Office Storage Solutions to Create the Look You Want

Well-organized office space is crucial to the smooth operation of a business. What’s more, you can use bookcases, shelving, and storage to transform your workspace into a productive, visually appealing environment. By planning carefully, you can create an office that is not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing and harmonious. While you are choosing the perfect desks and lobby furniture, make sure you plan for the right storage, to keep your office streamlined and clutter-free, for optimal productivity and morale.

Benefits of Well-Designed Office Storage Solutions

A well-designed office makes a good impression on clients while making work convenient and comfortable for employees. The first step in choosing office storage is to carefully consider what will need to be stored, and where you will be storing it. If you are looking for shelving for a storage room, for instance, it will not need to be as attractive as the storage in more visible locations. If you have limited space, you might want to look for multi-purpose pieces to optimize available space efficiently. Think about the things you will need to have on hand daily, and the supplies you will only need occasionally. Make sure your storage pieces are designed to allow quick access to everything that people working in the office will need, so that they won’t have to waste time searching. At the same time, think about the way you want the office to look, and how your storage will blend with the overall office environment. Your office furniture should reflect your company culture, so look for pieces that will elevate the look of the space. The storage pieces should not pull focus from the more decorative items in your office but should complement the look of your existing furniture. By taking the time to put together a well thought out storage plan, you can create an office that is as impactful as it is functional.

What Kind of Storage Does Your Office Require?

The storage you need will depend largely on what you need to store.

• Metal shelves are good for storing reams of paper and office supplies. They are convenient and sturdy, but not very aesthetically pleasing, so they are best kept in a storage room or another “behind the scenes” space.
• Filing cabinets are perfect for storing paperwork. What’s more, modern filing cabinets come in an astonishing array of sizes, colors, materials, and designs, so it is easy to find some that will mesh with your office décor.
• Storage built into desks is beneficial in separate offices. Drawers, shelves, and cabinets under, on the side, or atop a desk can make it easy for employees to be productive.
• Cabinets that close keep the workspace free from clutter. For a more sophisticated look than a simple storage cabinet, a storage credenza, with a combination of doors, drawers, and open areas, can store essentials with style.
• Storage lockers are good for shared spaces, particularly in a hybrid workspace. Even when the space is occupied by different people at different times, lockers allow for personal items to be safely stored. Modern storage lockers are not like the ones you remember from gym class, either. Made from materials that include wood or plastic laminate, glass, or metal, lockers have a variety of features you might not expect. Some have whiteboards, some allow for personalization, and some are “smart” lockers, which can be accessed using a smartphone or an employee badge.
• Machine storage units hold a printer or another piece of equipment. Underneath, there is storage space, either a cabinet, shelves, drawers, or some combination, for optimal functionality.
• A storage island can be a great addition to an office with an open floorplan. Sitting in the middle of a workspace, it provides a surface on which to work with storage beneath. Cabinets, shelves, and drawers keep necessary items close at hand, and the shared work surface above encourages collaboration and creativity.
• Fireproof storage cabinets and safes work well in offices where security is a high priority. Some of these pieces can come in options that look less like safes and more like furniture.
• Display cases are for showing off items that are meant to be seen. They also provide convenient storage, protecting the items from dust. Some are even lockable, to prevent theft.

Innovative Shelving Ideas for Modern Office Organization

Modern storage solutions come in a wide range of styles and configurations, to match any office décor. There are executive bookcases, made to provide ample storage while also bringing a sense of sophistication to the workspace. Created for the executive suite, the design of these bookcases exudes strength and leadership. Other bookcases and closed shelving units provide functionality without as much style, and they are meant for spaces that are not as client-forward. Metal shelving works well in storage areas, and storage cabinets that are not particularly stylish can provide essential storage in functional spaces that are not the focal point of the office. Additionally, there are wall systems that provide flexibility, with storage options that come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and materials, to allow them to fit in any part of the office, including the reception area and conference rooms.

Maximizing Space with Space-Saving Office Furniture

To save space while maintaining adequate storage, think vertically. Wall-mounted shelves and cabinets free up floor space for other pieces and can be configured in a variety of ways to meet your needs. Another vertical option is to use a hutch, which is placed on top of the desk and can hold necessary items. Storage built into the side of a desk is a good space-saving option, and if your office handles a lot of paperwork, a stackable system of drawers can help keep you organized and clutter-free while giving the space a stylish, modern look. If you are extremely low on space, look for creative solutions, like corner cabinets or shelving that can be tucked underneath a staircase. Make the most of every available square foot, by thinking outside of the box.

Office Reconfiguration Using Flexible Storage Solutions

One thing office managers have learned to prize over the past few years is flexibility. Being able to reconfigure an office is essential in the rapidly evolving landscape of the workplace, and the right furniture can help make this manageable. As your project needs, team dynamics, and work environment shift, flexible storage solutions can be a boon, allowing you to easily adapt and come up with something new.

• Modular furniture is versatile and easy to reconfigure. Modular shelving can be rearranged to meet the needs of the office and staff, as the requirements change. Stackable bookshelves, for example, can be used in a variety of spaces, arranged in a way that best fits the room.
• Flexible shelving units can be adjusted to make your space more functional. Bookcases with adjustable shelves can be used for a variety of items, depending on how the shelves are arranged. In a space where the bookshelves need to be moveable, shelving units with casters are very convenient.
• Multi–use furniture offers flexibility. Cabinets that double as desks or tables, ottomans or benches that provide seating and storage, and convertible desks can all save space and add versatility to an office. There are desks with tops that slide away to reveal storage underneath, as well as desks that can fold flat against a cabinet in the wall, providing concealed storage and a work surface that is hidden until it is needed.

Tips for Selecting the Right Office Storage Solutions

When determining the best storage solutions for your office, you should begin by assessing your space and storage needs. Different businesses will need to store a variety of items, including paper, office supplies, inventory, equipment, and employees’ personal items. Some offices will need to prioritize security, keeping sensitive documents locked away, while others will focus more on aesthetics, making the space as stylish as possible.  In addition to choosing storage that meets the needs of your business, you will need to find pieces that fit the office and match the existing décor. Measure carefully to determine the exact size of your space, and work to create a cohesive design in your workspace. As you choose your pieces, focus on quality and durability, even if it requires a bit of a larger investment. In the long run, furniture that will last and maintain an attractive appearance is worth the extra cost.

Visit Office Furniture Expo to Find the Perfect Office Storage Solutions

Whatever you need to keep your office organized, productive, and attractive, you will find it at Office Furniture Expo, where we have a wide selection of both used and new wood furniture. Chairs, tables, desks, bookcases, panel systems, accessories, and anything else you need is here, and our helpful sales professionals are happy to help you find exactly what you need. For superior office furniture and excellent customer service, as well as delivery, setup, and repairs, in the Metro Atlanta area and beyond, call 770-455-0440 or contact us through our website.