Office Furniture Resource Blog of Tulsa Oklahoma

Tools of The Furniture Trade

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:57:00 +0000

By Robin Blonsky

Retail strategies a successful second generation furniture retailer learned from her Mom and Dad.

In the early eighties, my parents purchased a furniture store called Crown Furniture, a decades old company in Tulsa. At the time, my siblings, Julie, David, Dan and I were all small. When we weren’t in school or during the summers, we were often at work with our parents.

Growing up around the business was in itself an education, and with it came adventure. When we were younger, the four of us kids mostly played at the office. But, as the years went by, we learned life lessons from watching our parents run the store. My sister and I helped in the office doing paperwork and sales, and my brothers were involved with deliveries and repairs.

Dad and Mom allowed us kids to be involved in many aspects of the business and would often introduce us to customers and factory representatives, giving us opportunity to improve our people skills and confidence as we learned how to think like owners.

Fast forward 20 years and Crown today is owned and operated by my siblings and I, who are all now in our thirties. Since the days our parents owned Crown, it has undergone many changes and reinventions. As a company and a family, we have endeavored to meet the challenges that continue to arise in a changing industry.

By regularly attending trade shows to find the best value and design, we focus on keeping our store and product offerings fresh and innovative. Also, in line with our marketing strategies, we strive to maintain an online presence which includes optimizing our website www.crownfurniture.com and having a highly visited Facebook page.

Each sibling heads up an area of the business, and as a team, we meet regularly to discuss decisions, changes and the overall focus of the company. When facing major decisions, the lively discussions that sometimes ensue are what bring out some of the passion (and fun) to the job. Though we have our disagreements, thankfully, it is rare for us to reach an impasse.

Looking back, there are numerous valuable lessons we learned from our upbringing. The tools my parents gave us have helped define and steer us as second generation business owners. These include:

1. Always treat people well: My parent’s store provided a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. By taking the time to show interest in our clients’ lives, we too have gained friends and repeat business by letting them know that they are not just a number. Many of our clients have stayed with us for 15, 20, 25 years – which is one of the great compliments of our work. Some of those clients are also 2nd or 3rd generation business owners.

2. Keep the salesmanship alive: In many box stores today, the showman side of the sale has been lost. I find that it’s usually because the salesperson has no passion or real interest in what he or she is selling. In settings like this, hum drum salespeople will produce a boring experience that lacks insight and an honest enthusiasm for the product.

We learned from my Dad how to tell a story, the value of knowing our product, and the importance of connecting with our client. Whether he was pouring hot coffee on a Paoli wood desk to show the durability of the heat resistant finish, or jumping up and down on a Virco children’s size stack chair to show the superb quality of the steel brace, Dad was always selling with a style that often bordered on theatrics. Let me ask you this, when was the last time someone really “sold you” on a truly good product? I’ll bet it was a locally owned store, not a chain.

3. Know when to close the deal. When training us in sales, Dad would often say, “When the client is ready to buy, stop talking and close the deal.” I have seen this bear out to be true over the years. Once the client has decided they are ready to buy, if you talk too much or ask too many questions, they can end up changing their mind and the sale will be lost.

4. Stay in Unity: Over the years, the focus on unity was stressed over and over. Dad and Mom wanted us to get along as siblings but beyond that, they would strive for us to get along as a family business by emphasizing team work. We learned to take ownership of certain areas while helping each other with bids, sales calls, delivery coordinating and problem solving, things we still do today.

Deferring to each other when one of us is more suited to the task than the another is something we often do because we ultimately know that at the end of the day we want the best for each other and our business. This knowledge and trust helps provide the platform from which we work together on a daily basis.

5. Steady plodding = Prosperity: When you have been in a business for years, it is easy to let the passion for it wain. Mom and Dad modeled the importance of putting their efforts towards a goal and staying consistent with it day in and day out.

Nearly 30 years have passed since that day my Dad got the keys to our first furniture store location. Since that time, our industry has changed significantly, especially with the onset of online retailing. Independent retailers need to focus, now more than ever, on being a local store that people like to do business with.

