5 Office Furniture and Seating Trends to Watch in 2014

2014 is primed to be a super exciting year for the office furniture and seating world. That being said, several hot trends are becoming more apparent than ever. From the use of open desking configurations to dark wood tones, today's article highlights the hottest ways to keep your office on the cutting edge. Enjoy!

Open desking configurations are being used more than ever for professional business applications. This style of furniture consists of single and multi user workstations divided by low partitions often made of glass or metal to improve group interaction. Open desking lines like the e5 and TransAction collections from Mayline offer a unique modern appeal while simultaneously making work floors appear larger. As an alternative to the boxy cubicles of the past, these easy to spec and install units are rapidly becoming a top choice of interior design teams and industry professionals alike. Storage components, power, and other innovative features are regularly advancing open layouts to improve the way we work. Needless to say, team environments have never been easier to create!

The industrial look is sure to impact office design projects in 2014. Through the use of metal, manufacturers are enhancing their new office desks and furniture lines to provide a euro modern look. From products like the GR6LTM Alba conference table to larger desk configurations like those highlighted above the durability and style achieved from this popular trend is of great value to businesses. Along with the industrial tones we're seeing a large boost in products with retro appeal. Combining these two areas is a sure fire way to create a unique space that's sure to impress!

The use of modular office furniture in the workplace is at an all time high. Businesses are loving the benefits these user friendly products have to offer. From tables to desks, manufacturers like Global Total Office are regularly adding furniture that's easy to install, interchange, and re configure when needed. Going modular is also a great way to save space and time. One project that will be a hugely popular in 2014 is the multi purpose area which combines popular features from the conference and training rooms of the past to save space while increasing functionality. Products like the BK180 Bungee Table Set can be connected to form a single conference table or separated to form a variety of training room layouts. Talk about maximizing your square footage! In the long run, using modular items in the workplace is just plain smart!

The fourth trend that will making it's presence felt in the coming year is the use of white upholstery. Both manufacturers and consumers alike are loving the ability to use neutral seating tones that match nearly any decor. Products like the white leather Hendrix chair by Woodstock Marketing showcase this popular trend and the industrial look together! White leather reception furniture is also becoming a top choice of interior design teams. When combined with metal and glass tones, the contemporary feel achieved speaks volumes to valued clientele. Brands like RFM, Boss, Flash Furniture, and Global Total Office are all gearing up for this trend to explode in a major way.

Last but certainly not least, the use of dark wood tones will be super popular in 2014. Finishes like espresso and mocha are a great way to create luxury style in the home and business. Dark tones also hide scratches, pen marks, and general ware much better over a piece of furniture's life span. It's no secret that top selling casegoods collections like the Verde and Amber series by Cherryman Industries have been revamped to include these finishes to appeal to this growing trend. Configurations like the AM-406N Amber Executive Desk set showcase this look to perfection.

Read more »

Life On Cars highlights of 2013

2013’s been a petrolhead year defined largely by three words for me – Classic Car Weekly.

Thanks largely to landing my dream job in full-time motoring journalism back in April, most of the motoring experiences Life On Cars has encountered have involved blasting into the past in cars which are usually older than I am. This year’s been an incredible automotive adventure, taking me everywhere from the Scottish Highlands to the southern coast of Spain in search of classic car stories. I can reveal, however, that the issue which got Life On Cars readers talking the most this year was rooted firmly in this blog’s home in the North West; the ongoing saga of whether the Woodvale Rally will ever return to RAF Woodvale.

Some of the highlights from a year peppered with petrolhead moments you might be familiar with – others, unless you’re a regular reader of Classic Car Weekly, you probably won’t be. Here are ten of the moments I’m not going to forget in a hurry…

1) Discovering it’s never too cold to drive with the roof down

January is normally a time for wrapping up warm, snuggling up on the sofa and nudging the thermostat into firmly toasty territory. It definitely isn’t the time for heading into a totally deserted corner of the North Wales countryside and dropping the roof on a (much-missed) Mazda MX-5. The temperature, indicating by the mate’s Saab 9-3 following closely behind, was a chilly -1 degrees Celsius.

Not that I cared, because the MX-5 on those roads was a blast. If you’ve got a convertible, wrap up warm, drop the hood, and get out there!

