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?
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.
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 Material
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.
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 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.
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.
Emma Stewart
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.
From The Shop
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Vertical filing cabinets represent the classic office storage solution that most people immediately picture when thinking about document storage. These tall, narrow units feature drawers that extend outward, with files arranged from front to back.
Key characteristics of vertical filing cabinets include:
Orientation: Documents are stored front-to-back with tabs facing sideways
Depth: Typically 25-29 inches deep to accommodate letter or legal-sized files
Height: Usually between 52-72 inches tall (3-5 drawers)
Width: Standard units measure approximately 15-20 inches wide
Capacity: Each drawer typically holds between 150-200 files
According to a 2023 study by Workspace Design Magazine, vertical filing systems still account for approximately 65% of all office filing installations, making them the most common solution in workplaces globally.
Lateral Filing Cabinets: The Modern Space-Savers
Lateral filing cabinets offer a different approach to document storage. These wider, shorter units feature drawers that allow files to be arranged side-to-side rather than front-to-back.
Orientation: Documents are stored side-to-side with tabs facing upward
Depth: Typically 18-20 inches deep, requiring less floor space depth
Height: Usually between 30-54 inches tall (2-4 drawers)
Width: Standard units measure approximately 30-42 inches wide
Capacity: Each drawer typically holds between 200 and 300 files
The Office Management Association reports that adoption of lateral filing systems has increased by 27% since 2020, particularly in newly designed office spaces that prioritize open layouts and collaborative environments.
Comparative Analysis: Vertical vs. Lateral Filing Systems
Space Efficiency and Floor Plan Considerations
Vertical Filing Advantages:
Smaller footprint in terms of floor space
Better for narrow areas or corridors
Can utilize height in rooms with higher ceilings
Works well against walls in individual offices
Lateral Filing Advantages:
Shallower depth creates less intrusion into walkways
Better for open office layouts and underneath windows
Creates potential for usable counter space on top
More accessible in shared workspace environments
According to the Architectural Planning Guide by Office Design Solutions, lateral filing systems can reduce the total square footage needed for filing by up to 33% in open office environments compared to traditional vertical systems, despite their wider frontal dimensions. This is largely due to the reduced clearance space needed in front of the cabinets.
Accessibility and Ergonomics
Vertical Filing Considerations:
Requires more bending and reaching to access the full depth of the drawer
Higher drawers can be difficult to access for shorter employees
Files are viewed from the side, requiring head-tilting to read labels
Typically requires the drawer to be fully extended to access rear files
Lateral Filing Considerations:
Files are visible from above, making identification easier
Less reaching required to access all files
Better accessibility for employees of all heights
More suitable for ADA compliance in many configurations
Research published in the Journal of Workplace Ergonomics suggests that lateral filing systems reduce strain-related complaints by approximately 22% compared to vertical systems, particularly for frequent file retrieval tasks.
Specialized dividers available for various document sizes
Limited width restricts the number of divisions within each drawer
Typically lower cost per file stored
Lateral Filing Storage Features:
Greater width allows for multiple file categories side-by-side
Easy conversion between letter and legal size storage
More flexible internal configurations
More visible organization system with files viewed from above
The Business Storage Efficiency Report by Workspace Solutions indicates that lateral filing systems offer approximately 30% more filing capacity per linear foot of wall space compared to vertical systems, though at a higher initial cost investment.
Aesthetic and Design Integration
Vertical Filing Appearance:
Traditional office look
Less visual impact due to narrower frontal dimension
Available in various heights to suit different spaces
Often more institutional in appearance
Lateral Filing Appearance:
Contemporary, streamlined look
Can double as room dividers in open offices
Better surface area for display or functional workspace
Available in designer finishes to complement modern offices
A survey by Interior Design Today found that 72% of office designers prefer lateral filing systems for contemporary office environments, citing better integration with modern furniture systems and improved aesthetic appeal.
Cost Considerations and Investment Value
Vertical Filing Cost Factors:
Generally 15-30% lower initial purchase price
Lower cost per file stored
May require less expensive floor reinforcement
More brands and options available at lower price points
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