Office: working with the right furniture leads to success

You made it and turned your hobby into your profession? Congratulations! The optimal design of your office will help you to continue your work full of energy and motivation. Are you in the middle of planning your own four walls? Whether you’re building a family home or looking for the perfect loft apartment in the big city, not everyone has the luxury of their own office. If you’re tired of working from your bed or kitchen table, it’s time to give your office the attention it deserves. Here’s what you need to know about planning and decorating your office.

Tip! Popular and luxurious interior brands and furniture are presented here: Interior Brands XXL!

Important: power sockets, room climate and Internet access in the office

In order to start your working day undisturbed, with full concentration and motivation, you must be able to fall back on certain aids. Your working day will be extremely tedious if there is a poor internet connection in the office or if there is no power socket in suitable proximity to your desk. Only when these basics are taken care of can you move on to the nicer things – decorating. Before that, here’s a little overview for you, so that you can create an optimal workplace.

• Space planning – How much space do you need?
• Noise sources – where should my office be located? (backyard etc.)
• Light conditions (windows & bright, friendly atmosphere)
• Where should the desk be placed?
• Are there enough power outlets near your desk?
• Do I have an internet connection in this room?
• Do I have a good internet connection?

Well-being in the office: Ergonomic workplace with optimal furniture

You spend most of your working time in front of a screen? Physical activities are hardly ever part of your job description? Thanks to digitalisation, according to the Federal Statistical Office, two out of three employees (25-54 years old) now work at a desk with a computer. And the trend is rising. As many advantages as this development brings with it, it also comes with physical dangers. Spending all day sitting in front of your computer can be harmful to your back, muscles and eyes. That’s why we’re presenting you with the most important factors for an ergonomically designed workplace. You can counteract these side effects, improve your motivation and create a better working atmosphere:

• Position of the desk (parallel positioning of the desk to the windows)
• Mounting of blinds
• Glare-free ceiling lighting (400 – 600 lux)
• Matching monitor (adjustable in height, non-glossy, reflective,
• Adjustable desk and office chair
• Optimal positioning of monitor

Living style in the office: minimalist, Feng Shui or country house style

Now that you’ve read up on all the ergonomic factors, it’s time for the creative part of office design. First decision – which style of living suits you best? Clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic are often preferred in office spaces. Of course, if your whole home is country style, it’s a good idea to bring that style into the office. This is where your personal taste comes in. Below, we present the most popular styles for office spaces:

Minimalist style: clean lines, geometric shapes and splashes of colour

A minimalist interior style has been enjoying ever-increasing popularity for years. What distinguishes a minimalist office interior? Wondering if this design style suits your personal taste? Find out: The main feature is the use of clean lines, shapes and colors. Decorative accessories are used judiciously to optimize the aesthetics of the space. “Less is more” has not infrequently established itself as the new rule – this is also the case with the minimalist interior design style. Very often, the colour white is used as a basis, which creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. If you still don’t want to do without colours completely, the use of thoughtful splashes of colour is very popular. Accessories, curtains or rugs can make your office shine in a friendlier light. The real trick with this simple-looking design style is finding the balance between basics and sophisticated details. The following interior design brands create stylish furniture and accessories in a minimalist style. Let the clean lines inspire you.

• Minimalism furnishings

Country style: cosiness thanks to wood panelling, pastel shades and more

Are you a great lover of rustic furniture and wood panelling? Then you’re in perfect hands with the country style interior. Charm, warmth and country flair best describe this popular design style. Rustic, light-coloured furnishings help to lighten up the hectic workday a little. Key features include the use of cream & pastel tones, natural materials such as wood, linen or cotton and the use of elegant decorative items in gold or silver settings. Particularly popular with country house lovers are stylish vases with fresh flowers and wood-clad picture frames. All these create the finishing touches to make your office exude coziness and charm. Below, we present you with a list of popular interior brands that are dedicated to country style, among other things. Convince yourself of the inviting style.

• Country style furnishing

Feng Shui: the right combination of colors, materials and shapes

“Feng” and “Shui” mean “wind” and “water” in Chinese and stand for the philosophy of harmony between man and his environment. The top priority in this style of furnishing is the aspect that the design of the room has a positive influence on your well-being. Feng Shui is not so much an interior design style as a philosophy of life. This philosophy is based on the idea that the so-called Chi, the flow of life energy, is used correctly. The conscious use of Chi, can be achieved with the thoughtful combination of colors, shapes and materials. If the idea of Feng Shui has captivated you, we recommend that you adhere to the following basic rules of Feng Shui:

• Proper light (not too warm, not too bright)
• Daylight the best
• Ceiling floodlights, LED spots, daylight lamps
• Houseplants create a positive indoor climate (houseplants with round leaves)
• Use of wood
• Closed cupboards, chests of drawers, etc. (open shelves often disturb concentration)
• Keeping order is the A&O
• Close office door after work (separation of work and private life)

If you adhere to the basic rules of Feng Shui, nothing will stand in the way of your aesthetic desires and your well-being.

