The right office furniture can turn a dull workspace into a place people enjoy. More businesses now want furniture that is comfortable, practical and good-looking. Our guide to choosing office furniture covers the basics.
Whether you’re fitting out a large office or a compact home workspace, these cool office furniture ideas will help. We cover ergonomic solutions, space-saving furniture and pieces that combine style with function.
Cool office furniture ideas at a glance
Here are the ideas this guide covers, and what each one is for.
- Sit-stand desk: lets you switch between sitting and standing.
- Adjustable task chair: set it to fit the person who uses it.
- Slim, ladder or L-shaped desk: matches the desk to the shape of the room.
- Multifunctional pieces: storage ottomans, folding tables and desks with built-in storage.
- Lockers: a home for bags and kit in a shared office.
- Desk screens and booths: privacy and a quieter place for calls.
- Reception and breakout seating: sofas, tub chairs and café tables.
- Statement pieces: a bold sofa, a curved reception desk or a striking conference table.
- Planters and planter dividers: greenery that also marks out zones.
- Adjustable desk lamp: task light exactly where you need it.
Ergonomic solutions for productive workdays
Ergonomic furniture adjusts to the person using it. That helps people stay comfortable and focused through the day, which is why ergonomic chairs and adjustable desks are so popular.
Adjustable standing desks: finding your perfect height
Adjustable standing desks let people switch between sitting and standing whenever they like. You can set the height to suit your body and the way you work.
Many come with digital controls or memory presets, so it’s easy to switch between your favourite heights. Some smart desks go further, with reminders to move. Others have built-in cable management that keeps the desk tidy and free from clutter.
Hybrid working has also brought more compact sit-stand desks, designed to fit a smaller home office without giving up a sturdy frame.
A sit-stand desk makes it easy to change position. But standing still all day doesn’t replace moving. The NHS advises adults to reduce time spent sitting and break up long periods of not moving with some activity.
HSE’s advice on work routine and breaks is to take short breaks often, rather than longer ones less often. Its example: 5 to 10 minutes every hour is better than 20 minutes every 2 hours. A break should let you get up and move around, or at least stretch and change posture.
Is a standing desk right for you?
Choose around how the desk will really be used, and what the person prefers. Someone at a screen most of the day will use one more than someone who is mostly in meetings.
Before you buy, check:
- Height range: does it reach both your seated and your standing working height?
- Weight capacity: will it carry your screens, monitor arms and other kit?
- Stability: is it steady at full height, without wobbling as you type?
- Motor noise: is it quiet enough for a shared office or a call?
- Presets: memory buttons help when several people share one desk.
- Power: some desks have built-in sockets or USB charging, or you can add a power module. Check the connector types and charging output against the devices you use.
Short of space? If the workstation has to be put away, compare portable standing desks by weight and by their size when stored. A height-adjustable desktop converter is another option. It sits on your existing desk. Check that the desktop can take its base, how far it adjusts, and that both keyboard and screen can sit at a comfortable height.
Supportive chairs that adjust to you
The right chair matters when you spend long hours at a desk. Look for ergonomic chairs with adjustable lumbar support, seat depth and armrests, so you can set the chair to fit your body. Breathable mesh backs and cushioned seats add comfort.
Here’s what each adjustment should let you do:
- Seat height: get your forearms level with the desk, with your feet flat on the floor.
- Seat depth: leave a gap between the seat edge and the backs of your knees. HSE suggests 2–3 cm.
- Backrest and lumbar: support your lower back.
- Armrest height and width: rest your arms without stopping you sitting close to the desk.
- Tilt and recline: check the tension control and the locking positions, so you can set how the chair moves with you.
Some of these, such as adjustable armrest width, are found on higher-spec chairs. Treat them as options to compare, not must-haves for everyone.
Then set it up. HSE’s guidance on good posture and its workstation checklist suggest you check that:
- your feet are flat on the floor, or on a footrest if they aren’t;
- the backrest supports the small of your back;
- your forearms are roughly horizontal, with the keyboard just below elbow height;
- the top of the screen is about level with your eyes, roughly an arm’s length away;
- you have room to move, stretch and change position.
Make it look right, too. Once the chair fits, choose the upholstery, frame finish and colour. Pick ones that work with the desk and the rest of the room.
