Office Matchmaker: Cool Desk and Chair Pairings

Looking to redo your home or business office but don't know where to start? No worries! For those of you who are more than a little clueless as to what makes an office look good, it's time to sit back and take notes. The right interior design sense can leave a lasting impression on anyone that enters a room,  So today, we're playing the office matchmaker by picking out the coolest desk and chair combos to enhance your workplace style. Enjoy!

Pairing One

Chair: Hendrix-HB-GR Gray Hendrix Chair by Woodstock

Desk: 50310 Jameson LS Work Center by Calico Designs

For the ultimate in elegant office style, our first pairing is the Gray High Back Hendrix Chair by Woodstock with the Jameson LS Work Center by Calico Designs. Anyone that wants a simple, yet powerful look will be appreciative of this match. Featuring a stunning blue glass desk top with a silver frame, the Jameson's unique look makes a wonderful compliment to the stylish gray upholstery of the Hendrix chair. The Hendrix itself is a remarkable gray leather desk chair, complete with a hand polished base, adjustable tilt tension, tilt locks, and generous dimensions to boot. Together, they're definitely a couple that's ready for their closeups!

Pairing Two

Chair: 6321-8-B7A Vion Weight Sensing Chair by Global

Desk: MNT4LGS Mayline Medina Gray Steel Desk Suite

Office utility never looked this cool! For our second pairing, we're bringing together the awesome style of the Mayline Medina Collection with the innovation of Global Total Office's Vion Series for a utilitarian appeal that makes an impression. Both the desk and this comfortable ergonomic office chair offer several features that any office could use. While the Medina includes a stylish modesty panel, extensions, and a pedestal for storage, the Vion adds tilt tension control, pneumatic seat height, and adjustable arms for comfort. Both models are offered in a wide variety of color choices to mix and match for maximum versatility.

Pairing Three

Chair: 3767-ALU Auburn Series Executive Chair by Global

Desk: SF-F-ACL American Cherry Desk by Offices To Go

High end executives are sure to notice the clever blend of past and future in this desk and chair combo! With a smooth cherry wood office desk and sultry black leather office chair, users can enjoy a modern update to the classic professional look. The desk alone boasts modular design along with plenty of utilitarian features, such as flush bridge, overhead hutch, and pedestal for storage. To up the ante, the Auburn Series chair by Global offers a genuine leather upholstery in a swath of color options for versatility. Talk about business savvy! 

Pairing Four

Chair: 1925Q Echelon Chair by RFM

Desk: 8432SO Eastwinds Adjustable Workstation by Mayline

Nerds unite for this match made in technological heaven! For anyone in need of an affordable standing office desk, this pairing is definitely for you. Almost every health professional recommends seated breaks in-between long standing work sessions, which is why we've paired this height adjustable desk with an affordable ergonomic mesh chair to sweeten the deal! Despite the desk's compact size, each shelf is rated to support up to 100 lbs. making it the ideal small desk for dorm rooms and apartments. Combined with the comfortable 1900 molded tractor seat, ratchet back, seat slider, and height adjustable features of the Echelon, this pairing breaks the mold for affordable ergonomic utility! (By the way, did we mention that each series offers a rainbow of color options?)

Pairing Five

Chair: H-8369F-BL-GG Blue Mesh Chair by Flash Furniture

Desk: Mayline Vision 972 Computer Desk

And finally, we leave you with a pairing that's too cool for school - or rather, just cool enough for it. Whether you set this small student desk in a bedroom, a dorm, or an apartment, the Mayline Vision Desk has all the right features for homework. Complete with a convenience shelf and a keyboard tray, it combines usefulness with just the right amount of modern style. When paired with a discount ergonomic mesh chair like this one from Flash Furniture, there will be plenty of money left over to splurge on new school clothes. Choose from a vast array of color combos to match existing decor, and this pairing will be the top of it's class!

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How To Work With Your Stand Up Office Desk

Standing office desks are definitely a trend that has skyrocketed in popularity the past few years. Many scientists and standers alike boast about the incredible health benefits to be attained just by standing throughout the work day. However, for many, the conversion from sitter to stander is less illustrious. While there are many health benefits of standing desks, the lifestyle can also present problems. So, in today's article, we're presenting some great tips to help you work with your stand up office desk!