• Feng Shui furnishing

Desk: adjustability, size and design

Choosing the right desk can be as complicated and difficult as choosing the right shoes. Not all desks are created equal. While you should design your desk ergonomically, you should also consider the aesthetic factor. From choosing the style of furniture, to choosing the material, to choosing the right colour – we’ll explain what you need to consider when buying the perfect desk for you in the following paragraphs:

Important criteria: Size, adjustability and more

Have you been complaining of back pain, migraine attacks or eye pain for a long time? Then it’s time that your new office meets all ergonomic requirements. An important point here, as already mentioned, is the right desk.

• Height: between 68 and 76 centimetres high, or adjustable
• Large, non-reflective or glossy surface
• Correct setting: approx. ten centimetres space between thigh and desk
• Enough space for monitor, working documents etc.
• Proper lighting

Placement of the desk: perfect working climate through light, fresh air & co.

As tempting as the direct view out of the window from the workplace may seem, it is counterproductive for your health and concentration. The correct positioning of the desk is considered the be-all and end-all of an ergonomic workplace. It is important to note that the desk is not exposed to direct light. If the window is directly in front of the computer, the ratio between daylight and display is too great. If the window is behind the computer, there will be disturbing reflections on the monitor. The ideal position of the desk parallel to the window has become established. To avoid possible reflections altogether, the use of blinds and the installation of a glare-free ceiling light is recommended. So nothing stands in the way of a pleasant working day at your desk!

Desk types: rectangular, round and more in wood, metal and co.

You’ve already decided on your interior style, taken care of all the ergonomic requirements, and yet you’re still faced with a large selection of different desks. Now it’s time to decide on a shape and material. The most popular type of desk is the classic rectangular table. Furthermore, you can decide between the square desk, the corner desk and the arch desk. Below we list the respective advantages & disadvantages of these desk variants:

Rectangular desk:

Pros:

• Plenty of space (on and under the desk)
• Relatively inexpensive

Disadvantages:

• Takes up a lot of space
• Not the whole area can be used (corners)

Square desk:

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Very space saving

Disadvantages:

• Visually not very appealing
• Small work surface

Corner desk:

Pros:

• Optimal use of space
• Space saving

Disadvantages:

• More expensive to purchase
• Less space under the desk

Arch Desk:

Pros:

• High light in every office
• Plenty of storage space under the table

Disadvantages:

• Cost-intensive procurement
• Impractical in placement

Office chair: adjustability for optimum sitting comfort

The heart of your office – at least for your back and your health. Especially in times when you often feel like you’re sitting in front of a screen all day, a comfortable and good sitting posture is essential. You prefer soft upholstered office chairs? Do you prefer to do without a backrest for a straight posture? As different as people’s needs are, it’s even more important to consider individual adjustability when choosing your office chair. The following should be adjustable:

• Backrest
• Armrests
• Neck or head support
• Seat depth
• Seat
• Seat height

Once all questions regarding functionality have been clarified, the visual appearance should not disappoint. Whether it’s a gaudy pink office chair, a metal office stool or a classic swivel chair in practical black – Interior-Brands offer a wide range of different office chair models that everyone should be able to find!

Create order: Boxes, folders, shelves and more

In order to be able to pursue your work with joy and motivation, order must reign in your head as well as in your office. Stylish boxes as a splash of colour on the shelf, storage boxes for books or folders in different patterns not only bring order but also a spark of colour and style to an often dull office. Below, we list for you the most popular yet practical storage options. See for yourself:

• Folder
• Wooden storage box
• Linen basket
• Bamboo basket
• Folding crates
• Cardboard box
• Etc.

Ambience: Good working atmosphere with lamps, decoration & co.

Your office may be ergonomically and stylishly furnished, but if there is a negative atmosphere in your office, it will be difficult for you to stay focused and motivated in your daily work. In the following paragraphs you will learn what to consider when choosing lamps, light and noise protection and the wall colour in your office:

Lamp: Well-being and quality at work thanks to correct office lighting

As important as the adjustability of your office chair and desk is, it’s equally important to have the right lighting in your office. The right light intensity can have a proven effect on your productivity and motivation. Modern lighting systems, which allow you to adjust the colour intensity and shade to your individual needs, are particularly popular. This LED technology inspires not only with its cost-effective purchase but also with its energy efficiency and its gentle impact on the environment. Win-win situation!