Whether it’s using local landmarks to showcase our product in an ad campaign, or giving away a free ipad on Facebook to increase web traffic, Crown endeavors to stay on the cutting edge. It's an edge refined by the partnership of a strong second generation that values the tools proven by the first.

Robin Blonsky is the sales manager and co-owner of Crown Office Furnishings in Tulsa, OK. She has worked in the furniture industry for more than 15 years and wears many hats in the family owned business including merchandising, space planning and design. She blogs regularly about office furniture-related topics at crownfurniture.com and can be reached via email at rblonsky@crownfurniture.com

Custom and Chic: Think beyond the basic

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:36:00 +0000

You’ve seen one office, you’ve seen them all, right?

No, I hope not! But, that is what some people think.

For most types of businesses, there is a culture that goes along with it, and unique needs for its form and function. Follow me on this thought process for a minute. I’ll say the type of business and then what comes to mind. First, let’s see if we think the same thing.

Car repair shop – Dark basic side chairs, inexpensive side tables, lots of magazines…

Law firm office – Traditional burgundy seating, dark shiny wood furniture, framed art, plush carpet…

Doctor’s waiting room- Rows of wood framed side chairs with printed fabric, couches, wood side tables…

Oil company boardroom- Massive table, Tall executive chairs, large impressive artwork, bulky lamps…

How did we do?

All of these are stereotypes, right? And that’s fine. There are trendsetters out there, however that want more. They want something fresh! Something different! No matter what field they work in, this buyer is looking for key pieces that say something. So, for those who want to chart a course that shows their originality, there are inventive new furniture collections to consider.

Brands like Nevers, Spec, Darran, Creative Wood, Watson and many others have taken a fresh approach to making a client’s vision become a reality. From custom conference tables with gorgeous exotic wood or textured inlays to chairs with design elements that defy convention, your office furniture absolutely doesn’t need to be boring! Why can’t your furnishings make an inspired statement in your place of business? There are ground-breaking looks available at all different price points to help achieve that high design you crave.

Board rooms, reception areas and executive offices are typically the places you will want to focus your budget and design collaboration on. So start there!

A qualified interior designer or an experienced, design oriented sales person are your best alliance in perceiving your vision and then bringing it to life within your space. They will be able to help you focus your dollars on which pieces are splurge-worthy and others you can save money on. In some stores, you will get the benefit of both. Many stores work with designers or have them on staff. This type of joint effort is invaluable in helping you to achieve the final gratifying result of pulling the whole space together.

Think beyond the basic and boring when it comes to your furniture. Get inspired! Create a chic, customized space that tells your clients that your business is moving forward, while doing it with style!

Hundreds of Used Cubicles in Stock

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Hundreds of Used Cubicles in Stock in Tulsa Oklahoma!

Used Allsteel, Herman Miller and Steelcase cubicles are now available at an incredible value.

Our buyers have scoured the country for the best deals on Grade A cubicle systems that were originally purchased by Fortune 500 corporations. These pre owned stations are an unbelievable value at just 25-35% of the original price! And our prices include local, ground floor installation.

Consider Steelcase Cubicles that were over $3,500+ brand new. Are available right now in stock at our Tulsa facility and priced from just $700 & up per person...Installed!

How about larger Herman Miller Ethospace System Formerly these corner shape cubicles with upgraded stacking tile panels were nearly $4,000 per person. Get them at a steal from us from just $1,250 per person and up. We serve Oklahoma and the surrounding states with the best prices and biggest selection of used cubicles.

Need a lower price point? How about Allsteel “L” shape stations? Originally, these units ran $1,500-2,000 each but they are value priced from just $475 per person while supplies last.

With hundreds of used cubicles in stock in our Tulsa warehouses, and ready to be installed in your facility today, you can see why Crown furniture is Oklahoma’s #1 used systems dealer.

Holiday Shopping Deals On Office Furniture Tulsa Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:26:00 +0000

Right now your Tulsa Office Furniture Dealers are loaded up with year end deals on office furniture. Check the overstock and special sales sections of Tulsa area office furniture dealers websites for more details. Like this deal on Riverside Home Office Furniture in Tulsa Oklahoma at over 70% off list prices!!! That was not a typo a entire truckload is marked at less than 70% off MSRP.
You can find deals like this and more at your Tulsa area office furniture dealers.