2) Blasting across the New Forest in a Jaguar XK150

Considering it was only my second day at Classic Car Weekly, this was definitely the sort of motoring journalism small boys dream of – a classic Jaguar with lines so fluid you could almost drink them, empty roads to enjoy it on and an incredibly beautiful bit of England to soak up at the same time.

To be honest, I was expecting another Jaguar I drove that same afternoon – the first E-type I’d ever experienced from behind the wheel – to be the highlight, but it was the simpler charms of the older XK I’ll never forget. The howl of the XK straight-six as I nailed it through the New Forest is something that’ll stay with me forever.

3) Listening to this engine

 

Regular readers will already know I’m well acquainted with the charms of the MG BGT. You might also know that – thanks to a childhood spent in the company of old Range Rovers – that I’ll never get tired of listening to the lumbering burble of a Rover V8 engine.

Seeing and hearing the two in the same package for the first time, however, was a treat for the eyeballs and eardrums alike. Hit play on this short video I made, and see what I mean…

4) Finding out the only way is Up!

An ongoing joke at Classic Car Weekly is that I’ve driven the VW Up pool car not just more than anyone else, but probably more than I have my own cars this year!

While I found myself behind the wheel of Wolfsburg’s 1.0 litre wonder for all sorts of trips to cover shows in the North West, for ferrying colleagues to the Goodwood Revival and – for reasons I’m still not entirely sure of – for a slightly mad return trip to Cornwall, I’ve always enjoyed the fizzy personality of VW’s smallest offering.

For every moment its lack of outright oomph, its tiny boot and its impossibly small fuel tank frustrated me, there was another when the bark of its three-cylinder engine and entertaining handling proved utterly captivating. Put it this way – it is the sort of city car that doesn’t feel outclassed on the Cat and Fiddle pass.

5) Finally trading up in the repmobile stakes

This time last year, I was lauding the vaguely indestructible qualities of the 1995 Rover 214SEi, which I bought back in 2010 for just £300, and I’ve been treated to more of the same throughout 2013. While it’s gone everywhere from Peterborough and London to Bristol and North Yorkshire without so much of a whisper of breakdown – and with a bit of newfound fame in Classic Car Weekly.

The increasingly noisy transmission whine and the quietly creeping onset of rot, however, showed that after three years the old dog, which I’d only ever bought for smoking around Southport in, was beginning to feel the strain of its new life of shooting across Britain.

After two final missions, visiting Classics On The Green in Watford and the Severn Valley Railway’s classic car day in Kidderminster, I finally traded up to its thirstier-but-faster replacement – a 2001 Ford Mondeo Ghia X.

Finally, I’d put my money where my mouth was and bought the big saloon I’ve always recommended to anyone who’d listen. It’s superb.

 6) Thundering up Blackpool seafront – in a Chevrolet Corvette

If Blackpool is Britain’s answer to Las Vegas, then surely the ideal classic for experiencing the Illuminations is a big, all American classic with a big V8 and an open roof. Cue a 1980 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, even if getting it to the resort meant conquering left-hand-drive first by thundering across the Pennines from Harrogate to get it there.

It might have had an appetite for Esso’s finest and drive up a cold, rainy seafront involved never venturing past 25mph, but it was the most enjoyable bits of motoring I’ve ever done. Raucous, traditional and just a little bit showy – a bit like Blackpool, then!

7) Driving an Aston Martin for the first time

While it might not have been the car I enjoyed driving most in 2013 – take a bow, Suzuki SC100 ‘Whizzkid’ – there is a certain pub brag factor about getting behind the wheel of an Aston Martin for the first time. Particularly if it’s a Timothy Dalton-era V8 which uses its 5.3 litre V8 to play a never-ending game of tug of war with the horizon. After doing my best not to get distracted by the James Bond connotations, I found myself truly enjoying its burly demeanour and its thunderous engine note. 2013 also saw me driving my first Rolls-Royce.

Maybe 2014 will be the year I finally get to pop my Ferrari cherry?

