What kind of decor is suitable for a professional office?

How is decorating your office beneficial?

We all have a love-hate relationship with our offices and/or workplaces. On the one hand, we spend most of our day there and are very active. As a result, we inevitably become familiar with the furniture around us. On the other hand, none of us ever stops wishing we could leave work and escape this daily exhaustion... It's therefore important to make your office as pleasant as possible. That's why knowing how to decorate your office well is so important for your well-being at work.

The idea might seem like an unnecessary luxury to some business owners and entrepreneurs. But creating a comfortable and productive workspace isn't just psychologically beneficial for employees. If done well, furnishing and decorating your office can positively impact your productivity.

Contrary to what many people might think, decorating your workspace doesn't have to be expensive. There are some relatively inexpensive tips and tricks you can use to beautify your office. The most important thing is to decorate according to your personal taste and the professional context of your office.

In this article, we will list the most effective tips that will help you know how to decorate your office to increase the productivity of your employees, or your own, and strengthen their connection with the place.

1. Office layout: a blend of design, comfort & ergonomics

A. The desk in the center of the room

Do you consider yourself a "creative genius at work" ? If so, you'll need more desk space than those who are more organized and frugal. Those who prefer order may find a smaller desk sufficient for their professional needs . The quantity and size of the tools you need to keep within easy reach on your desk should also be considered when choosing your desk.

ERGONOMICS AND SPACE

Your desk should offer sufficient legroom. Standard desk height: 75 cm to 1 m.

This is more than enough for most users. Once seated at your desk, ensure there is at least 1.5 meters between you and the wall. A space of at least 1 meter should also be maintained between the desk and your nearest piece of furniture. This also applies in front of your desk if you are using one or more guest/client chairs.

For computer users , your keyboards should be positioned at a comfortable height. Keyboards placed on traditional desks can be too high and may cause significant discomfort or muscle strain. Computer desks should be equipped with either a keyboard platform or adjustable feet. Ensure the keyboard platform is large enough to accommodate a mouse.

Office equipment and supplies should be comfortable and easily accessible . If the desk has a sharp edge, consider placing a wrist rest along the edge to avoid unnecessary pressure and pinching on the inner surface of the wrists.

DESK SURFACE, LAMINATE: THE MOST POPULAR CHOICE

With its plastic finish, laminate is affordable, durable, and more resistant than wood. It's also available in a wide range of colors and wood grain patterns. For a quality laminate that will better withstand everyday use, look for a desk with a thick laminate top.

METAL OR STEEL: THE MOST DURABLE CHOICE

Although they may not have a particularly professional appearance, metal or steel desks are reasonably priced and suitable for offices subject to heavy, long-term use or high-traffic areas. The quality of this type of desk can be partially assessed by checking and feeling its overall weight.

WOOD OR VENEER: THE MOST ELEGANT CHOICE

Veneer is a thin surface layer of wood glued to a substrate. Wood and veneer desks generally have a more attractive appearance than other types of desks, but they are usually more expensive and considerably more susceptible to wear and tear . They dent more easily and are not suitable for rough or heavy use.

B. Storage units, essential furniture for an office

With so many visually stimulating and innovative open-plan offices on the market, even lockers and filing cabinets can easily be overshadowed by modern technology and/or office furniture . However, we all agree on the importance of storage. It remains as essential today as it was 20 years ago.

Of course, the migration to paperless workspaces and the cloud has reduced storage volumes. But there are still several valid reasons why you should ensure your office has sufficient storage:

• To allow staff to work efficiently without having to search for missing documents.
• Ensure the storage and protection of confidential documents and data.
• Declutter the workspace and ensure that staff can think clearly.
• To allow respect for privacy & personalization of the workspace.

2. The best decorations for a modern professional office

A. Office lighting

Here are some tips to consider for your office lighting:

NATURAL LIGHT

Windows are of great value in any building. In offices, these rooms with natural light are generally reserved for executives. In addition to offering a view, windows provide invaluable natural light. Natural light influences our health , mood, and behavior.

Those exposed to natural light in their workplace tend to feel more satisfied and their productivity increases. However, natural light is always an option… That's why our experts in the field are here to help you create and mimic natural light as much as possible.

CEILING LIGHTING

Ceiling lights shouldn't be the only source of light in your office. Keep in mind that this type of lighting tends to create shadows and provides insufficient light, as people rarely choose the brightest option available . If an office is equipped with fluorescent or LED ceiling lights, it's advisable to add corrective lighting to reduce discomfort.

TABLE LIGHTING

Table lamps are an effective and practical solution when your office lacks sufficient natural light and/or overhead lighting. Place a small table or desk lamp on your desk, next to your laptop or keyboard, to provide this additional light wherever you or your employees might need it. This will improve your lighting, reduce eye strain, and ultimately increase your productivity. We also suggest that task lamps or LED lamps designed to mimic natural light are available for adequate illumination.

AMBIENT LIGHTING

The ambient lighting is soft and subtle, which is helpful when you or your employees are facing a difficult or stressful situation at work. It is soothing and calming, as its low intensity helps create a peaceful atmosphere. This type of low-intensity lighting is used as general lighting.

CORRECTIVE LIGHTING

If you're someone who spends hours at your desk day after day, it can cause eye strain and even migraines . We suggest placing corrective lighting behind your screen. This can help tremendously by reducing glare from the screen.