Truckloads of Used Technical Workbenches For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Are you looking for used technical workbenches? Crown Office Furniture in Tulsa, OK has over 200 work benches in stock and ready for immediate sale. These benches are in like new condition and are from leading manufactures such as IAC Industries , Global Industrial , Production Basics and Bench-Craft all are being sold at less than half of new prices.

For more information please contact our knowledgeable staff at 918.663.6704 or email us at support@crownfurniture.com

Tips for Value Shopping Office Furniture in Tulsa OK

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:16:00 +0000

In a tightened Tulsa economy where spending may be limited, there are some little known ways to save extra money. When shopping for various office furniture needs, don’t be afraid to mix products and collections.

One of the ways to do this is to compare prices for freestanding, storage or mobile pieces in a few different lines/collections. If you can find something suitable that will go with the overall concept of your space(s), you can tie the look together with coordinating hardware for all of the pieces and make it look intentional. Especially on pieces with clean lines, this is easily done. A word of caution here though: when mixing products, it is recommended to stick with items that are freestanding or mobile, and stay away from items that require assembly or have to be bolted together. Otherwise, the manufactures warranty may be voided.

Finishes in several collections and brands may coordinate and compliment each other which will enable you to cherry pick what best suits your space. In some cases, the savings to mix collections can be in the hundreds of dollars+

Most office furniture stores in Tulsa will have several options on display. In addition, they will typically have wood or laminate samples for your consideration so that you can ensure that your selections will match up prior to ordering.

A knowledgeable sales associate can be invaluable in assisting you with achieving your needs while staying within your budget. They can expertly steer you towards your goal and help you come away with an ideal result. Just ask!

And remember when shopping that, “Value is always in style,” as one vendor’s motto aptly puts it.

Source for motto - Global Industries

Work Flow In The Modern Office

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:51:00 +0000

When thinking about your business operations, and how do make them smoother with more efficiency, you will likely find that how your office furniture is laid out will have a lot to do with it.

This is where it is good to look at different types of office furniture and see their recommended applications.

Office furniture vendors spend millions in research utilizing the latest technologies to design all types of collections that will suit the needs of the consumer.

A few examples:

Teaming stations-
When you have several people in the same space that have jobs that require constant interaction, these types of setups can be quite handy. Furnishings like adjoining desks, transaction counters, and mobile tables & file cabinets are just a few of the many options that will make for more seamless operations. These vary from cubes in that they are not necessarily walled, but rather customized and modular to fit your space best and the needs of your staff. Some are reconfigurable or can be added onto later which will aid in your growth plans.

Small Conference/Work areas-
For teams that meet regularly with each other or have frequent and interactive visits from clients, vendors etc there are many options and exciting new products to make these spaces a cinch to use, and in most cases you can also reconfigure them.
Items like mobile screens, mobile tables, flip top tables that can be stowed out of the way easily when not in use, grouping or nesting tables that adjust to the size of your team, and much more. This enables the same space to be used in multiple ways and saves time and money in many cases, because you may not need multiple rooms, just reconfigurable furniture within the same space(s)

Organizational options-
Many lines of furniture are broadening their reach with innovative ways to store paper, supplies, binders and other items used in the typical work day. Look for collections that have a variety of storage options and think about what you and your employees will need to work better. Accessories like collators, hutches with doors, cubbyhole storage, combination drawers, etc will help you customize your workspaces to maximize each office. Also, look for items like desk mounted holders for binders, monitor arms for one or multiple computer screens, mobile or attaching CPU storage, etc.

Visit with local Tulsa office furniture dealers to see some of these suggested workstations on display and how they function. If you have multiple offices to update or furnish, Set up an appointment with a sales consultant at your business so they can help assess your needs and better quote for your needs.

Make your workflow better with some aids and you will have happier, more productive employees. A true win-win for everybody.

