Modular Office Furniture

What is modular office furniture?

Modular furniture is furniture sold in coordinated mix and match pieces. One common type of Modular furniture is known as cubicles. Furniture dealers call modular furniture, or cubicles, "systems furniture." Knowing the different names will help you a great deal as you search for the right furniture for your office.

Why would I need modular furniture for my office?

If you have a lot of employees, it is a good way to give each of them their separate workspaces without having to build walls. You can also situate the cubicles in a way that suits your office best and the cubicles can be changed around if you move offices or change your floor plan. Systems furniture also effectively blocks out noise so that your employees can concentrate when they're talking on the phone, typing, or doing paperwork.

How do I know what to buy?

Modular furniture is built in two main designs: panel-mounted and freestanding. Most modular furniture built today is the panel-mounted kind. The wall panels function as the basis and then desks or file cabinets can be placed right onto the modular panels. Freestanding systems use separate panels that are placed around the furniture.

Each kind of modular furniture has its own advantages. Panel systems can be equipped with power, be built taller to reduce noise and provide privacy, and has better design flexibility. Freestanding systems are easily installed and reconfigured. Freestanding systems are more convenient for offices that will need to frequently rearrange furniture.

When buying modular office furniture, you also need to consider the needs of your employees. Cubicles for telemarketers are different than those designed for programmers. If employees need to talk to co-workers, would they be able to have a small meeting in their cubicle? These factors influence wall height, size, and the surfaces of the furniture that you choose. Talk to your employees to get a better idea of their needs. Your office runs more smoothly when you meet the needs of your employees.

How much will it cost me?

Quality modular office furniture is not cheap, but it is important to remember that it's designed to last for decades. For a small order (no more than 10 cubes), you'll be paying around $1,000-$2,000 per cube. Some dealers will have cubes for as little as $700. Be careful about classified ads that have discount furniture for $300 per cube. Not only will you have to install the furniture yourself, you'll have no guarantee that you'll be able to find the same brand later when you need more cubes. Go for a solution that will last and find a reputable dealer. Remember that with all furniture, you can choose cheap or quality. If you buy cheap furniture, you'll have to replace it within five years whereas quality furniture could last for the lifetime of your company.

Conclusion

Now that you understand more completely what modular furniture is, why you might need it, and the general pricing, you'll be able to search for your modular office furniture more effectively. Good luck with your search.