Unusual Office Furniture

1. Vespa Workstation

How about this for an office desk…

An Australian blogger decided to customise his 1968 Vespa Sprint and convert it into a fully functional and comfortable office workstation. According to the creator, the Italian scooter was beyond restoration.

“I have tried to maintain the traditional characteristics by converting the back half into a functional workstation, complete with adjustable lap top stand.”

Vespa Workstation

2. Portable Office

Could this be the ultimate in office furniture chic?

Welcome to the Louis Vuitton Portable Office Trunk!

Louis Vuitton Office Trunk

This stylish and classy office comes complete with DVD player, TV, solar power and coffee maker. The coffee maker is actually powered by a small can of petrol.

I recommend you check this can is empty before embarking on any international travel. Explaining the petrol can to customs could result in severe embarrassment, or even worse – arrest!

Not recommended for destinations to the Middle East or USA!

You will probably need a suitcase of equivalent size stuffed full of cash to pay for this!

3. Kruikantoor – Portable Office Furniture

This takes some beating.

Dutch designer Tim Vinke has created this impressive office ‘suite’ which can be wheeled around like a wheelbarrow.

His lightweight office is actually made from EPS foam and covered with a coating of polyurea hotspray.

Amazingly, this office comes complete with 2 office chairs, an office desk, light, electricity connection and office storage. As you can see from the images, it can be put together and wheeled around to almost any location.

Not quite as cool perhaps as the Louis Vuitton Office Trunk but certainly a lot more practical. You’ll be the envy of your friends when you wheel this down to the park to work on a sunny afternoon. Be aware you may get stopped and asked if you sell hotdogs.

Kruikantoor Portable Office Furniture

Office Desk With 2 Chairs And Storage

4. Hip Office

All the health experts agree that you should avoid sitting for prolonged periods at your office desk. This next unusual office accessory is called a Hip Office and has been ergonomically designed to provide a solution for those who wish to get up more often from their office desk.

For fitness fanatics and the more adventurous amongst you, why not try stretching while you work or perhaps even go for a gentle jog around the office.

A bit of friendly advice – just like you shouldn’t use a mobile phone while driving, avoid typing while jogging and remember to look up occasionally. You don’t want to knock over the tea lady.

Hip Office

5. The House On The Table

This final offering is probably my favourite. Created by design studio Design Mong it is literally a house that fits on top of your office desk.

We all need a bit of space and some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the office. For many of us the only way we can achieve this during the working day is through multiple extended visits to the office convenience.

Of course by doing this you may end up being the subject of office speculation concerning the frequency of your movements. It’s also possible you may be disciplined for spending too much time away from your office desk.

The solution? This wonderful office den which gives you all the personal office space you could ever need. Imagine how pleasant it would be spending your working day cocooned inside your own personal mini house.

If you get really creative, you could perhaps use it for holding regular private meetings with the office hottie!

The House On The Table

Office Furniture – Planning & Design

Many people have a clear idea about the type of office furniture they want for their office and even the design type and style.

However, it is not always immediately apparent how the office furniture will fit into the space you have available.

Of course if your office is a relatively uniform shape such as a square or rectangle, your office planning will be much easier. But this is not always the case and consequently problems can arise.

There are many considerations that need to be taken into account including work flow analysis (which involves analysing the organisational structure of the office), office desk type and shape, office storage and office chair ergonomics.

This is why it is so important to have a floor plan, or at the very least a clear idea in your mind about where your different items of office furniture will be located to maximise your workspace and employee productivity.

Of course, the size of your budget will largely determine your ultimate decisions and so it is important to be aware of the different types of material and finish available for your chosen product. You will no doubt want to balance quality and durability with cost.

Some office items often get overlooked, such as the water cooler for instance (if you decide you are going to have one).  Also, some people imagine that their office desks will by default be rectangular and this can cause them problems in office spaces that have an irregular shape.

Needless to say there are many different designs available for office desks including straight-edged, curved and L-shaped. Additionally some ranges, in particular larger workstations, can often be configured in many different ways, limited only by your imagination. This is great news if your space is limited or unusually shaped.

However, sometimes too many choices can make our ultimate decisions difficult to make. This can lead to uncertainty and items of office furniture being ordered that do not fully complement each other.

It’s a bit like choosing new toothpaste. Nowadays there are so many different brands and options available that having too much choice makes choosing more difficult (if you know what I mean)!

Ultimately, you will want your office workspace to flow naturally and to be optimised for productivity. This is why we recommend that you have your office space professionally assessed and designed.