Tulsa Job Market Improves

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:42:00 +0000

Here is a current look at the unemployment rate in Oklahoma by county. The entire state is currently running 6.7% unemployment compared to 9.7% nationwide. Tulsa is slowly dropping in jobless claims and this is a great news for job seekers. You can find out more information on Oklahoma Employment Security Commission's website

Finding The Right Office Furniture Vendor

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:20:00 +0000

When you start the hunt for an office furniture source, it can be an overwhelming experience. Especially if you don’t like to shop!

Here are some helpful tips to get you off to the right start:

1) Do your homework
A) Find out who sells office furniture is in your area, 3-4 places is usually enough to start with, and will give you a good idea of who’s out there.
B) Is their location convenient for you? This will matter especially if you will be frequenting them a lot for ongoing needs
C) Look online. Do they have a website? Do they have a good product variety? Are their prices reasonable? Are their product offerings and overall corporate image current/keeping up with the times?

2) Ask around
Referrals rock! Getting good references about various office furniture vendors/dealers from friends or associates will help and give you a better feel for who is best to use.
If you like someone’s office(s), ask them where they got their furniture! Ask them not only about price point and overall satisfaction, but if they would go back. And who was their sales person? Were they friendly, assertive at assessing their needs?

3) Visit a few places
Once you have selected a handful of office furniture stores, check them out. How well is their store laid out? Is it consumer friendly? If you feel frustrated when your there, can’t find what you need, or the sales people are not helpful these may be good reasons to walk out. If you are thinking of this source as long term, than choose a place to shop where you want to come back again and again. Relationship is very important! More on that in a moment…

4) Buying online
In recent years, online office furniture stores have become more popular. There is certainly merit to them and generally a good savings too.
Some things to keep in mind though if you are considering that route:
a) Check out their policies (and user’s reviews) for returning items, repair and parts replacement, and what to do in the event of freight damage. If they are not clear cut, you may get a great buy on the front end and a massive headache on the other end. If you are a business owner or manager with limited time, consider whether these extra hassles will affect your business and time management. The customer service is typically better in person and if you have an issue, a person on the phone may not be able to satisfactorily solve your problem as well as being able to go to the place in person and “eyeball” someone.
b) Find out if product(s) you are considering require assembly. A Desk that looks like a steal at $300 may require 2-3 hours of assembly, which may not be such a great deal after all. Especially if you are buying multiples. How much is you and your employee’s time worth?
Also, if whoever is assembling has no experience with building furniture and something is damaged because it is incorrectly assembled many commercial furniture manufactures will not warranty work done by the end user. They will though if a professional installer does.
c) Find out if the prices include freight, and inside delivery or not. Sometimes by the time you add up the freight and assembly charges, you are the same as the local price.
On large ticket items like office furniture, shopping locally is still the overall best route…and it keeps your hard earned dollars in your local economy.

5) Develop relationship & think Long Term
Doing business with a local dealer can be a great partnership that is very beneficial to your business.

In smaller or family owned businesses, you will typically find that they offer a more relaxed shopping environment. They will get to know you and what your company’s needs are and will be handy in helping you find exceptional value and personalized service.

A good salesperson will endeavor to assist you with offering great choices, & help you find the best value while keeping your bottom line in mind. They will remember you and your needs, and be looking long term at how partnering with your business will benefit both of you.

Chain stores or dealers that are commission driven will not normally be able to provide this level of service. Also, typically the more you buy, the more you save. Instead of cherry picking at several places and paying retail, ask about quantity discounts if you buy it all together. Sometime the discount structure is already in place, but sometimes they can do more. Also, ask about office furniture overstocks,special buys and floor model specials. These are also great ways to save and a good sales person will assertively help you make purchases based on the best value for you.

With years in the furniture industry, these are just a few guidelines I can offer geared toward helping you make the “where to buy” decision a little easier.

Until next time, happy office furniture shopping!

Space Planning Your Office

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:47:00 +0000

Whether you are building, renovating or expanding your business, planning the layout of your space is a big deal.

Getting the office layout to work for your team while keeping the work flow within the office efficient is a big investment of time and money that will pay off in the long run if done strategically.

After meeting with your architect, the next call is to visit with your office furniture consultant at the dealer of your choice, and also a designer if you plan to use one.