Why Stand Up?

In a word, health. With all the health problems attributed the modern sit-down lifestyle (like obesity, back pain, joint problems, poor blood flow, and a lack of exercise), many doctors and scientists have claimed sitting as "the smoking of our generation." These days, it seems like 99% of the reason folks look for an alternate work style is because stand up ergonomic desks improve health in so many ways. Scientists, along with many stand up desk users themselves, maintain that a standing work style can work wonders. Tones muscles, reduced chance of disease, and more energy are just the tip of the iceberg!

*Here's a list of health benefits commonly attributed to a stand up work style:

Improved focus
Improved digestive health
Reduced risk of obesity/ type 2 diabetes/ cancer/ cardiovascular disease
Toned muscles
Lower long-term mortality risk

The Controversy

"So, what's the big deal? It seems like there's only good to be gained."

Well, unfortunately, the stand up desk life was a little too hyped up from the start. Many people seeking a healthier way to work jumped to getting stand up desks without taking into account potential risks. While stand up desks may be great for active artists, architects, and those used to an energetic standing lifestyle, the sudden switch can be horrible for a lifelong sitter. Without taking seated breaks, standing in one place for hours at a time can cause terrible pain. The lower back, knees, calves, and feet (which aren't used to bearing so much weight) will definitely start to feel the burn in a way that isn't healthy. Many users found out the hard way that a standing lifestyle isn't always right for everyone.

*Here's a list of common annoyances and health risks of standing desks:

Soreness (particularly in legs, feet, calves, thighs, and lower back)
Forces the circulatory system to work harder (not good for those with heart problems)
Higher risk of varicose veins
More tiring, requires 20% more energy than sitting (Cornell University)
Strains circulatory system, legs, and feet
Improved focus... on pain, not on work

A Smart Solution

At first glance, the standing versus sitting controversy seems like a catch-22. While it is more widely regarded that sitting is very unhealthy, many doctors and ergonomists are beginning to discover that standing isn't always the healthiest pick either. Thankfully, there are ways to manage! All the best office furniture brands of today are hip to the standing desk dilemma, and reputable manufacturers like Mayline, Global Total Office, Flash Furniture, ESI, and OFM, Inc. have devised a solution. Office desks like the 8432SO-MECBLK affordable sit to stand workstation by Mayline can be used from both a sitting or a standing position!

"Is a Stand up Desk Right for Me?"

The change from a sitting to a standing work style can be tough. We recommend that users considering the switch to a standing desk take a good look at their current work style, habits, and needs. Try to imagine how those needs would be met from a stand-up position, and with the dimensions of a standing office desk. Then, if you think it will work, get a desk with an adjustable height feature. This way, you will always have the option of one lifestyle or the other, and the opportunity to take breaks whenever needed.
Another smart choice that will lets users keep their current desk, while also benefitting from a standing work style is the MRFSWS-EDGE by ESI. This smart ergonomic standing workstation clamps onto most desks. Each part is independently adjustable, and provides a non-permanent installation that can be moved or removed as the user needs - it's also much cheaper than the average standing desk!

How To Manage

Try to get a desk that can adjust without too much hassle. Even for most standers, sitting almost always remains a necessity in the workplace. Eating lunch, intense work with coworkers, specific projects, and fatigue will all demand a chair at some point. When organizing your work day, be sure to allow time for seated breaks as they are very important for balancing health. Remember, healthy ergonomic task chairs, cushioned foot mats, pressure socks, and comfortable shoes all have their benefits too. You should never use a stand up desk without these things if you want to maintain optimum health. Don't forget to throw in a few leg stretches before each standing session to keep you limber!

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Top Things Every Small Business Needs in 2014

Got a great idea? Thinking of starting your own small business with it? Well, it's the new year. What better time to start than now? Starting your own business can be hard work. There's all sorts of things to consider, like who to hire, how to market, and most importantly, where to start. Don't worry though. We're here to help you out. When starting a business, its a good to lay the groundwork first, and that starts by laying down the furniture. Today's post highlights the top things every new business ought to have in 2014!