8) Seeing Life On Cars printed in a national publication

 Since its launch way back in 2009, Life On Cars has been limited to this humble motoring blog, a series of online emagazines and a weekly column in The Champion series of newspapers in the north west. Seeing a column from Yours Truly printed in Classic Car Weekly back in August, then, was a particularly proud moment. It’s also been great to continue contributing my views to The Champion on a weekly basis, even if a lot of the time those reflections have been e-mailed in from deepest Cambridgeshire!

9) Dressing up in a silly outfit at the Goodwood Revival

I already knew the Goodwood Revival is an unashamed nostalgia trip into the high-octane era of motor racing in the Fifties and Sixties. What I didn’t know, however, was how much fun it is, or how seriously the period charm gets taken. Luckily, I’d donned my best tweed in a semi-successful attempt to look like a period newspaper reporter, as you can see from the not-at-all disturbing shot, and spent three days lapping up the best-before-1966 feel of it all.

Weirdly, thanks to the rigours of helping to produce a bumper report on the show, I didn’t see a single race during a weekend of historic motorsport, and yet I still fell in love with the event. In fact, the only thing which ruined it slightly was the minority of visitors who chose to turn up in tracksuits and trainers. Ban them!

 10) Finding out Petrolhead is a universal language, wherever you go

Until now, my passion of taking pictures and chatting to people at car shows has been limited largely to the North West, but this year my show visits have spanned the nation – and further afield. By far and away the bit of being a car nut I love most is chatting to people about the classics they own, and finding out why it is they love the cars they do. It’s a passion which car lovers, whether they’re in the Scottish Higlands, the North West, the heart of London or tranquil towns in the West Country, have all shared.

It even works abroad too, as a trip to Barcelona to cover Auto Retro proved. Even if the people there, while fluent in Petrolhead, had virtually no grasp of English. Ooops!

 Look out for more of David Simister’s motoring mishaps in both Classic Car Weekly and The Champion throughout 2014. Life On Cars wishes both of its readers a happy New Year

Read more »

Vauxhall launches four new special edition models

VAUXHALL has launched new, more lavishly-equipped versions of no less than four of its models.

The company said this week it has launched the new twists on the Corsa, Astra, Astra GTC and Insignia, called simply the Limited Edition versions, which include up to £2,000 worth of what were previously optional extras as standard.

The cheapest version, based on the Corsa, has a starting price of £8,995. To find out more about the Limited Edition range go to www.vauxhall.co.uk

Read more »

Deal Finder: 5 Modern Boardroom Tables Under $1500

At the Office Furniture Deals Blog, we love to share the hottest bargains from all of the industries top manufacturers. In today's article we'll be showcasing 5 of the absolute best modern boardroom tables priced under $1500. As an added bonus, all of the tables highlighted include free shipping for added value. Rest assured, you'll be hard pressed to find better solutions for your meeting area anywhere online!

Kicking things off with a bang is the all new Zira Racetrack Shaped Table from Global Total Office. Priced at $1304.99 this boardroom product is truly an excellent value that will put your space on the cutting edge. Available with a variety of custom power options for multi media applications, the Z4896RTE is one of the most innovative items to hit conference rooms in a very long time. Those looking for a more simplified product will be happy to know that power modules are not a must with the Zira table line. With 18 color options and 2 base trim finishes available, the Z4896RTE is easily matched to any office decor. Boat shaped and rectangular models are also available as well as a wide variety of sizes to meet your personnel needs.

A brand like Global has far more options for corporate shoppers than just the Zira line! The Alba Elliptical Conference Table with Metal Legs is another hot product that's sure to get your meeting area makeover project completed to perfection. Priced starting at $456.99 for the 5' version, this product falls over $1000 below our allotted price range for today's article. No need to fret if you have a large conference room area to accommodate. Models up to 14' are available from this popular collection. While we love Global Total Office Conference Tables, their top models are made to order and do take 4 to 6 weeks on average for manufacturing. If you plan your project in advance, you'll surely reap the style points earned from their awesome conference room products.

Always looking to one up the competition, Mayline has enjoyed incredible success with their popular TransAction line of products for professional meeting areas. Models like the TAC8BB Boat Shaped TransAction table allow shoppers to achieve contemporary style and high end features for only $1376.99. This 8' solution accommodates 4 users comfortably without using the table ends. The metal leg design helps users to capitalize on one of the hottest trends running. The industrial look makes for impressive layouts designed for efficient and productive meetings.

