How to Choose the Perfect Commercial Office Furniture for Your Workspace

Outfit your office

Whether you’re launching a new business, opening a new location or redecorating your existing space, choosing the right furniture is crucial to ensuring your people feel comfortable and productive. 

At Walmart Business, we know you have a lot to consider when choosing commercial office furniture. From desks and chairs to conference room tables, there are plenty of options to choose from. So how do you know which are right for you?

We’ve compiled the following tips and advice on choosing the perfect furniture for your workspace—whatever business you’re in. 

What is commercial office furniture? 

Commercial office furniture is typically sturdier and designed for heavier use than standard office furniture. While it often comes at a higher price, the cost is easily offset by its higher quality, comfort and longevity. 

Since most businesses will invest in furniture once and expect it to last, commercial-grade office furniture is made to stand up to not only high use but also to being moved and set back up.

An ordinary desk may be used by one person in a home or small office, but commercial office furniture is built with the expectation that multiple people will use it over the course of years, if not decades. 

Factors to consider when choosing commercial office furniture

Understanding that your furniture will be a long-term asset, it’s worth putting in the extra effort to ensure you’re getting the best furniture you can. Here are several factors to keep in mind.

Office layout

First, take a look at your office or proposed workspace. Think about the number of employees who’ll be there. Look for walls, pillars, windows or other obstructions that might prevent you from placing a desk or chair properly. Also consider if you’re going with an open floor plan, cubicles, individual offices or a mix of all of the above. 

Don’t just think about workstations, however. If there isn’t sufficient overhead lighting, you may need to invest in lamps. If you have a reception area, you’ll want both a reception desk and comfortable furniture fit for a waiting area. Think about all aspects of your business and day-to-day operations.

Carefully consider how you plan to lay out your office before you begin purchasing furniture. You may discover that what you had in mind will not work for the space you’re in. 

Work styles

It’s also worth considering how your teams will work and interact. Will your office have an open, “bullpen” style, with few obstructions between workers? Or will it have dividing walls and cubicles to cut down on distractions?

These different working styles, aside from the different management philosophies, can be seriously impacted by how and where you place your office furniture. Also keep in mind how people will flow into and out of the workspace, including to and from meetings.

Materials

Commercial office furniture is sturdier and longer-lasting because it is often made from stronger, higher-quality materials. Typically, it’s made from commercial-grade laminate, a manufactured wood product specifically designed to be strong and long-lasting.

If sustainability is important to you, you can also get furniture made from recycled materials or upcycled from discarded supplies. 

Budget

While stylish, name-brand chairs might look great in your space, overspending means you’ll have to cut costs somewhere else. It’s better to set a budget and stay within it, even if it means compromising. 

Style

Finally, you will want to consider what you want your office to look like. Guests and potential employees alike will form a first impression of your business by what they see in your workspace.  

What style of furniture best represents your brand? Whether you want to present a modern look with contemporary furniture or create a sense of nostalgia with more vintage pieces, choosing the right style for your office furniture will communicate a sense of what your business is about. 

Stock your workspace with Walmart Business+

As you build out your workspace, don’t forget to stock up on supplies and other must-haves. With Walmart Business+, you can select from thousands of items at everyday low prices and save over $500 per year while enjoying rewards for your organization.¹ Members also receive free shipping with no order minimum,² free delivery from the store for orders over $353 and Spend Analytics to help budget for the future. Learn more about our great benefits today!

¹Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).

²Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

³Restrictions apply. Additional fee applies for Express delivery.