Light & noise protection: pleasant working climate in the office

You have found the perfect furnishing direction for your office? You have already decided on ergonomic and stylish furniture? Nothing can dampen your anticipation of a pleasant and motivating working atmosphere? Unfortunately, you forgot that your office is located right next to a busy main road? The peace and quiet is disturbed every 30 minutes by a passing train? In order to minimize these unwanted disturbing factors or, in the best case, to remove them completely, we recommend the following tools:

• Acoustic elements for wall and ceiling
• Sound insulation
• Living containers / room systems
• Acoustic insulation
• Soundproof curtains
• Blinds
• Etc.

Wall colour: inspiring ambience thanks to splashes of colour, beige & cream tones

White, beige and cream tones are without a doubt among the most popular wall colors. They have a clear, calming and relaxing effect on our body. However, they often make the sometimes dull workday low-contrast and boring. Consciously used splashes of colour come in handy here. Colour accents are considered to be the most effective means of improving mood and motivation. In the following, we present the most popular colors for your office walls:

• Green (calm antipole, refreshing effect)
• Warm yellow (cheerful atmosphere, promotes creativity)
• Anthracite (modern minimalism, order)
• Aqua & turquoise tones (inspiring effect)
• Beige (relaxing and calming aura)

Accessories: rugs, decorative items, plants and co.

Once you’ve taken care of the main players in your office, it’s time to get down to the details – decorating. Depending on the style of living you have chosen, it’s time to choose decorative items in that style. To create an optimal feeling of cosiness, comfort and well-being, carpets, decorative items and plants are particularly suitable. Accessories from the following interior brands enjoy particular popularity here. Happy Shopping:

• Joop! Living
• Essential Home Furniture
• Bretz living dreams
• Cartel Interior
• Moooi Interior
• Versace Home

Vitra Living: Home collection by great designers

Vitra Living stands for furniture, lighting and home accessories with a classic and contemporary character. The Swiss family business creates interiors that encourage us to feel good. Sustainability is a firm focus of the third-generation company.
The Vitra Home Collection includes classic and contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories for the home. Since 1950 Vitra has been working with international designers and architects, such as Ray and Charles Eames. Since then, the Vitra Design Company has focused on design objects ranging from classic everyday objects to extravagant individual pieces.

Are you fascinated by the world of interior design? Then take a look at our Pinterest page! Here we have put together the best and most exclusive interior brands for you. Of course, you can also find our pinboard on the topic of Vitra Living here.

Tip. All luxury brands for the perfect interior from A-Z you will find in our comprehensive XXL article furnishing brands

Home Stories by Vitra: A look inside a design studio

Karin Sander, artist and designer from Berlin gives in this video an exclusive insight into her studio, where she lives and works daily. Equipped with the fascinating furniture from Vitra:

If you don’t want back pain, you should buy the right chair. Comfort and convenience is the name of the game here. At Vitra Living you will find an enormous selection of comfortable but stylish chairs. Behind the Panton Chair Classic is a full art chair from a single mould. The award-winning chair is still available today as an original version. Glossy lacquered in white, black, red or green.

None other than Frank Gehry is the designer of the Wiggle Side Chair. The chair from the Easy Edges series is made of corrugated cardboard and has a sculptural character. Nevertheless, this chair is in no way inferior to other chairs in terms of stability and robustness.

The Plastic Chairs come from the pen of Charles and Ray Eames. The Rocking Armchair Rod Base (RAR) is the star among the chair family and is available with a seat or full upholstery. This armchair convinces with its iconic shape and offers comfortable seating even for taller people. The rocking chair base on wooden runners makes this chair something very special.

Office chairs: comfortable chairs with backrest and chic design

Especially when sitting for hours in the home office, it is important to get a comfortable chair that is easy on the back. Vitra Living presents you with comfortable solutions for this problem and brings the professional office feeling to your home with its office chairs.

With its compact cushion, sandwich construction and lumbar support, the ID Trim L provides enormous comfort when working at the desk. Relaxation for the neck and neck region is guaranteed by the high backrest.

With a round, forward backrest and comfortable upholstery, the Pivot Counter Stool brings the right comfort and a special design to your home. Sideways sitting positions can be perfectly taken in this chair. This chair can also be used as a support or leaning aid with two different selectable foot bases for carpet or hard floor. Light grey, dark grey, black, red or brown – what colour will your Pivot Counter Stool be?