At BT Office Furniture we are pleased to be able to offer a full 2D and 3D Space Planning & Design Service.

If you require an Office Furniture 2D & 3D Space Planning & Design Service, please click the following link:

Office Furniture – Modern & Contemporary Office Furniture Suppliers – BT Office Furniture UK

Discount Office Furniture

If you are reading this blog, there is a good chance that you are looking for affordable discount office furniture.

We are living in tough economic times and consequently individuals and companies are having to consider their budgets far more carefully than ever before.

Here at BT Office we have a huge range of office furniture to suit all types of budget. So if you are considering new office furniture but are concerned about cost, you might want to consider our Economy Range and Clearance Zone products.

Prices quoted include delivery, assembly and installation by our friendly team

This is something most other office furniture companies are unable or unwilling to offer. You will be hard pushed to find a better service anywhere in the UK.

Economy Office Furniture – BT Office Furniture

We have several different ranges in our economy furniture section each offering fantastic value for money, especially when you take into account our delivery, assembly and installation service. The furniture in this range is suitable for both every day and commercial use.

It is possible to match together different items of office furniture by looking at the group code. For instance, every product with the code BT come from the same range. In addition, we are currently running a special offer on all products with a BT code (see below).

Please note that we have many products available that you may not see on our website. If you like a particular office desk for instance and cannot find an office chair to match, we may be able to find a suitable complementary item.

Minimum 5% Discount On Any Product In Our ‘BT’ Range

We are currently running a promotion on any item of office furniture with the product code ‘BT’ at the start.

Please click the following link and ‘Like’ our Facebook page in order to redeem your coupon.

http://on.fb.me/bt-discount-coupon

Office Furniture Review

Selfridges – London

It’s always nice to receive a positive testimonial from a satisfied customer, especially when it comes from an internationally renowned company – Selfridges of London!

Dear Dave & Derek,

Please pass my thanks on to the team – another great job. Few pictures attached of the final office.

Many thanks

Kate
Selfridges & Co

Cheap Office Furniture

I was a little reluctant to use the title Cheap Office Furniture because there is a natural implication that cheap means poor quality.

However, this is not necessarily the case.

We have both Economy Furniture and Clearance Furniture to cater for all budgets. Our cheap office furniture is often discounted for genuine reasons (see below).

Economy Furniture

The economy furniture section includes furniture from several different ranges. Each range offers excellent value for money and is suitable for every day commercial use.

The office furniture in this section is grouped by code. In other words, all ranges with a code starting with ‘BT’ are from the same range and therefore match.

If a particular desk within this section catches your eye but is not the exactly as you require, please call or email as we have a large variety of stock that is not always displayed online.

Minimum 5% Discount Coupon (Dependent Upon Quantity)

We are currently offering a promotion where we can give you a discount on certain products in return for a ‘Like’ on Facebook.

This discount will be added to any product with a ‘BT’ Product Code. Conditions may apply.

Just scan the following QR (Quick Response Code) and follow the instructions.

You will need a smartphone and a FREE App (eg. QuickMark for Android or QR Reader for iPhone)

Alternatively, click on the following link:

bit.ly/ya2oLW

Clearance Zone

The clearance zone is full of our latest promotional deals, as well as special offers from our manufacturers.

The office furniture in this section are often cancelled orders, surplus stock, discontinued products or simply items that we are promoting at lower than normal prices.

The section includes a wide range of furniture including office desks, office chairs, reception desks, meeting room tables, all kinds of office furniture.

White Bench Desk (£99) (from our Clearance Zone):

Office Desk Guide

When choosing new office furniture, most people will naturally place the most emphasis on choosing an ergonomically designed and comfortable office chair.

However equal consideration should also be given to choosing a suitable office desk for your workspace. This is often overlooked as simply an object of substance and that style and functionality are of little relevance.

In order to provide your employees or indeed yourself with a comfortable and productive working environment, the following points should be considered:

How Will The Office Desk Be Used?

The way your employees use their office desk should of course have an impact on your ultimate choice. These days, it is rare to find an office desk that does not have a computer perched on top.

CPU Holder and Monitor Arm

If your employee is using a desktop computer (rather than a notebook or laptop), it is a good idea to install a CPU holder and monitor arm. This obviously helps to maximise the working area of the office desk and helps to keep it free from clutter.

Cable Management

You may also want to consider different power/data solutions. With a little careful planning, it is possible to create your own cable management solution for your office desk. For instance, you could let your cables run through cable spines or cable baskets available in various lengths. Our 3WT cable channels stick on to the underside of your desk and allows cables to run through it horizontally.

