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.