More makers now use recycled materials in their chairs too, which helps if your business has green goals.
Space-saving furniture for small offices
Small offices need furniture that works hard. Space-saving designs make the most of every square metre without giving up style or comfort. Pieces that do more than one job are especially useful.
Measure before you choose. Note the room size, where the doors swing, and the footprint of each piece. Then check:
- Desk shape: a slim desk or ladder desk suits a shallow space. An L-shaped or corner desk gives more surface, if both arms fit the room.
- Chair: it should tuck under the desk, and pull back far enough for someone to sit down.
- Pedestal: measure the clear gap between the desk supports before adding a mobile pedestal.
- Walkways: leave room for drawers and doors to open, and for people to pass.
A worked example. These figures are made up to show the sums. They are not product sizes or a minimum clearance. Say a room is 2,400 mm deep, with a desk on one wall and 400 mm-deep storage on the other.
| Desk depth | Storage depth | Gap between furniture fronts |
|---|---|---|
| 800 mm | 400 mm | 1,200 mm |
| 600 mm | 400 mm | 1,400 mm |
That gap has to hold the person in the chair and room to push the chair back. It also needs space for open drawers and anyone walking past. Tape those positions out on the floor before you order.
HSE’s workplace guidance (L24) says people need enough free space to move about with ease. It takes 11 cubic metres per person as the minimum in most workplaces, not counting ceiling height above 3 m. It also warns that this may not be enough if furniture or equipment takes up much of the room.
Shared and flexible workspaces have added to this. They need personal lockers and seats that do several jobs.
Multifunctional pieces that serve double duty
Versatile office furniture design is what makes a small workspace work. Multifunctional furniture combines two or more uses, such as a desk with storage or a storage ottoman. Examples include desks with built-in filing cabinets, ottomans that double as storage, and folding tables you can put away when they’re not in use.
Versatile workspace furniture like this saves space and cuts clutter, so the office stays tidy and organised. Chosen well, it looks good too, which helps a small office feel professional.
Some pieces adapt as your team changes:
- Modular bench desks and sectional seating can be rearranged as teams grow or move.
- Seat pedestals, designed to be sat on, combine storage with a perch for a quick chat.
- Modular shelving works for display, with closed or concealed compartments for paperwork. Choose units that fit together, so you can add to them or rearrange them later.
Wall-mounted and vertical storage solutions
Vertical storage is another smart move in a small office. Wall-mounted shelves, cabinets and pegboards free up floor space while keeping essentials within reach, and they suit any style from minimalist to industrial.
Keep the things you use most at an easy height. Put light, seldom-used items on the higher shelves.
Using the walls keeps a compact office feeling spacious. Shelves can also show off plants, artwork or personal touches, so storage adds to the look of the room.
Lockers and shared desks for hybrid teams
In a shared office, not everyone needs their own pedestal. Lockers give people somewhere to keep bags and kit. Before you choose, think about:
- Size: compare the internal dimensions with the bags, laptops and equipment people actually bring.
- Allocation: give regular users their own locker, and keep day-use lockers for people who come and go.
- Locks: compare key locks with digital access.
- Placement: put lockers near the way in, with room to open the doors and walk past.
Shared desks and chairs need adjustments that suit everyone who uses them. Height-adjustable desks with presets and fully adjustable chairs make that easier.
Furniture for privacy and quieter work
Open-plan offices can get noisy. Furniture can help in three different ways:
- Desk screens give visual separation between desks. See our desk screens and dividers.
- Soft furnishings such as acoustic panels, upholstered seating and rugs can cut down reflected sound. They won’t turn an open office into a private room.
- Booths and pods give you enclosed space. Browse our meeting pods and booths.
Pick the booth to suit the job:
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| One-person call booth | Short phone or video calls |
| Seated work booth | Longer spells of focused work |
| Two- or four-person meeting pod | Small meetings and one-to-ones |
Before you buy a booth, check:
- Ventilation: how is fresh air moved through it?
- Interior space: is there room to sit, work and use the table?
- Power: are there sockets or USB points where you need them?
- Footprint: does it fit the floor, with room around it, and can it be brought in and installed?
- Acoustic performance: ask for independent test results, and the test method behind any dB figure.
