Like with most things, trends come and trends go. Office design is no different. Whether it’s new aesthetics, new designs, or new materials, there’s always something evolving and getting better. When it comes to office design, business models, employee needs, and company culture play a major part in the trends we see and what actually makes it into the office. When you think about trends, your mind might go to pieces of furniture or office layouts. However, trends extend much further than that, such as the materials used in office design.
The materials used in the office can reflect much more the preferred aesthetics. Materials such as sustainably sourced wood or PVC-free vinyl flooring can reflect the company culture, and commitment to social responsibility, and even set the tone or mood for the workday. The choices of materials are virtually endless. From color, to feel, to appearance, to sustainability, there really is something for every company and its employees. But do materials used in office design really matter?
Why Does the Material Matter?
Our surroundings influence us. Natural color schemes can make us feel more connected to nature and create a biophilic environment. Soft and smooth fabrics can make us feel comfortable. Busy patterns can cause restlessness. Whether we can consciously sense the impact our environment has on us or not, the materials used in office design really do matter.
Aside from the sensory impact materials have on us, they can also impact how we feel about the company we work for. A trend in office design for quite some time is the use of environmentally friendly materials. This might be sustainably sourced wood or metal furniture made completely of recycled materials. When employees know they’re sitting at a desk that was sustainably sourced, they will have a desk they want to sit at. The impact materials have extended far beyond what we think is important.
Top 5 Materials Used in Office Design
Sustainably Sourced Wood
Even though the use of wood in furniture might be viewed as a contributor to deforestation, it doesn’t have to be. People have become mindful of their impact on the environment. This has revolutionized entire industries and has led us to more sustainable solutions. Sustainably sourced wood minimizes the impact that logging or harvesting has on future healthy growth.
Wood has also been recently viewed as a more viable option for office furniture due to the life of the product. Wood often creates a quality and longer-lasting product. This also reduces future spending for companies who need to replace worn or damaged furniture.
PVC-Free Materials
For a long time, people have been looking at the impact their surroundings have on their well-being and health. As people become more aware of the chemicals and additives that they come into contact with every day, they look for alternatives. We more than likely come into contact with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) every day. Enter PVC-free materials.
Carpet
When it comes to flooring, there are many materials used in office design. However, those options can be quite costly and they aren’t easily customizable. Carpet is a cost-effective, easy-to-install option for companies. Unlike wood flooring which requires a lot of preparation for installation or concrete floors that sometimes use expensive finishes, carpet is easy to install.
Carpet tiles are used in a lot of offices. These premade sections of carpet are easy to transport, work with, and replace should a section or two get damaged. These tiles provide companies with a very durable option that can withhold everyday commercial use. Along with the functionality, it’s easy to find color schemes, patterns, or textures that fit the company’s image perfectly.
Leather
Leather is a material that is often overlooked in office design. However, it’s regaining popularity due to its comfort and luxurious aesthetic. Although leather can be more expensive than traditional cloth sofas or chairs, the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages when removing the cost factor.
Leather naturally repels dirt and pet dander (should you have a pet-friendly office). It’s also a lot easier to clean due to the manufacturing process. Since leather is easy to maintain and doesn’t require specialized cleaning, it’s a popular choice for frequently used office furniture.
Cork
When thinking about cork as a material in office design, your mind might go right to a standard corkboard for your to-do list and sticky notes. However, cork has many different applications such as flooring, acoustic paneling, and thermal insulation. Not only does it make for an affordable option with many applications, but it’s also extremely green.
Unlike other materials harvested from trees and forests, the harvesting and manufacturing process of cork doesn’t actually kill or hurt the tree. Since the tree is continuously growing, it is a sustainably sourced material. Aside from recycling or refurbishing old furniture pieces, cork is possibly one of the best eco-friendly options used in office design. An article from Yahoo! talks about the positive impact that cork has on the environment. Not only is it a sustainable material, it also plays a part in lowering carbon dioxide in the air.
What Materials Should You Use?
Like with many facets of office design, the materials you use really depend on your company’s needs and wants. Some need more space for collaboration, so they might choose more comfortable and durable materials such as leather. Others might be repurposing an old industrial building and there might already be concrete floors that would look great.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what to use in your office. It’s important to understand what’s available, your brand image, and what your employees need. StrongProject offers modern office furniture with many different finishes, colors, and options. So, whether you’re looking for fabric-covered employee booths or beautiful wood conference tables, our product collections can help you build the office you want.
Contact us today to explore our complete collections and find the pieces that work for you and your space.
Want to learn more about modern office design and emerging trends? Check out these related posts:
NeoCon 2024: Discover the Future of Modern Office Furniture and Design Trends
