The classical opinion is that office furniture needs to be functional and durable. Nowhere does it say that it also has to be bland, uninspiring and, occasionally, downright depressing. However, in recent years – thanks to the efforts of pioneering Silicone Valley tech-giants like Google and Facebook – the office no longer needs to be a place of dreary desks and cheerless chairs. Keep reading to find out how to revolutionise your workspace.

Up-cycle and be different

The current trend in office furniture is towards imagination, inspiration and colour. Sounds like it might be a big, expensive change, doesn’t it? Well it doesn’t have to be. With a new movement towards up-cycled furniture it’s now possible to have stylish, effective and affordable office equipment. After all, if your company is unique, then why should your office space be any different?

The cost benefits of up-cycling

The trend for vintage furniture in offices can also be expensive but by reclaiming otherwise worthless vintage goods and adding a dash of inspiration you’d be amazed at what you can create. Imagine an office chair made from an upside down wheelbarrow or an old X-box console turned into a clock. These are all items of genuine office furniture that add character and appeal without the usual price tag.

Up-cycling for staff contentment

Creating a pleasant environment in which to work can dramatically improve productivity. Happy staff are productive staff, and an office they enjoy goes a long way towards making this possible. You could even give staff licence to design their own spaces from up-cycled goods as a teambuilding or motivational exercise.

Only the best will do

Before you jump to any conclusions, up-cycled office furniture doesn’t have to mean pallet benches and painted filing cabinets. In fact, some of the best up-cycled furniture looks like it’s come straight from the pages of an architectural magazine. We’re talking desks made from out-dated Apple computer towers and swivel chairs made from surplus airline seats.

The limits of up-cycling?

Of course, there are some items of office equipment where you can’t compromise. Technology needs to be as up-to-date as your business requires and safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and evac chairs need to be of superior quality. But for everything else, why not get creative?

The possibilities of up-cycling are endless. It’s all about looking at old problems in new ways, which is also what’s at the heart of great business. So, if it’s time for a refit, don’t go down the old grey, boring function-over-fashion route. And definitely don’t spend a fortune when there is a genuine up-cycled alternative – more than likely staring you in the face.