Make an appointment to visit with a furniture consultant who understands your needs and gets a feel for your business. If you feel they don’t understand what you are after or the connection is not there, ask to work with someone else. It is important to have the right help and suggestions all the way through the process and get the end result you want!

Someone who has been in the industry for years will make invaluable suggestions that can save you time and money. Have them visit your space and see what your plans are for the various rooms. They can then further suggest office furniture placement, room usage and how to be most proficient in what you are purchasing and how it will be configured. If you plan to add on later to some larger rooms, you can tell them at that time so that they quote accordingly with plans to expand later. Sometimes there are significant savings/group discounts when ordering all of the furniture at once as opposed to waiting until later especially if you are sure you will be adding on to the same types of workstations in that area. This is especially true with cubicles.

As they look over your rooms, discuss with them their suggested location for electrical outlets, phone/computer lines, and ask their help and recommendations with desk placement, so that as furniture if being quoted, these things are taken into consideration.

Most of the time they will want a file emailed to them so that they can drop furniture into the floor plan already drawn out by the architect. You can connect them with your architect for this information so that they can coordinate getting the right format, etc. This will speed up the process of getting layout and quotations back. It will likely also save you money if your architect can provide that information to the dealer so that the rooms don’t have to be re-drawn which will end up being another expense for you unless it is complimentary which is not typical.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you proceed with your space planning. Use professionals who are easy to deal with and solution oriented so that the process is less stressful and the end result is a perfect fit… just like your office furniture will be with the right help!

Over 50 Truckloads Of Used Office Furniture In Tulsa Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:38:00 +0000

Crown Office Furniture of Tulsa Oklahoma has purchased over 50 truck loads of used office furniture. There has never been a better time to buy your office furniture than right now. Hundreds of Desks, Chairs, Cubicles, Filing Cabinets (all sizes) & other used office furniture items are in stock and ready for immediate delivery in Tulsa and all of Oklahoma. Call one of our non commissioned sales staff for a more details 918.663.6704

Ergonomic Accessories-The Add-on’s that really add on!

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:23:00 +0000

In addition to great office furniture, what else can add to your comfort, & productivity in your workplace?

Getting the right accessories! There are many options like keyboard trays, task lighting, center drawers, laptop drawers that lock, desk mounted stands for 1 or multiple monitors, CPU holders, and more.

Here are just a few of the most popular to consider:

1) Keyboard Trays

Depending on your job type and how many hours you will spend on a computer, you can determine whether you need a basic pullout tray or one that adjusts.

For a home office or job where you are using the computer for only an hour or two at a time, a simple pullout tray with wrist rest should be sufficient.

For a job that revolves around the computer, having an ergonomic tray that locks, lifts, and tilts, you will have more flexibility and less arm & back strain.

Try several styles when shopping to see what fits you the best.

For laptop users, a riser might be your preference. For a more permanent application & added security, locking laptop drawers are also available.

2) CPU Storage

For office furniture that does not already have CPU storage, there are mobile options that can roll under a work surface for easy access, and accessibility for minimal cost. Most are adjustable to accommodate different size equipment.

Also available are CPU Stands that mount to the side of a work desk. These look more like a part of the furniture for a fixed solution. Some can be ordered in different colors to match the décor of the space. With finishes like silver or Black, generally they will look better with more modern furnishings but if they are mounted under a desk even in a more traditional setting, typically they aren’t seen anyway from the approach side.

3) Printer Storage

These options will be similar to the CPU options. Mobile options allow it to be shared. Especially if printer is wireless, this is a handy solution.

1) Lighting

Task lighting can help reduce eye strain. It illuminates the area evenly to give overall light and ambience.

Lamps or LED lights are also a great option and can add some design element to the space.

These are just a few of many ergonomic products that are available to keep you and your staff working smarter, not harder.

Buying A Chair 101

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:58:00 +0000

Buying a good chair is like buying a good mattress. It is very important what you sit in, especially if it is for a 40 hour work week, and even more essential if you work longer.

Here are a couple questions that will help you to determine how to buy 1 chair or multiple chairs:

1) What are your work habits?