The Napoli line of Conference Tables by Mayline is an industry favorite! The combination of wood veneer construction paired with metal modesty panel accents makes for a well rounded solution that speaks volumes to the traditional or contemporary minded. Units like the NC10 Napoli Table showcase this popular casegoods line to perfection. Available in 3 finish options, the NC10 features all veneer surfaces protected with two coats of high-tech catalyzed lacquer. At an everyday low price of $1418.99, you'll be hard pressed to find a better bargain on the market. As an added bonus, the NC10 can be easily specked to include power modules for high tech meeting applications.

We've saved one of our staff favorites for last! The OFM 55118 Modular Conference Table with unique graphite metal and laminate finish is a real head turner. This bargain priced table sports a price tag of only $649.00 and boasts a quick connect assembly that requires no tools. The 3 piece surface, scratch-resistant powder coated frame finish, thermofused melamine surface finish, and durable steel base make for a high quality product that's built to last. As an added bonus, the 55118 is typically in stock for quick shipment. Not feeling the graphite look? No problem! Additional wood laminate options are available to meet your needs. Needless to say, these modern conference tables for sale from OFM are versatile, unique, and just plain cool!

Read more »

The Ergonomic Workplace: Top Office Products by ESI

On a regular basis, We're all looking for ways to become more productive at work. Luckily, top ergonomic product manufacturers are inventing incredible office solutions each year sure to do just that. Brands like ESI are at the forefront of innovation in the ergonomic world and raise the bar steadily in terms of workplace functionality and efficiency. In today's article we'll highlight several of ESI's best products you'll surely want to add to your office space.

First up, the AA500 Sit to Stand Keyboard Arm with retractable design. If it's versatility you're in search of, this is the product for you! The AA500 allows users to quickly switch from sitting to standing to meet their personal computing preferences. Priced at $511.99 this high end office product offers heavy duty features and excellent durability. Standard attributes include a 19" height adjustment with paddle actuator for easy movement and slim arms for optimal knee clearance. The overall width needed under worksurfaces is 28" while 26" of depth is also a must. The AA500's load capacity is 150Lbs and the arm is retractable on two 23" slides.

While a variety of single monitor mount options are available, we thought it would be far more fun to highlight the 4 screen monitor mount MMFS4 by ESI. Talk about cool! The MMFS4 is sure to free up ample workspace while simultaneously improving your work speed. Constant flipping back and fort between tabs is no long necessary with this awesome products. This mounting solution also features a wide range of adjustment capabilities that make it quickly adaptable to any users preference. While units like this are more commonly used in high tech business environments, we're seeing a huge influx in dual screen mount popularity for home office applications. This ergo product trend is definitely a winner! Those who've started using ergonomic monitor mounts of any kind will tell you there's no going back.

Looking for a cutting edge innovation to take your business over the top? Check out the ESI WOW01 Workstation on Wheels with incredible wow factor! It's no big secret as to where this product got it's name from. The WOW station offers a generous workspace while helping to maximize the square footage of any work environment. Whether the WOW01 is used in an office, educational or healthcare setting, this ergonomic workstation is the perfect solution for mobile computing. It's also really cool! Be prepared for constant questions, compliments, and starring when this product is in use! Standard features like the adjustable height design and heavy duty base with over sized casters make the WOW01 an absolute winner in the workplace.

Creating multi media spaces has become a huge business trend sure to improve meeting and conference room effectiveness. Products like the TV-CADI-LX mobile LCD TV mount by ESI offer a cost effective alternative to replacing your conference table with any of the latest powered models. This mobilized mount supports screens up to 37" and offers a 176 lb. weight capacity. The TV Caddy helpfully accommodates differences in LCD mounting patterns. Mounting brackets adjust from 4”W - 23.6”W for added versatility. Your TV can be mounted at various heights along pole to meet your specific viewing preferences quickly. The 4 locking castors provide stability when in use while the ergonomic handle makes for easy repositioning when needed. Priced at $850.99, this product is a must for modern businesses in 2014.

