What are the biggest commercial furniture trends shaping Australian offices right now?
Being dynamic is a big theme in commercial furniture trends in Australia right now. Fixed layouts are being adapted into modular workstations, while quieter collaboration zones and flexible leasing models take the reins too.
Businesses are also looking more closely at where their furniture comes from and what happens to it later more than ever. Here are some of the top office fit-out trends and how they could fit into your next office, lobby or commercial space.
| Key takeaways: | |
|---|---|
| • | Modular workstations are very popular for hybrid and hot-desking layouts, making them easier to change with team needs. |
| • | Lobbies are mirroring the comfort and character often found in hospitality spaces. |
| • | Leasing office furniture is giving businesses more options as they expand or change. |
| • | Recycled materials, circular designs and B Corp-certified suppliers are shaping more sustainable sourcing decisions. |
Trends reshaping workstations and collaboration spaces
MODULAR, RECONFIGURABLE WORKSTATIONS FOR HYBRID AND HOT-DESKING TEAMS
Hybrid work models appear to be here to stay in Australia. As a result, office furniture trends are moving away from fixed, assigned desks, being replaced by flexible sit-stand workstations, mobile tables and modular settings that can easily be changed to suit staff.
If you’re looking at implementing some adaptable layouts yourself, focus on consistent dimensions and easy-to-move pieces, so individual workstations can easily turn into project tables. Flexible commercial furniture leasing will also let you easily change furniture as your business needs change.
ACOUSTIC AND BIOPHILIC ELEMENTS FOR WELLBEING AND NOISE CONTROL
Open-plan workplaces may make collabing easier, but calls and conversations can be disruptive. Using acoustic screens, upholstered privacy chairs and meeting pods can give people quieter places to focus, while keeping team relations flowing.
To keep the warm feeling of open plan, biophilic elements that connect with nature can help soften these commercial interiors. Planters are a popular office fit-out trend, used to divide work zones without closing them off completely, as well as timber finishes, natural colours and indoor greenery to add warmth where screens have been used.
Trends reshaping reception and lobby spaces
HOSPITALITY-INSPIRED LOUNGE ZONES
Office reception areas are starting to catch on to the inviting hotel lobby furniture trends in a big way. Strategically placing sofas, armchairs and occasional tables with layered lighting can give guests and staff somewhere comfy to wait, meet or work.
Plus, it can also give teams more space for informal meetings. Use how people will use the space to help guide on the lobby furniture that fits the area.
DURABLE, BRAND-ALIGNED MATERIALS FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS
While inviting lobby design is all the rage, it also needs to be suitable for daily use in a workplace. Choosing commercial-grade upholstery, wipeable finishes and sturdy frames can all help tables and seating handle constant traffic, while using the colour, shape and texture to connect each piece with the brand.
Valiant’s fit-out at Australia Square is a good example of how selected inviting, durable pieces can be added while still respecting the existing architecture. The result felt new without feeling disconnected.
Office reception areas are starting to catch on to the inviting hotel lobby furniture trends in a big way.
Sustainable and flexible sourcing trends
Furniture-as-a-Service and leasing over outright ownership
Leasing is becoming a big trend in workplaces where headcounts, leases and floor plans may change. It helps businesses avoid being stuck with furniture they no longer need after relocating or restructuring. Comparing renting versus buying office furniture can help you guide your stakeholders and business on the right model.
If it’s the unknown of leasing holding you back, Valiant guides you through the Discovery, Design and Iteration before implementation to make the process easy. Once your furniture is installed, you can review its performance and adjust what you need at the end of the term.
Recycled materials and B Corp-certified sourcing
Sustainable office furniture is also becoming a big focus for more businesses. Fit-out briefs are more commonly asking about recycled components, repairability, supplier practices and where products go at the end of their use.
Valiant is a Certified B Corporation, reflecting on independently assessed standards for our social and environment performance, transparency and accountability. Part of this is our carbon-neutral hire model and furniture featuring components and fabrics made with recycled plastics, giving decision-makers concrete details to consider when they’re comparing suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
Is leasing office furniture more sustainable than buying new?
Leasing is often more sustainable because furniture is used in multiple workplaces instead of being discarded when one business no longer needs it. Valiant’s B Corp and sustainability commitments also cover environmental performance, carbon offsets and furniture with recycled components.
How often should commercial furniture be refreshed to stay current?
Other than when furniture is no longer needed, office furniture should be refreshed when it no longer supports the way the team works or when a layout changes. Leasing gives businesses review points built into the terms, so you get practical checkpoints to decide what should stay, change or be returned.
Refresh your workplace with Valiant
Bring your workplace brief to Valiant for workplace furniture that suits your space now and can be adapted later to suit your needs. Our commercial furniture specialists work across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with leasing, styling, delivery, installation and collection managed through one supplier.
Bring your workplace brief to Valiant for workplace furniture that suits your space now and can be adapted later to suit your needs.
