Computer Furniture

Guide to Computer Furniture

How to choose the best computer desks and accessories for your office
By LaRita M. Heet

	Get Comfortable with Computer Furniture Selection Be specific. Need a corner computer desk or matching computer cabinets? Even specialty items are out there to be found. Get Comfortable with Computer Furniture Selection

Finding the right desktop and home computer furniture means more than picking out your favorite colors and styles. If you and your employees are not comfortable at their computers, then you, as the business owner, may soon be dealing with extra break times, work-related injuries and increased absenteeism. This doesn't mean going for the Rolls Royce of workplace furniture. Instead, employ the top three steps in your purchase of computer furniture:

1. Discover how to make the right choices.
2. Look for ergonomically correct computer furniture.
3. Purchase with care for your current and future business needs.

Be good to yourself. Even basic home computer furniture should be ergonomically sound.

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with the basics What do you need in terms of computer furniture? Be realistic. For example, if your employees all use desktops, then don't buy the computer tables available in anticipation that if your revenue is double what you've anticipated, you'll get them all laptops.

I recommend:  Take a quick, free quiz at Buyer Zone to assess your needs and request free quotes from office furniture suppliers. Check out Office Depot's Desk Guide for free space planning from the masters.

Consider ergonomics A top concern in choosing the correct computer furniture is physical comfort for you and your employees. For example, if the furniture is the wrong height for how you work, it won't help you be productive.

I recommend:  The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has some helpful computer furniture ergonomic guidelines. Check OSHA's Checklist Purchasing Guide to assess furniture choices before you buy.

Look the part Whether your computer furniture is new or used, it should give a professional impression, especially if your clients will see it. No one wants to award a big project to a company whose computer is teetering on a stack of wooden crates.

I recommend:  Office Depot offers small business owners the options – from ready-to-assemble to fully-assembled furniture. Check out their Premium Installation Service for a start-to-finish solution.

Make smart buying decisions Consider buying remanufactured furniture – it looks new, without the hefty price tag (remanufactured furniture is about half the price of new) – and usually comes with warranties. And be clear on yor needs. If you need a corner computer desk or computer cabinets, you can find them, but you'll need to focus your search.

I recommend:  Check out ValueBiz for remanufactured, new, and pre-owned furniture, and take advantage of the 3-year warranty they offer on all pre-owned items, including home computer furniture.

Tips & Tactics for Purchasing Computer Furniture

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Anticipate: Your needs for the future (the next 1-2 years).
• Don't rush: Take time to research the furniture options.
• Build more than an office: Build a relationship with your furniture vendor, which might help you in getting better deals on future or multiple purchases.
• Reap the rewards: Many vendors or office supply companies, including Office Depot, offer a specified percentage cash-back reward on those purchases you made throughout the year.