From large to small, ergonomic products are helping us accessorize our work environments on a daily basis. Innovative solutions like the CPU01 model CPU mount by ESI offer a cost effective way of securing any computers power source while simultaneously protecting against flood damage. No more troublesome trips underneath your desk to wrangle with wires! The CPU01 mount allows for quick and easy retracting when needed. Priced at only $98.99, you'll be hard pressed to find a more helpful product for your workplace. As with all ESI ergonomic office products, the CPU01 is easy to use, install, and operate. This product is an absolute must for any home or business.

Read more »

Seven cars shortlisted for European Car of the Year 2014

SEVEN very different cars have all been shortlisted in a contest to find Europe’s favourite automotive arrival from the past year.

Judges of the European Car of the Year award confirmed this week the Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia, which are all family-friendly and focused on value, would be going up against the eco-orientated BMW i3 and Tesla S and the luxurious new Mercedes-Benz S Class.

The winner will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Read more »

Trend Spotting: 5 Popular Office Interior Design Projects of 2014

As the new year rapidly approaches, several office makeover trends are becoming more evident than ever. Today's article highlights 5 of the top interior design projects for the office that are sure to be a hit in 2014. From contemporary reception areas for welcoming guests to high tech conference rooms for multi media meetings, we've spotted all the latest decor crazes for the workplace. Enjoy!

Contemporary Reception Areas

This popular makeover started building momentum in early 2013 and hasn't shown signs of stopping. Top office furniture manufacturers are adding more and more exciting products sure to create sophisticated guest waiting spaces. A contemporary reception furniture configuration shows business ingenuity while providing a positive impression on important visitors. Look for hot new products like the Global Duet Beam Seating line and designer lounge furniture sets to be highlighting office environments near you!

The Modern Bistro

Look for office break rooms to be transformed into modern bistro style areas in 2014. This euro coffee shop look is pulled together through the use of bar height bistro tables and designer stools often with metal accents. A stylish bistro area promotes creativity and group interaction in the workplace. Respected furniture providers like Mayline are offering awesome new products like the CA3PL Peanut Shaped Table for a totally modern look that's sure to impress. In the long run, office bistro area sounds much better and far more sophisticated than break room! This interior design project can also be taken on for a minimal cost. Most tables and stools can be purchased with bulk discounts from your dealer of choice for added savings.

Executive Office Upgrade

Most executives have realized the benefit of a great first impression. That being said, upper management officials will be regularly updating their furnishings to provide valued guests a professional, welcoming, and stylish workspace in 2014. While this has been a popular interior design project in years past, the coming year is sure to bring a variety of new products from lines like the Global Zira Series that will take this makeover to the next level. Configurations like the popular Zira 3 Executive Desk Layout offer ample storage, modular components, and a variety of laminate options to make any executive space a true standout.

Modular Training Areas

While fixed leg tables will always have their place in classrooms, businesses are leaning more and more towards modular models for training room environments. As we all know space is at a premium, and the ability to transform a single area into a multi purpose space is just plain smart. Hot products like Mayline Flip N Go Tables are making training room makeover projects more popular than ever. Valued benefits such as quick reconfiguring, easy to clean spaces, and unique design capabilities are all gained through this makeover. As a side tip, adding modular storage products will help to keep your space organized while maintaining the versatility you've created through the use of flip top training tables with wheels for your space.

The High Tech Conference Room

Last but certainly not least, conference rooms throughout the world will be getting a boost from all the new high tech products hitting the market in 2014. While conference tables with power were once thought of as incredibly modern, they are now becoming the industry standard. Businesses are looking to improve meeting efficiency though the use of data ports in table surfaces that eliminate clutter caused from wires running all over the office. Creating a contemporary conference room furniture configuration built for multi media needs doesn't stop at the table! Using modular AV carts, flat panel TV's, and integrated tablet mounts are all becoming more and more popular. As this project is certainly one of the most costly, working with a furniture specialist to discuss your specific needs will help to keep you within budget while bringing your boardroom to the cutting edge. Top lines to consider for this area include the Global Zira series and Mayline Transaction Conference Table collection.

Read more »

NHTSA reaffirms 5-star safety rating of the Tesla Model S

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reaffirmed the 5-star safety rating of the Tesla Model S overall and in all subcategories for Model Year 2014, confirming the highest safety rating in America.

While Tesla is awaiting feedback from NHTSA regarding their investigation of recent fire incidents, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), recently concluded its review of the incidents, finding no manufacturer-related defects or need for further action.