We can also provide smart power / data solutions that fit into cable baskets or to the desk top. The space saving pop up or flip up versions are hidden in the desk when not required.

Additionally, some of our office desks have multiple cable management solution configurations built in. See our Opteam Office Desk Range for an example.

Office Desk Storage

This is another consideration that often gets neglected, in part due to the fact that most offices have subsidiary storage in the form of cabinets etc.

However, if you want your employees to be productive, efficient and organised it might be beneficial to add complementary storage and pedestal options. This ensures that your staff’s paperwork and stationery is always to hand.

Modesty Screens

If your choice of office desk does not have a pre-fitted screen, you may want to consider this in order to preserve and protect the modesty of your female employees.

Large Office Desks

For senior members of staff such as managers, supervisors and company directors, you will probably want a larger desk to accommodate different types of working scenario. An example of this might be holding a meeting with several people at the same time, all of whom need office desk space for taking notes.

Shaped desks often offer the best solution to these types of scenarios. ‘L’ and ‘U’ shaped office desks are popular choices as they will allow both you and your employees enough space to hold a meeting and have a solid surface for keeping notepads and paperwork.

Style, Colour and Materials

Naturally you will want your office desks to compliment the rest of your office furniture and therefore styling is an important factor to consider.

For instance, an ultra-modern glass desk in an old-fashioned office may stick out like a meat stall at a vegan convention. So you need to decide first of all if you want a glass desk, or a wooden desk. Also, desks are available that come with metal legs. This can provide a further opportunity for concealing cables because some are designed with built-in cable management features.

Additionally, wood desks come in a number of different finishes:

• Laminate
  great value | different finishes and colours available
  
• Metal
  sensibly priced | highly durable
  
• Solid Wood
  high quality | look great | different wood finish options | durable | more expensive than wood veneer
  
• Wood Veneer
  looks fantastic | cheaper than solid wood | less durable than solid wood

Needless to say, there are numerous different colours and shades of wood to choose from. Again you should make sure that your office desk does not clash with your other office furniture.

On a final note, remember that first impressions really do count, so if you want to impress your clients with your office furniture then please read my blog How To Impress Your Clients With Your Office Furniture.

Office Furniture Reviews

If I were to ask you what type of business you think Amazon is your response would probably be something like:

“An online business selling books, music, electronic goods and more”

In actual fact, you would be wrong.

Primarily, Amazon is a logistics company who have enormous warehouses full of products. Essentially, they are a transportation company who happen to have an online system for taking orders. The orders are then processed and the products are delivered via their vast logistics and transportation teams.

Indeed, the same is true for the mighty McDonalds. You would be forgiven for thinking that McDonalds is all about selling hamburgers. However, Ray Kroc the guy who purchased the company in 1961 off the McDonald brothers realised in 1956 that prime real estate was where the real money and future success of the company lay.

He set up the Franchise Realty Corporation which began buying up tracts of land enabling the corporation to act as landlord to new franchisees. So therefore it could be argued that McDonalds is actually a real estate company.

Why do I cite these examples?

Quite simply because not all office furniture companies are the same.

For example, some office furniture companies are actually more like logistics businesses. They process sales via an online ordering system and the details are then passed to a processing department who create a despatch note. They will then put the flat-packed office furniture on to a van and deliver it.

The difference between BT Office Furniture and some of these other companies that sell cheap office furniture online is that we are actually an office furniture company.

Not only do we have a showroom, but we also offer a full design, planning and installation service.

So when you are choosing your business office furniture, there are a number of things you need to consider:

1. Do you require a bespoke 2D and 3D space planning service?
2. Do you want your office furniture to be assembled?
3. Do you want your office furniture to be installed?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions then you will probably want to avoid companies that are essentially logistics operators.

Office Furniture Reviews & Testimonials

Here are just a few of the office furniture reviews that we have received. They are all genuine and verifiable and copies can be obtained upon request.

“…Just to let you know just had a glowing reference from Kate Miller at Selfridges…”

Andy Weaver – Europa Group

———————————–

“…I received 2 chairs from you that I have ordered recently and would just like to thank you and the delivery guys for being so professional and helpful!

I was out of the office yesterday on an inspection and when I returned there were the 2 chairs I had ordered, fully put together waiting by my desk!

I was told the 2 lads who delivered the chairs, struggled up the stairs with them – this just shows the commitment and level of customer service so a massive thank you to the lads and yourselves at the office!”