Considerations

Before starting your small business or shopping for furniture, take plenty of time to consider things. Try to think of all the facets of your business. What will different employees be doing? Will you have in-house customers or guests? How much space will you need? As the business owner, it's your job to know what your business will do, and shop accordingly. Try to think about the activity levels in each office or room. In places of high activity, its likely people won't have the time to sit down for a while so luxury is probably not vital. Clunky furniture will get in the way of people walking, so standing desks are probably better than sitting desks in these sorts of environments. In places of low activity, it's the opposite. Comfortable chairs are a must for people that sit down all day and large desks are likely more useful. Owning the business means knowing it inside and out. If you need help deciding what to get, ask your employees for their opinions. You may get some great ideas you never would have considered otherwise!

Ergonomic Chairs

This is definitely a biggie. Trying to start a new business, whatever it may be, is hard enough without trying to tackle terrible furniture. Choosing task chairs with ergonomic design is definitely a better way to go than keeping rickety old office chairs you've had since the 90s. These days, most people know that the benefits of comfort go beyond, well, comfort. Most ergonomic chairs are scientifically proven to improve office efficiency and work ethic by relieving common office aches like back pain. Few people realize that there are ergonomic chairs out there designed to relieve all sorts of unique problems like joint pain, poor circulation, tense muscles, and even poor digestion. In fact, ergonomic chairs like the 22011 Verte Ergonomic Chair by RFM are often heralded as the most comfortable chairs in existence because so many of them boast features that conform to the spine's natural movement. When starting your new business, consider what you'll be doing. Will you be working at a computer? Will you have employees? Guests? If so, chances are they'll like to have comfortable chairs. Going with ergonomic mesh chairs for office use is a great way to seat everyone comfortably that won't break your budget. Overtime, you may be surprised to find everyone in a better mood because they aren't distracted by discomfort!

Good Desks

Here's another big step that actually takes quite a bit of consideration before starting your new business this year. Choosing the right office desk can be a big challenge that could potentially cost you thousands. When choosing your office desk, consider your environment. Do you have a small office space or a large one? In a tiny space, its a better idea to go with small computer desks for office use since they're generally more compact. Executive desks are better for large spaces since they're impressive and provide more room to get things done. Another thing that should never be looked over are employees. If they need desks too, try to consider how many will be needed and what designs would be better for employees with unique jobs. Modular workstations like the E53 Custom 4 User Workstation by Mayline can house numerous individuals comfortably in a relatively small space. However, for those who prefer closed desk configurations, cubicles can also make a nice alternative. Today's models even come with windows so employees get the privacy they need without feeling so trapped.

Accessories

Accessories are a great asset to an up and coming business. This year, most businesses will likely make use of the great inventions of 2013, and keep an eye out for 2014's own business-booming ideas. Things like ergonomic monitor arms for computers and CPU holders have already proven their worth in small and large businesses all across the nation. While monitor arms allow users to adjust their computer screen so they don't have to lean over desks or strain to see their computer, CPU holders mount under desks to keep hard drives out of the way and out of danger. Both of these items are ergonomic, meaning they have been scientifically designed to improve the comfort, efficiency, and productivity of the average workplace. Choosing to neglect the benefits of great office accessories like these can leave any new small business struggling to keep up.

Go High Tech

Once a technology is invented, there's no going back. 2014 is likely to produce all sorts of great technological inventions that companies everywhere will flock to make use of. To give your new business a fighting chance, make sure you stay up to date on all the latest apps and devices for marketing and business purposes. iPads make great tools for business use as there are tons of great apps for marketing strategies and keeping track of business productivity. Card reader cubes are wonderful for  small workplaces of high activity as they allow users to scan customer cards right on the spot using a smartphone or other smart tech device. If your small business sees to lots of in-house guests and customers, it's never a bad idea to include affordable flat screen TV mounts in your office. Visitors can watch while they wait for a representative to get to them, and business owners can use them as marketing tools by playing DVDs or Powerpoint presentations that highlight the services of their company. One thing is certain, the new year will definitely see a rise in tech savvy business!

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