It is worth noting that a Tesla vehicle is over five times less likely to experience a fire than the average gasoline car and that there have been zero serious injuries or deaths for any reason ever, fire or otherwise, in a Model S.

Over the course of more than 100 million miles driven in almost every possible terrain, weather and crash conditions, the Tesla Model S has consistently protected its driver and passengers, achieving the best safety track record of any car on the road.

Read more »

What to Expect From Top Office Furniture Brands in 2014

Looking for a sneak peek of all the cool office innovations 2014 has to offer? No problem! Today's article showcases some of the top products and collections sure to be highlights of the new year. From Mayline's Cohere series to the latest seating from Global Total Office, we've got it all. Enjoy!

Mayline is a world renowned office furniture and seating manufacturer that prides themselves on quality craftsmanship and innovative products for the modern workplace. With lines like the popular e5 and TransAction series earning top honors in years past, this industry leading brand was under pressure to up the ante by continuing their trend setting role in the office world. Needless to say, Mayline answered the call in a major way. New product lines like the ultra modern Cohere series and RGE height adjustable workstation collection are sure to win honors at your choice of furniture showcase in 2014.

Another brand that stays on the cutting edge of innovation is OFM. This year OFM added incredible products lines like the Uno series while bolstering their popular collection of Marque reception station solutions with ADA compliant units for handicapped individuals. In the coming, year look for OFM to enhance their Recoil Lounge Chair collection with additional colors and matching accent products. In addition, their new line of Endure series bar height stools will be enhanced with adjustable tables that offer a totally retro look that's super cool!

A long time industry favorite, Cherryman Industries is looking to further enhance their current lines like the popular Amber collection via the addition of creative new products and color options. Items like the new AM-410 expandable conference table allow business to grow their meeting furniture configurations to meet the needs of any space without purchasing all new products. Versatility, quality, and style are all key factors Cherryman has taken into consideration when plotting this major revamp. Those limited by a strict budget will also love the Amber's modest price point. You'll be hard pressed to find a more affordable line at even twice the price and half the style!

Key players like Global Total Office are sure to maintain their elite status in 2014. The addition of Zira series boardroom table models with racetrack, rectangular, and boat shaped tops are just building steam! These high tech boardroom solutions can be outfitted with custom power options designed for any number of multi media applications. Available in 17 laminate options, a choice of two metal base trim finishes, and with 5 edge detail choices you'll be at no shortage of ways to customize your meeting area.

In addition to the Zira boardroom collection, Global has also added cutting edge seating like the 6331-8 Vion chair with top of the line ergonomic features. Envisioned by world renowned designer Zooey Chu, the Vion offers modern creativity at it's finest. This revolutionary seating solution is perfect for nearly any office application. Vion offers simple transitional design, exceptional comfort and tremendous value. Ergonomic features like side activated sliding seat depth adjustment, high quality soft descent pneumatic lift, and adjustable arms will make the Vion a sure winner of 2014.

Hungry for more? You'll just have to stay tuned as we are planning to highlight new products from industry leading brands like Eurotech Seating, Lesro Industries, and RFM Preferred Seating in the coming weeks. Needless to say, 2014 is going to be a huge year for the professional furniture market and our excitement level couldn't be higher!

Read more »

Product Showcase: OFM's Top Office Solutions from 2013

Any industry professional will tell you that 2013 was a huge year for OFM! This innovative furniture and seating manufacturer brought to market a plethora of cutting edge products for every area of business. From stylish reception seating to innovative tables, those looking for modern style found ideal solutions sure to earn them daily praise and design compliments. Enjoy today's product showcase highlighting the best products OFM had to offer in 2013.

First up, the new 304-P Smart Series Chair available in both white and black. This designer stack chair is the perfect choice of training areas, reception spaces, and office lounges looking to capitalize on the modern style craze. The 304-P offers a 300 lb. weight capacity with it's sturdy steel frame. The built in handle makes for easy carrying while accessories such as the optional dolly and hard wheel casters take this unique seating solution over the top. The plastic seat, back, and arms offer easy to clean surfaces that work great in healthcare environments as well as high traffic office areas. For the price and value, the 304-P is an absolute winner in the workplace.

