Like with most things, trends come and trends go. Office design is no different. Whether it’s a new look, new designs, or new materials, there’s always something evolving and getting better. When it comes to office design, business models, employee needs, and brand image play a large part in the trends we see and what really makes it in the office. When you think about trends, your mind might go to pieces of furniture or office layouts. However, trends go much further than that. Such as the materials used in office design.
The materials used in the office can show much more than preferred looks. Materials such as sustainably sourced wood or PVC-free vinyl floors, can reflect the company culture, and commitment to social efforts, and even set the tone or mood for the day. The choices of materials are almost endless. From color, to feel, to appearance, to sustainability, there really is something for every company and its workers. 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 one with nature and create a biophilic environment. Soft and smooth fabric can make us feel comfortable. Busy patterns can cause angst. 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 eco friendly materials. This might be sustainably sourced wood or metal pieces made only of recycled materials. When workers 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 goes far beyond what we think we need.
Top 5 Materials Used in Office Design
Sustainably Sourced Wood
Even though the use of wood in furniture might be viewed as a negative to deforestation, it doesn’t have to be. People have become mindful of the impact on the environment. This has changed entire industries and has led us to more sustainable solutions. Sustainably sourced wood limits 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 piece. Wood often leads to a quality and lasting product. This also limits future costs for companies who need to replace worn or old furniture.
PVC-Free Materials
For a long time, people have been looking at the impact their surroundings have on well being and health. As we become more aware of the chemicals and additives that we come into contact with every day, they look for options. 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 can be quite costly and they aren’t as easily customizable. Carpet is a cost effective, easy-to-install option. Unlike wood flooring which needs a lot of preparation for installation or concrete floors that can use costly finishes, carpet is easy to install.
Carpet tiles are used in a lot of offices. These sections of carpet are easy to transport, work with, and replace should a section or two get damaged. These tiles give companies a very durable option that can stand constant everyday commercial use. Along with the functionality, it’s easy to find color schemes, patterns, or textures that fit the company’s image nicely.
Leather
Leather is a material that is often forgot in office design. However, it’s regaining popularity due to its comfort and luxe look. Although leather can be more costly than traditional cloth sofas or chairs, the pros significantly outweigh the cons 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 keep and doesn’t need special cleaning, it’s a common 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 panels, and thermal insulation. Not only does it make for an cheaper option with many applications, but it’s also very green.
Unlike other materials made from trees and forests, the harvesting and production process of cork doesn’t really kill or hurt the tree. Since the tree is constantly growing, it is a sustainably sourced material. Aside from recycling or refurbishing old furniture pieces, cork might be 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 answer to what to use in your office. It’s key to understand your options, your brand image, and what your workerss need. StrongProject offers modern office furniture with many custom finishes, colors, and options. So, whether you’re looking for fabric covered booths or luxe wood conference tables, our product collections can help you build the office you want.
Contact us today to find our complete collections and find the pieces that work for you and your space.
Want to learn more about modern office design and new trends? Check out these related posts:
NeoCon 2024: Discover the Future of Modern Office Furniture and Design Trends