Ben Woodman – Medivet

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“…Just had to send you a quick note regarding my experience with your company and in particular Nigel who I have dealt with. Of course the product and the price have to be right but I must say that Nigel is one of the most helpful and friendly people I have had the pleasure of dealing with and is a credit to you and your company.

I run my own small family owned firm and know all too well how important customer service is and how our staff have to wow our clients. Nigel certainly did. So much so that had I found another website that offered a better product, I would have called Nigel back to see if I could buy it from BT. I really wanted the business to go to him and if I had found somewhere cheaper for the same product, I would have still placed my business with Nigel just for the experience. 

I look forward now to receiving the goods ordered and using your company again the next time I need more furniture.”

Steven Blofield – SBA Financial

Minimum 5% Discount Coupon (Dependent Upon Quantity)

We are currently offering a promotion where we can give you a discount on certain products in return for a ‘Like’ on Facebook.

This discount will be added to any product with a ‘BT’ Product Code. Conditions may apply.

Just scan the following QR (Quick Response Code) and follow the instructions.

You will need a smartphone and a FREE App (eg. QuickMark for Android or QR Reader for iPhone)

Alternatively, click on the following link:

bit.ly/ya2oLW

Office Humour

09:30am

Because today is Friday (and the 13th no less!) I thought that today’s blog should have a more light-hearted theme.

So here is a selection of office humour that I have found from a variety of sources…

—————————————–

Update

19:10pm

Well…perhaps predictably and unsurprisingly, this Friday 13th has not turned out quite how I had planned.

I had been hoping to write an extensive and amusing post with numerous jokes, anecdotes and a variety of appropriately office-themed situational comedy.

However…

Issues with our company website have prevented me from writing the blog I intended. So because my day has been a complete frightmare (oh ho! ho!), I’ve decided to make you share my suffering too!

Therefore, rather than try to amuse you, I’ve decided that I’m going to fulfil today’s blog remit and attempt to FRIGHTEN you instead!

Here are some some (vaguely) related Friday 13th videos which I GUARANTEE will make you jump! (Courtesy of Mashable.com)

Enjoy!…

Creepy Grudge Ghost Girl In The Mirror

It Will Make You Jump (WATCH)

Scary Screamer

If This Doesn’t Make You Jump…Nothing Will!

FOllOW thE Red DOt!!!!!

Ghost Caught On Tape

Demon Baby

I hope you enjoyed your Friday Fright!

Which one is your favourite?!

Please feel free to add comments…

Richard Blandford – SEO Campaign Manager
BT Office Furniture – Leading Suppliers Of Business Office Furniture

Office Desk – Effex Beam System

We are often asked by prospective clients if we offer any office desk ranges that can be configured in multiple ways.

There are a number of reasons why highly configurable office desk systems are desirable.

For some people it is simply about maximising the amount of space in their office. For others it is purely an aesthetic choice or perhaps to ensure the comfort and privacy of their office staff.

One of our most popular ranges of office desk is the Effex range which can be put together in many different ways.

The image below provides just some examples of typical arrangements and should help to get your creative juices flowing!

The Effex configurations can be as varied as your imagination will allow. Just about any combination of desking, links and extensions can be used to generate the perfect working environment. From individual desks to height-adjustable mobile tables and hot desking, the Effex range is the ideal solution.

Tops and links in the Effex Office Desk Range are designed to be both versatile and ergonomically beneficial. But they can also be put together to create an interesting and unusual effect. With reference to the image below you will notice that there is a choice of straight, radial, angular, wave, convex, concave, bow, pear – the list of shape options is almost endless!

Whatever your choice, all office desk tops are finished with new sleek 2mm edging for a cleaner modern look.

CLICK HERE to view the full brochure as a pdf file.

Our helpful and friendly team are always on hand to offer advice and a more detailed explanation of the ‘Beam System’ is available if required.

Your Complete Guide To Office Chairs

Did you know that the origin of modern office chairs could possibly be attributed to Charles Darwin?

(Notice my deliberate use of the word ‘origin’!)

It is alleged that he customised a wooden armchair by adding wheels so that he could roll around his study inspecting specimens.

I have already written about the importance of correct posture when sitting on your office chair (click here) and in this post I’m going to expound upon this theme a little further.

It is important when sitting for long periods of time that your office chair is ergonomically designed, in other words it must have the ability to cater for an individual’s  needs.

This is done by having features on your chair that allow you to customise support according to your body shape and type. If your office chair is not entirely right for you, it can lead to increased blood pressure and higher blood sugar levels. It could also be a primary cause of repetitive strain injury.