If you are using multiple work surfaces, adjusting to different heights or spend hours at a time seated, you will need a few different levers to allow you the flexibility for your chair to work as hard as you do and to accommodate your needs. Also adjustable arms reduce the risk of carpal tunnel and back strain.

If you are at the desk just a couple hours a day, you may just need a simple height adjustment and/or tilt tension lever. You may be able to find more options in the budget arena for this application.

If you are tall, you might like to have a seat depth adjustment. This lever will allow you to sit farther back in the chair to reduce leg strain. Also, if the back adjusts up and down, you can ensure that it will hit the lumbar area of your back just right to give you the support you need.

2) Who is using the chair?

If the chair will have several users, is in use 24 hours a day or is for a Big & Tall user, spend the extra & get one that is rated accordingly. The up charge for the better ratings will pay off in the long run with the better warranty you will get and the higher quality materials & controls.

For Big & Tall users, the chair will have a more ample cushioned seating area and a better mechanism and base to ensure that it accommodates the user comfortably. Most are rated for up to 450 lbs but it’s a good idea to check the weight capacity and also to confirm what warranty is available. There are manufactures that offer chairs in multiple sizes of seat and back combination's so that a Big & Tall chair will blend in the other chairs needed and not stick out like a sore thumb. If you have ever shopped for these, you will know why that is important!

3) Where are you using the chair?

A chair used in a home office or for occasional use will not need to be the same quality as something for the commercial environment. There are some good options for home office that are well priced. However, you will find that you typically have better selections for your wood/fabrics/leather options if you stay in the commercial seating options.

Chairs for a conference room may not need to have as many controls as a chair for a primary user in an office for 8 hours at a time. However if the meetings are long, getting cushier seats and a mechanism that allows the user to lean back can make the hours at a meeting more comfortable.

So, wrapping it up, it’s important to get the right seating for the application you need. Getting a good warranty will help you enjoy your seating for years to come. Talking with an experienced salesperson can help steer you in the right direction and help you narrow the choices.

Bottom line: You really do get what you pay for. And sometimes for just a little more!

Challenging Year Creates Buyers Market For Office Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:54:00 +0000

The economic downturn of the past year has created a real opportunity for buyers of office furniture. The layoffs and unfortunate business closings have dramatically increased the amount of high quality used office furniture on the market.

At savings of 50% to 80% off new prices, your dollars can go further than ever. This also helps the start-up businesses that are seizing the opportunity of entering the marketplace with fewer competitors. At a time when capital is tight, meaningful savings on office furniture can really help your budget.

Where can I find these great deals?

#1 Check local office furniture dealers for used inventories. Knowing your needs before calling or stopping by a showroom will help you communicate your needs. This will also help the sales person show you the best inventories for your project. By visiting a few places, you will get a "feel" for the market and it will help you understand what things are selling for instead of getting "sticker shock".

#2 Check with local charities...many of the shrinking businesses of the past year that were unable to sell their furniture might have donated it for a tax purposes. Many times charities are not familiar with how to price this furniture and you can find some really good deals if you are willing to do some digging around.

#3 Ask friends! This might sound funny but you might be surprised at how many people know of businesses that are downsizing. Many of these businesses are selling furniture directly to their employees or other business at liquidation prices.

#4 Last but not least, look online...check sites like craigslist, ebay & local online classifieds. Many times you will find great deals on small lots of furniture. This can be a real resource if you only need one or two office furniture setups. If you are looking for multiple matching setups or cubicles, your local office furniture dealer might be a better place to look.

How a little color can change your office environment

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:51:00 +0000

What a boring world it would be with out color!

Using a great color pallet can enhance the creativity of your workforce, and give new life to your business transactions.

Especially in marketing, design & media firms or technology driven businesses, a punch of color in the right places can reinforce your companies appeal as a place that is energetic & fresh.

Here are some ways to use color in specific areas-

Reception Area:
You can pick one or two accent walls for a pop of color and then go neutral on the rest. Consider a standard wood finish like Black or Light Cherry for the receptionist desk & end/coffee tables and then add your zing of color to the seating & artwork.

Another way to do effective branding is by coordinating with a prominently displayed company logo. You can tie the colors of the logo into an accent wall & then bring it out with some accessories. One client recently used their company’s yellow & black corporate colors to their advantage in their reception area with a black & glass desk and yellow lounge seating with coordinating black accent tables.

