take you interior to the next level, you'll need to integrate a couple of key ergonomic office accessories to help keep you productive.

Start with an articulating sit to stand keyboard tray from a brand like Symmetry Office. A sit to stand keyboard tray will help you compute at correct angles to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. You'll also be encouraging continuous movement and improving blood flow throughout the day when switching from sitting to standing positions.

You'll also want to boost ergonomic efficiency and contemporary appeal with the addition of a dual screen monitor arm. A dual monitor mount will help increase the rate at which you compute by decreasing the amount of time you spend clicking between tabs. A dual monitor arm will also provide you with a wide range of versatile adjustments that will no doubt come in handy during those busy days in the office.

Last but certainly not least, no contemporary office space can be truly complete without the addition of a cool room accents. Before your room arrives, consider painting your space. Once your furniture is installed, get a feel for your new furniture configuration. Consider the addition of a unique area rug, wall art, and lighting fixtures to help your space stand out from the competition.

Leave not doubt, contemporary interiors will earn high marks in 2016. To take your space to the next level, you'll need to get inspired. Browse social sharing sites like Pinterest and Instagram for cool interiors. You'll be rewarded with plenty of great ideas to kick your appeal into high gear. To aid in you quest to create the ultimate office space, we've provided a helpful list of manufacturers below.

Best Contemporary Office Furniture Brands:

Mayline
Global Total Office
Cherryman Industries
OFM

Best Contemporary Seating Brands:

Eurotech Seating
Woodstock Marketing
Global Total Office
RFM Preferred Seating

Best Ergonomic Brands:

ESI Ergonomic Solutions
Symmetry Office
Ergonomic Contract Furniture
Systematix Inc.

Kick Off 2016 With An Awesome New Chair!

Finding a quality office chair designed to meet your specific needs is easier than ever. This year, brands like Global Total Office, Eurotech Seating, and Offices To Go have all introduced amazing seating solutions equipped with the ergonomic features needed to reach peak performance levels in the workplace. In today's post we'll highlight 5 awesome chairs guaranteed to help you kick off 2016 in style and comfort!

First up, the 6331-0-C model Vion Chair from Global Total Office. The Vion seating collection was designed by the incredible Zooey Chu. This revolutionary chair line provides top notch comfort at a price point any shopper will appreciate. Vion offers simple transitional design, exception comfort, and tremendous value. With a mull functional mechanism, attractive arms, and a wide range of upholstery options, this versatile chair from Global Total Office is the full package.

Not all office chairs are created equal. Those from brands like Eurotech Seating will no doubt reign supreme in 2016. Take one sit in a Eurotech chair like the ME22ERGLT model from the Ergo Elite collection and you'll see what we mean. As one of the most advanced mesh back chairs on the market, the ME22ERGLT was designed for high end work environments. These innovative chairs provide unmatched support and the ergonomic features needed to make it through those long days in the office.

If the modern office seating trends flooding the market just aren't your style, we highly recommend keeping it traditional in 2016 with an awesome chair like the 11300B from Offices To Go. This wood accented executive office chair provides well padded seating surfaces and arms. The 11300B sports an everyday low price of just $216.95. The Cordovan wood arm and base finish pairs well with Offices To Go desks, reception stations, and conference room tables.

The iDesk office chair collection took 2015 by storm. Industry professionals, shoppers, and interior designers all chose iDesk seating for office makeover projects designed around ergonomics and modern appeal. This year, the iDesk Curva chair has cemented itself onto the best sellers list. Designed by Milan architects for high end conference room and executive applications, the Curva chair boasts contemporary curves and unmatched attention to details. These elite level chairs will no doubt earn your interiors the positive compliments they deserve.


Last but certainly not least, we present to you the amazingly cool Living Chair by Mayline. This intensive use task chair makes it easy to sit correctly in the workplace. The Living Chair boasts a passive seat slider that's weight activated. The chair's flexible back provides constant support that adjusts to you as you sit and move naturally. The chair seat automatically adjusts to the user and distributes weight without the need for constant adjusting. To make a long story short, the Living chair is an ergonomic seating solution that moves with you. With this chair you can actually achieve more by doing less. If you're the type of individual that likes to take a "set it and forget it" approach, this new Mayline chair is the perfect option for you.