Second on our list of top OFM products is the GT4794 Glass Top Conference Table with Metal Legs and industrial style. If it's wow factor you want, the GT4794 has it! The clear tempered glass makes for a neutral tone that works well with wood and laminate tones. While other manufacturers are still clamoring to answer the demands of consumers in search of stocked glass conference furnishings at an affordable price point, OFM was the first to hit it big in this market. Look for these trendy tables to be a huge hit in 2014 and beyond.

Reception area makeover projects were extremely popular in 2013. That being said, OFM introduced popular lines like the Net collection which offer outstanding style and workplace benefits. Products like the NB-3G model beam chair come in your choice of 7 designer color options. This line of metal mesh seating works extremely well in both indoor and outdoor applications as the steel construction offers excellent durability. Additional models from this collection are available that can accommodate up to 5 guests comfortably. The moveable glass side tables are also a nice feature that add contemporary style the Net series beam chairs. Rest assured, these trend setting products are sure to impress in lounge, waiting room, and modern lobby seating applications.

In addition to the Net series, OFM also made huge waves with the all new Distinct collection. Models like the 831 Distinct Series lounge chair available in your choice of three anti microbial upholstery options feature metal bases and out of this world style. Matching sofas are also available to compliment this line of modern office lounge chairs and complete your guest waiting area to perfection. Standard Distinct series features include a 500 lb. weight capacity, upholstered arm caps, fully supportive frame, nylon foot glides, and as an added bonus all units ship fully assembled.

The OFM 810-LX Avenger chair was an absolute hit in 2013. This heavy duty big and tall solution offers a 500 lb. weight capacity and polished frame accents that showcase it's luxury appeal. This line of office chairs by OFM is a top choice of office executives as it's over stuffed look offers class and elegance in the workplace. Standard ergonomic features like the gas lift seat height adjustment make for user friendliness that's hard to top. Other comforting attributes include a 5" thick extra wide padded seat, 1" thick leatherette padded arms, high back design for full body support, and 28" 5 star base. The Greenguard Certification is also a nice factor for eco friendly buyers to consider as this chair is manufactured of sustainable materials that improve indoor air quality while helping to reduce our overall carbon footprint.

Last but certainly not least, the ORO300 tablet arm executive chair brought a new level of versatility to the workplace. This versatile seating solution is available in a choice of cream or black leatherette upholstery to match your individual decor needs. Stylish wood grain accents on the frame and arms provide a classy touch that takes the ORO300 over the top. The 300 lb. weight capacity makes this line of designer executive chairs a comfortable choice for most users. Additional models from the ORO line are also available for the big and tall crowd. At a modest price point, this chair is an excellent value that's sure to improve your functionality in the office.

Read more »

The Top 10 Office Makeover Trends of 2013

Office makeover projects were incredibly popular in 2013. From business welcoming areas like lounges, waiting rooms, and reception spaces, to high end executive work environments for upper management, creating a stylish workplace was a top priority that brought several exciting new trends to life. That being said, today's article highlights the top 10 office makeover trends this year had to offer. Enjoy, and best of luck creating the office of your dreams in 2014!

From start to finish, the use of white leather chairs for office applications was hugely popular. White seating provided interior design teams and consumers alike the ability to create modern spaces with ease. The neutral tone makes for a high class look that's simple to match wood, metal, or laminate furniture to. Brands like Boss, Flash Furniture, and Global have all bolstered their offering of white leather chairs and look for this popular trend to continue in to 2014.

In addition to white leather, another hot chair trend of 2013 was the use of chrome accents. Popular products like the OFM 510-L executive chair are an excellent example of this trend at work. While top selling chair models of the past were commonly highlighted with black polyurethane frames and bases, the use of polished metals has taken over in a major way. This designer look adds class and luxury to office areas like conference rooms and executive work spaces.

In addition to seating, the use of ergonomic products for office applications also saw a major boost in popularity and innovation. No doubt, one of the big winners of 2013 was ESI who introduced super cool products like the Orion series tablet mount with a limitless array of adjustment capabilities. This versatile product allows for both grommet and clamp mount options. The Orion was use regularly in reception areas, cubicles, and lounges. The high tech features of this trend setting item made for ample wow factor and much improved workplace efficiency. Any office professional will tell you that businesses are relying more and more on tablets to assist with everyday functions. Rest assured you'll be sure to see more of these mounting solutions in 2014!