B. A plant for a professional office

Decorating your office with plants can be an easy and cost-effective way to improve your well-being at work. They also offer additional benefits. Here are three reasons why decorating your workspace with plants is beneficial for you:

HEALTH BENEFITS

An office plant can improve air quality… It helps reduce fatigue, decrease coughs and sore throats, and can contribute to a better mood. Plants reduce levels of certain pollutants such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide. ( Top 10: Air-purifying office plants ).

They help reduce airborne dust levels and improve indoor air quality. With pollution on the rise these days, who doesn't need a little clean air? Plants have also been found to promote healing, although this is far more beneficial in a hospital than in an office…

TO FIGHT STRESS

Plants have been proven to reduce stress . Caring for plants between breaks can help you manage work-related stress. Watching plants grow every day and tending to them can be a great way to combat anxiety . Plants can also alleviate depression and promote a sense of well-being.

INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

We know that plants boost productivity! They help you stay relaxed. Plants can help improve concentration and memory. They make your office more beautiful and greener. Greenery soothes the eyes and reduces eye strain. Studies suggest that plants provide a meditative visual effect in the workplace, making employees happier and more productive.

3. The best office wall decoration

If you're looking for ideas or artwork for your office , whether it's a small or large space, canvas prints can make your workspace much more interesting, thoughtful, and spacious. Keep it simple withblack and white prints or go for vibrant and eye-catching pieces. They'll brighten your day every time you see them. Exotic flower prints are perfect for this purpose. ( Perfect for original office decoration )

Bringing plants into the office is a great idea, as we've seen before, but sometimes it's not practical or even allowed... If you long for nature in your professional life, a Scandinavian Landscapes decorative wall art piece will highlight the nature you love. It will bring well-being and freshness to your workspace.

4. Color for an office: a strategic issue

In 2018, a study examined the effects of hospital paint colors . White gives a "clinical look." People feel intimidated and unwelcome. The color of your office should be subtle.

But what exactly does that mean?

Most people grow up associating bright colors with energy , but it turns out they don't necessarily represent the right kind of energy. For example, a psychological study conducted at the University of Rochester showed that red increases the speed and intensity of emotions. Red makes us feel like everything is urgent, which leads to anxiety and worry.

Not exactly ideal for a productive office environment, is it? But it's ideal for sales! That's why retailers use the color red in their sales signs. People see the sign(s) and think, "I want that now!"

Intense hues like greens and blues are great for energy, but this isn't helpful if you work in an office environment that requires a lot of thinking or collaboration. For example, emerald green can help you focus. It's not just the color itself that affects your mood and behavior; the intensity (saturation) of the color also affects you.

TOP 10: Suitable colors for office decor

While giving you the overall color scheme, we also provide a list of colors. (First and foremost, try to work with the colors already present to maximize your budget.) Here are our 10 suggestions:

1. OFF-WHITE

White can sometimes look clinical, but a soft off-white will soften the appearance of true white. It's easy to decorate and furnish, given its warm yet clean look. It's a lovely shade if you add a bright, bold accent color.

2. DUCK BLUE

Because teal is a combination of blue and green, it can transform any workspace into a productivity powerhouse. It's important to be careful not to overdo it. Brightness and intensity are also important for the desired effect. This color is perfectly suited to a professional setting such as a law firm. ( Trendy color for an office )

3. GREY

Gray lies between black and white, creating a neutral atmosphere. There are different shades and nuances of gray, each evoking different moods . A "too classic" gray can make your employees, clients, or even yourself feel a bit melancholic.

4. LIGHT BLUE

A soft, light blue will calm your environment and create a peaceful atmosphere. It's a good choice for a private medical practice , especially a specialist's office, which deals with anxious patients on a daily basis.

5. BLUE-GREY

In the corporate world, blue-grey tones can create an impression of cleanliness and enhance a backdrop. This color conveys a professional atmosphere while remaining understated. ( Ideal color for an office ).

6. BROWN

Browns work very well in spaces where you need to feel powerful and strong. Paired with wooden office furniture, this color will also create a warm atmosphere. ( Ideal color for an office ).

7. PASTEL YELLOW

If you work in a creative industry , a pastel yellow will allow you to unleash your creativity. This yellow has a hint of gold, making it easy to accentuate with whites or browns.

8. VIOLET

Purple has many shades in its palette but remains an excellent choice for a feminine space, such as a waiting room at a beauty salon. It's the perfect color for a feeling that is both calming and regal .

9. GREEN

A rich, dark, velvety green is perfect for the health and finance sectors. The lighter or darker it is, the more the room's atmosphere is altered. Whenever you look at a shade of green, keep in mind how the light will hit it. A lemon green can be a bit too bright if your space has many windows. ( Feng Shui office color )

10. ORANGE

Painting all the walls orange might be a bit too intense, but accentuating one wall with orange can be the perfect remedy for low-energy afternoons.

With this article, the entire Lofty Trend team hopes to have helped you find answers to your questions.

Decorating a room well is never easy. But decorating a room where we work daily and spend a large part of our days is even harder...

Feel free to email us (contact@loftytrend.com) if you have any further questions. We'll be happy to answer them through our website's blog .

For example, if you've ever wondered how to decorate your bedroom , we've taken the time to answer that question. Go ahead and take a look!

See you soon.

The Lofty Trend Team.