For a fresh look, another client, who was a media firm used white modern lounge furniture with silver accents to add pop to their aqua accent walls. Add a few throw pillows & some modern art and you have a pulled together look that is unique and interesting.

Conference Room:

Consider selecting neutral walls, and then going with dark wood for the conference table & buffet or bookcases. Add a fun print on the chairs. Tie in the colors of the chairs with accessories on the bookcases and an arrangement of vases or flowers on the table.

Or how about doing the room in a color, and add a 2nd coordinating color on the chairs for extra pep?

Offices:

Many workstations have a wide variety of finish options. What about ordering the desks in a color, and then going neutral in Black or Tan for the seating and Black & White prints for the walls?

Or if you prefer to keep the furniture a standard finish such as an Espresso (which is really hot right now), then add a punch of color with lime green or another color on the chairs & a patterned green tack board, and then frame art that ties in a few accent colors such as orange or aqua?

For traditional furnishings, try pairing chairs that have a streamlined design with old world styles for a look that is old meets new. Update the boring burgundy with tans and chocolates, and then add a rich red or deep purple for depth.

Who says your office has to be boring? Take a look at some office furniture design concepts to get ideas on how to improve your space. It will not only brighten the mood around your company, but it will show good design & great taste as well.

Reception Furniture | How to make that great “First Impression”

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Have you ever walked into a business and thought, “Wow!”? Do you remember why? No doubt, they put plenty of thought and money into how well that room was utilized, in addition to a well thought out design plan.

The first thing a client will see when visiting your business is going to make that all important first impression. So, retroactively how your reception area is furnished makes a big difference.

Having an organized space/work area for the receptionist brings a sense of ownership and improves overall efficiency.

As a business owner or decision maker, taking a moment to think about how your receptionist will use that space can be paramount in the overall effectiveness and enjoyment of the space.

Privacy

To help define the best use of the space, ask questions like, “Are they working on things that you don’t want incoming traffic to see?” and/or “Will clients be signing paperwork?” If the answer is yes, a unit with modesty panels and a counter will be most appropriate. If no, then a simple Desk or L Shape unit is a popular ergonomic choice.

Shape/Style

How much usable room do you have to work with in your space? “L” shapes and “U” shapes are popular choices. Or if the area is small, maybe just a basic 30x60 or 36x72 desk will be sufficient. Are there architectural elements in the space? For instance, a large wall with a logo behind the reception desk may be enhanced with a sofa table or Storage Credenza and tall table lamps. Or if the room has curved walls, planning the seating in a curved, wraparound shape will give the area a “designed for it” feel.

Storage

What kind of storage will they need? File drawers, utility drawers, door storage are all built in options for Reception Desks. For computer needs, a keyboard tray, CPU storage, Monitor platform, door storage for paper & software are also handy.

Budget

Who will be coming in? If potential buyers/clients will be coming in, you may want to spend more on this area and save money in some of the back offices or storage areas that won’t be seen.

Of course, much of this is determined by the industry your company is in. A Graphics & Design firm may want to show off their artistic flair by going with lots of color and forward thinking, modern furnishings for those clients coming in to view proofs.

An Oil company or Law firm may want to use the Old world or classic traditional theme, while a Manufacturing or Distribution company may do outside sales and never have clientele coming in, just suppliers. So they may just want functional metal furnishings for the person “out front”.

The goal is to spend your business dollars in a way that makes the most sense for the way you do business.

Seating Areas

A seating arrangement that makes sense with the flow of traffic can make a big difference in how efficiently your visitors are greeted and directed, and then how comfortable they will feel in your space.

To make the most of your entrance area, here are some things to first consider:

How much seating will you need? Do chairs, sofas & loveseats or a combination of the three make the most sense for you?

Meeting with a professional consultant or designer can be very helpful in narrowing down your choices while staying within your budget. They can sit down with you and find out what makes the most sense for your business needs. Making suggestions like standardizing seating so that seats can be pulled from other areas as needed, is just one of the ways to help you think flexibly and plan for growth.