If you think about it, the muscles in your back are constantly working to keep your body upright while you are sitting. Therefore, it is essential that your back is supported at the correct angles. Otherwise you run the risk of straining certain muscle groups in your back and this can lead to discomfort and fatigue as well as constant and persistent pain. Additionally this could potentially leave you susceptible to further injury and subsequently additional medical complications.

According to Dr Notley, a dual credentialed Chiropractor and Athletic Therapist in Winnipeg:

“The best chair that you can use is one that you can get out of frequently. I say this often, “Our body is meant to move, it is not meant to stay in the same place for long periods”.  Staying in one position too long can have negative effects on the body. Ideally, to offset these negative effects,  we should take mini-breaks every 20 minutes or if that is not possible at least every 50 minutes.  Frequent adjusting of your posture is often a benefit as well.”

Tips For Avoiding Back Problems

1. Place your computer screen at eye level

Your screen should be directly in front of you. Place the monitor about an arms length away with the top of the screen roughly at eye level.

Having your computer monitor at the wrong level can place a strain on your eyes leading to dryness and an increased sensitivity to light.

Tip: From time to time, give your eyes a rest and close them. You could also try rolling your eyes around for a minute or so (don’t let your colleagues see or they might think you are having some kind of fit!). Look up at the ceiling and down at the floor. Move your eyes from side to side.

2.  Keep your neck straight and your shoulders relaxed.

Tip: Some office chairs come with a neck support.

If you are prone to neck ache, it would be worth investing in a chair like the one shown in the image.

Office Chair With Neck Support

3. Support Your Back Properly

Did you know that leaning forward in your chair for prolonged periods can put 3-4 times more strain on your back?

You can avoid back pain simply by adjusting your office chair so that your lower back is properly supported. Your office chair should be easily adjustable so that you can change the height, back position and tilt.

Ensure that your knees are level with your hips and your feet are flat on the floor. If necessary, you might need to obtain some kind of footrest. Additionally, you should avoid crossing your legs as this decreases circulation and can cause hip problems.

Tip: It is advisable to get up and walk around every 20-30 minutes. A great excuse to go and put the kettle on!

4. Supporting Your Lower Back

Ideally, your office chair should have adjustable lumbar support to ensure that you do not develop lower back problems.

Tip: You can place a cushion in your lower back area if your chair is not ergonomic and doesn’t have lumbar support.

5. Correct Chair Height Adjustment

Ideally, you should be able to use your computer keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor. Keep your elbows by the side of your body, so that your arms form an L-shape at the elbow joint.

Tip: By following this recommendation you can reduce the risk of a repetitive strain injury.

Additional Health Considerations

1. Using Your Keyboard

You should leave a 10-15cm gap between the desk and keyboard so that you can rest your wrists when not typing. Make sure that keyboard is directly in front of you. Also, it is important not to bend your wrists – keep them as straight as you can. Keep your elbows tucked in to your side and vertical with your shoulders.

Tip: Try using a wrist rest if you struggle keeping your wrists straight. They are usually filled with gel and are a great comfort aid if you are likely to embark upon prolonged periods of typing.

2. Using Your Mouse

Keep the mouse close to you while working on your computer and again keep your wrist as straight as possible.

Tip:  In a similar way to the previous tip, you can also get mouse mats with built in gel wrist supports. They can help to make computer work involving your mouse considerably more comfortable.

3. Avoid Screen Glare

To prevent unnecessary screen reflection you should position your monitor so that lighting does not affect your view. You can of course use blinds etc. to prevent sunlight affecting your view of the screen and use the brightness and contrast settings until they are set to a level you are comfortable with.

Tip: Place a mirror in front of your monitor to identify potential light sources that may be causing problem screen reflection and glare

4. Prevent Neck Ache When Using The Phone

Consider using a headset rather than a handset. This is because if you spend prolonged periods with the phone wedged between your ear and shoulder you may begin to suffer neck ache.

5. Avoid Overstretching

Keep objects that you use regularly within easy reach so that you reduce the risk of straining muscles from over stretching.

6. Bifocals

If you are a bifocal wearer and you are constantly moving your head up and down from the monitor to the keyboard, it’s possible you may begin to experience discomfort.

Tip: Consult your optician for alternative solutions

On a final note, there is a useful video on the NHS website which explains how bad posture can lead to health problems including back pain.

For our full range of Ergonomic Office Chairs please CLICK HERE

Hope this helps…