Contemporary Office Furniture Ideas

The most difficult aspect of choosing contemporary office furniture is deciding how to make it special, how to set it apart from any other office design. Making simple choices can bring attention to a contemporary office and create a supportive working environment. Contemporary spaces can have a wide variety of looks, but clean lines, a lack of clutter and a pop of color set them apart from the curves, solid wood and touches of bright brass or gold found in a more traditional office.

Hide the Clutter

Sleek, clean and uncluttered lines are hallmarks of contemporary furniture. Use office furniture that encloses cabinets and shelving in flat, sleek paneled doors or frosted glass. Incorporate flat, no-hardware cabinets that pop open when pushed or gently tapped. If you're redecorating a contemporary space, consider a simple change in door panels for an existing furniture system, such as Knoll, Haworth, Kimball or Herman Miller. Negotiate a better price by using the same dealer and furniture system and replacing only panels, screens or work surfaces.

Choose Color

Center the office furniture around a repeated finish--gloss, matte or textured--in a specific color. A single color can be used to carry the eye from one space to the next by using it on all desk fronts or surrounds or in systems furniture panels. Existing furniture can be refinished in a favorite vibrant contemporary color or stained in a neutral, such as gray, taupe or black with an added a pop of color in the fabric of chair seats, window treatments or furniture panels.

Silver Works

Chrome, matte-silver or mirrored finishes are found more often in contemporary office furniture designs than gold or brass. Create a visually consistent contemporary look by making all furniture finishes the same silver or mirrored material. Remove intricate detail and choose flat, flush-fitting furniture details.

Put It on Wheels

Create the possibility of mobility by putting wheels on contemporary-style coffee tables, work tables, chairs and even desks. Many contemporary glass and metal furniture styles may come with this option. If not, add the wheels by attaching casters later. Contact local furniture makers who design with wheels and mobile furniture to create one-of-a-kind coffee tables, chairs, work surfaces and conference tables. Locate furniture makers through arts and craft galleries or local American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Society of Interior Design (ASID) offices (see Resources).