To cube or not to cube?

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Should My Office Use Systems Furniture or Freestanding Desks?

My company based here in Tulsa OK has finally found affordable office space. Now we've got to furnish it. Should we just buy desk and chairs or go for cubicles?

At first, it might seem less expensive to just to buy a dozen cheap desks and chairs. (Some start-ups even use doors instead of desks!) In the long run, however, you'd be wise to invest in what is called "modular systems furniture," otherwise known as cubes. Modular furniture costs a little bit more up front, but it will save you in the end.

Because systems furniture is modular, it's space efficient. For example, the overall desk surface of a cubicle is typically the same as a regular desk, but it's laid out in two narrow, usable pieces instead of one wide piece. Modular furniture also saves space by capitalizing on vertical space as well as horizontal space -- it builds up, instead of out, which provides a lot more storage space per desk.

Another advantage of modular furniture is movable cubicle walls. If your company is adding new employees every month, it is quickly going to experience a space crunch. Desks can be pushed together to accommodate new employees, but most employees don't appreciate working in that kind of environment. With modular furniture, you can tighten cubicle walls to squeeze in some extra help without totally sacrificing privacy.

Whether you start with a few mismatched desks or a few cubicles, budget for some decent desk chairs. A computer will work fine propped up on a plywood desk anchored by sawhorses; but your employees may break down and stop functioning if you force them to sit in cheap chairs for hours on end.

Should I buy new or used office furniture?

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:15:00 +0000

New vs. Used Office Furniture

Business owners are always looking for ways to save money. Whether you're an office manager, company controller, or a business owner, you know that buying new office furniture can be extremely expensive. That's why more and more people are turning to used office furniture to save money while furnishing their offices.

If money is no object, feel free to buy as much new office furniture as you need. But if you're working within a strict budget, used office furniture may be the way to go. If you shop carefully, it's possible to purchase used office furniture that will not only look good, but will also be accepted by employees and customers alike. Some of the benefits of purchasing used office furniture include:

Saving money. If you shop around for the best prices and bargains, you can save more than 50 percent over the cost of buying new office furniture. Most used office furniture pieces have only been used for a few years (or less) and have minimal wear and tear. Once the bubble wrap is taken off and the price tag is removed, most people cannot tell the difference between a new desk and a used desk.
Saving time. If you've ever ordered new office furniture, you know that sometimes it can take up to six weeks to be delivered. Compare that to most used office furniture outlets that can have a truck at your front door in 48 hours or less.
Reducing environmental impact. When a used wooden office desk is sent to the landfill, it takes years to break down. By buying used office furniture, you will get a much better deal and help save the planet at the same time.
Getting more for your money. When you buy new office furniture, the resale value can depreciate to 25 percent or less of the original purchase price over five years. But when you buy used office furniture, the resale value can remain as high as 75 percent of what you paid for it.

So, how do you find the best bargains in used office furniture? Begin your search by looking in your own backyard. In other words, your local community is a good place to start. Check the Yellow Pages for used office furniture listings.

You can also contact your local chamber of commerce for referrals and check with other business owners in the community to see where they have been buying used office furniture. And don't forget to look in the classified ads of your local newspapers. Often you will find several ads for used office furniture, and they just may have what you are looking for.

Many business owners are using the Internet to buy and sell their office equipment. Local office furniture sites such as crownfurniture.com are now filled with listings of used office furniture of all shapes, sizes, conditions, and prices. Of course, when buying heavy furniture online, you may end up paying more in shipping charges than you would if you purchased it locally, so be sure to factor in those costs as well.

When buying used office furniture, keep in mind that you might not be able to find the color or design you had in mind. The key point to remember is it's just like buying a used car: you must accept the color, condition, and size, and hopefully the money you will save will be worth your time and effort.

Welcome to the Tulsa office furniture resource blog!

noreply@blogger.com (dstine) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Please feel free to share your thoughts, experiences and any other information you think others might find helpful relating to office furniture usage in the Tulsa area. This blog is being sponsored by Crown Office Furniture but is an open forum for all to discuss. I hope you find the resources listed here helpful in finding the perfect furniture for you!