Style meets function: aesthetic office design
Office furniture sets the feel of a workspace and says something about your brand. The best aesthetic office furniture options look good and still work hard every day.
Colour psychology: choosing the right palette
Colour sets the mood of a room, so choose it with the space in mind. Many people associate blues and greens with calm and focus, and yellows and oranges with energy and creativity.
Bring colour in through furniture, accent walls or accessories, and think about how much natural light the room gets, because daylight changes how colours look. Plants work well alongside any colour scheme.
One scheme to try: keep desks and storage in a neutral finish. Use cooler upholstery in individual work areas and warmer accents around shared seating. Colour then marks out each zone. Treat this as a design choice, though: colour can’t promise how anyone will feel or work.
Use brand colours as accents. Start from a neutral base, then repeat one brand colour in a few chosen places. Chair upholstery, storage fronts or reception seating all work. Add texture through fabric and timber.
Statement pieces that reflect your brand identity
A statement piece gives an office personality and shows off your brand. A bold-coloured sofa in reception, a uniquely designed conference table or branded storage units all leave a strong impression on clients and staff.
For leadership offices, an executive desk in a premium material or a striking finish does the same job. Storage can be a statement too: mixing wood, metal and glass adds contrast and texture while keeping clutter out of sight.
Reception and breakout seating
In reception, pair a sofa or tub chairs with a small table. Choose upholstery with clear cleaning instructions. Darker or patterned fabric makes everyday marks less obvious.
A reception desk makes a strong focal point, as long as its footprint fits the space. Browse our reception desks and check each one’s width and depth against your floor plan before you order.
For breaks, combine soft seating with café tables or a small meeting nook. Our breakout seating range is a good place to start.
Bring in nature and better light
Biophilic design means bringing natural elements into an interior. With furniture, that usually means timber finishes, planting and daylight working together.
- Planter storage: a storage unit with a built-in planter combines filing with greenery.
- Planter dividers: mark out a breakout area without building a wall.
- Living walls: for a bigger statement, try a living-wall panel or a grouped indoor planting area.
Choose plants to suit the light the room gets and the care someone can give them.
Place desks to make the most of daylight, but watch for reflections on screens. HSE’s workstation checklist suggests moving the screen or desk, or shielding the screen from the source. Check the blinds work, too. It notes that blinds with vertical slats can suit better than horizontal ones.
For lighting, combine general room light with an adjustable desk lamp pointed at the task. HSE lists desk lamps as one option for local lighting, as long as the lamp doesn’t cause glare itself.
Sustainable and reclaimed materials
Green materials now matter to many buyers. Reclaimed wood, recycled metal and other upcycled materials bring warmth and character, and their natural flaws are part of the charm. Locally made pieces send a similar message to staff and clients.
Reusing reclaimed material gives it another useful life, and can keep it out of the waste stream. Here’s what else to weigh up:
- Durability: choose pieces built to last, with parts that can be repaired or replaced.
- Modularity: modular pieces can be reconfigured as the team changes, rather than replaced.
- Bamboo: a fast-growing, renewable option for desktops or shelving. Compare its construction, finish and sourcing. The material name alone doesn’t prove durability or a lower overall impact.
- Provenance: ask where the materials came from. Ask for evidence of any recycled content or responsible timber sourcing, such as FSC certification.
- Keep or refurbish: think about keeping, repairing or buying refurbished furniture before replacing it.
- End of life: ask which parts can be replaced and how mixed materials can be separated. Check whether a reuse, take-back or recycling route really exists.
Bringing your cool office furniture ideas together
The best workspaces combine ergonomic comfort, clever use of space and furniture that looks the part. Start with the piece people use most, usually the chair or desk, and build from there.
Before you order, check:
- The room layout, including doors, windows and walkways.
- The desktop size and the legroom underneath.
- The chair’s adjustment range, against the people who will use it.
- What the storage actually needs to hold.
- How durable the finish is for the way the room is used.
- Access for delivery and assembly: doors, stairs and lifts.
- The current lead time of the item you’ve chosen.
Then try the layout with the people who will work in it.
Upgrade your office today with Office Supermarket
Ready to give your workspace a fresh look? Office Supermarket has a wide selection of office furniture to suit any style and budget, from ergonomic chairs to space-saving desks. Shop now and take the first step towards a more inspiring and efficient workspace.