Break rooms, office cafeterias, and bistro areas were amongst the most popular areas to enhance this year. Manufacturers like Mayline and OFM took note of this and introduced a wide range of stylish office tables for break room applications that are sure to make your project a breeze. In addition, the trend of metal based break room tables was quickly brought to life. The industrial look of stainless steel offered design teams the ability to create contemporary gathering areas that really pop! Taking the decorating process a step further saw a huge influx of bar height tables when compared to the more popular dining height models of the past. Needless to say, these office common areas are sure to see another major boost in product offering in the coming months.

The conference room saw a ton of interesting trends emerge in 2013, and while the use of power modules in tables had been growing, this year saw multi media tables become the industry standard. While traditional wood conference tables are still popular for traditional makeover projects, high tech tables are an excellent way to improve meeting quality and productivity. Brands like Global Total Office showcased several new solutions for the boardroom with lines like the Zira collection. With a limitless selection of custom power options available for their Zira Series Boardroom Table models users are able to add HDMI, phone, power, and data outlets to meet their specific business needs. As this trend is still gaining momentum, specking custom power options for your conference room can be a bit confusing. If you're looking to join this movement, we highly recommend speaking with your dealer of choice first to discuss your options.

The conference area trends didn't stop there! Dealers and manufacturers alike saw a large volume of sales directed related to conference tables with metal bases as the modern look was more popular than ever. The appeal of a modern metal base isn't purely aesthetic. This style of table offers excellent durability and can often keep the cost down when compared to wood veneer bases that are far more expensive to manufacture. Products like Alba series elliptical conference table showcase this trend to perfection. The top and base together make for sophisticated look that's sure to wow valued clientele without breaking your budget.

Mocha finished office furniture was also incredibly popular this year. In years past, traditional color options like cherry, maple, and mahogany ruled the office world. However, in 2013 the use of darker tones dominated. Lines like the Brighton Casegoods Collection by Mayline include an excellent variety of products including conference tables, reception stations, desk typicals, and storage products with a mocha laminate option. Other brands like Cherryman industries added this popular option to lines like Verde and Amber. Similar tones such as espresso share the same look and should definitely be considered by those looking to stay on the cutting edge with their office in the future. As a plethora of products are now available with these tones, designing cohesive office areas is becoming a real breeze!

The affordability of laminate furniture has improved it's popularity in a major way. Shoppers on a budget are now more capable of creating designer office areas as top brands have taken note of this trend and offer a variety of new lines designed to provide stylish solutions for those with limited makeover funds. While wood veneer is still the preferred choice for luxury office applications, laminate lines like the Global Total Office Princeton furniture series offer excellent configurations with more custom color options, handle choices, and sizes as the products are far less expensive to make and thus buy. The quality has also seen a major boost in durability and longevity. Once thought of as far less superior to veneer, laminate lines are rebuilding their names as excellent options that won't let users down.

The modular furniture trend is here to stay! The use of open desking, modern cubicles, and executive furniture has all been simplified through the use of modular components that leave businesses room for future growth. Need to expand to accommodate more workers? No problem! Modular offerings like the Mayline e5 Furniture Line can be easily specked and built on to when needed. As opposed to replacing and redesigning entire areas, this cost effective choice is an absolute no brainer. If your business is considering an office revamp, modular lines are the only way to go in 2014. While the initial cost of cutting edge products may be higher, the long term savings are simply undeniable.

Last but certainly not least, the trend of green office products saw a major boost in 2013. More often than not, businesses have been concerned with factors such as indoor air quality and are striving to take a more eco friendly approach to their offices. Manufacturers like Global, OFM, Mayline, and many others are going through the world friendly processes of getting products Greenguard Certified to reduce our overall carbon footprint. These appreciated steps are a great way to take environmentally friendly initiatives in the workplace while setting a trend we can all benefit from. Top selling fabric and leather lounge furniture collections as well as wood desking is being manufactured to the highest eco standards to ensure quality. If you're looking to re design any space of your business, green furniture is the only way to go!

Read more »