Aluminium Chair: Design by Charles & Ray Eames

This Alu Chair is a chair from the Aluminium Group, designed by Charles & Ray Eames. Try the unique comfort of this chair and lean back:

Tables: dining tables, desks or table as desired

The Dining Table – The design by Isamu Noguchi is considered one of the most elegant designs in the field of dining tables of the 20th century. A ring-shaped base made of cast iron supports the numerous chrome-plated rods of the underframe, which are extremely stable despite the optical lightness. The table top made of laminated wood with hard surface is available in two sizes.

Contract Tables – These tables with universal base are perfect as bistro tables for indoors, but also outdoors due to their small size. The round or square table top can be purchased in four different materials: Melamine direct coated, smooth plastic top, veneer in oak, solid core top or with hard surface.

MedaMorph: personalised tables with Storm connections for Vitra customers

MedaMorph is a table system created in collaboration with the engineer Alberto Meda. The table system works through the ingenious underframe construction, which allows a modular method through which one can bring the table in any shape and size. VCS, short for the free Vitra Configuration System planning software, is a visualisation tool for customers.

Here, personally adapted products can be created on the basis of parameters such as size, table shape, table top surface or number of seats. The resulting price of the desired product is determined directly. Even points such as the number of power and data connections can be taken into account here.

Visitor, meeting and conference tables according to your needs.

Desks: functional & elegant in the home office

Good, functional desks are becoming increasingly important as home office options and relevance continue to grow. The Home Desk by George Nelson is a true gem among desks.
A ladies’ secretary, which is made of high-quality walnut wood and sets colorful accents through small, colored compartments. Especially suitable for the days in the home office.

Tyde Workstations: sitting and standing table with sound insulation

The basic models of the Tyde workstations include round columns, feet, table tops and frames made of different surface materials. In addition, there is a fleece cable tray, which serves to dampen noise and cover the technology. You can choose between the calming colours grey/stone, green, sea blue and granite grey for the fleece cover.

The great advantage of this desk is the height adjustability and the possibility of the double function as a sitting and standing table. You can choose between an electric motor (adjustable from 65 to 125cm), a crank (adjustable from 65 to 85cm) or grid columns (only adjustable from 68 to 76cm). Tyde workstations are therefore not only suitable as single workstations, but also ideal for double workstations and meeting tables.

Living room: armchairs, sofas and more for a stylish ambience

Even if Vitra Living is mainly known for its comprehensive range of various chairs, the company also has other seating in its repertoire: Especially armchairs and sofas are particularly popular and enhance every living room or study. Of course, Vitra also offers matching couch or side tables. Find out more about collections and products here.

Couch and side tables: small works of art made of cork and sheet aluminium

Couch and side tables are the perfect addition to your living room. The Cork Family offers you five different models, which can be used as stools as well as side tables. The small pieces of furniture are made entirely of cork and are therefore noticeable for their lightness, enormous toughness and pleasant velvety feel.

Inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding, the Prismatic Table is an absolute eye-catcher thanks to its pure geometric design. The three-legged table made of coated aluminium sheet is available in black or white.

More than an armchair: a small island of relaxation for the home

A comfortable armchair is the relaxation oasis after work. Here you can end the evening with a good book or an exciting series. Perfect for this is the armchair Amoebe with its cheeky 70s design. This armchair fits into any interior, because it can be ordered in every possible colour – from red to lime green.

The Heart Cone Chair is particularly unique with a heart-shaped silhouette of the seat shell. The design from the end of the 50s shines with a pleasant upholstery and a restrained base made of stainless steel. The heart chair made of glass fibre reinforced plastic is available in different shades of red, classic black or a summery meadow green.

Fabric samples free of charge: Colour & Material Library

In the Colour & Material Library you will find a wide variety of themed worlds: A true paradise of colours, patterns and fabrics. Four different colour worlds are waiting to be discovered by you: Reds, Greens, Darks & Lights.

In addition to these colourboards, you will also be introduced to duo tones. A duo-tone binding has many advantages: On the one hand, the double binding makes us pay more attention to the colour and thus brings it to life. You have to look twice because the colors look different depending on the light. On the other hand, the interweaving of two colors causes a certain softness and intimacy. Just the right flair for your home!

Here you can also order free samples of fabrics and leathers to find the perfect material for your new piece of furniture. On average, the delivery time is 3 days for the up to five samples that you can order per day.

You can find out more about the designers’ colour palettes and what bridge colours are all about by visiting the Colour & Material Library on the website.