The conversation around office furniture has recently shifted from style to health and productivity. An ergonomically incorrect chair or a desk that’s too low or too high, for instance, can harm your health.
Specifically, poor furniture design leads to bad posture and a higher likelihood of developing eye strain, neck and back discomfort, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These are productivity killers, morale busters, and a fast track to excessive sick leave. Not only that, but excessive sitting can cause diabetes, heart disease, and, ultimately, a shortened lifespan.
Selecting appropriate office furniture is more than just a choice. It’s a statement that reflects your company’s commitment to health, well-being, and efficiency in your office space.
That said, it’s entirely possible to have furniture that’s visually appealing and promotes health.
This article will explore the best office furniture brands that blend style and comfort.
Quick Summary:
We’ve compiled 15 of the best office furniture brands based on their ergonomic features, sustainability practices, technology integration, and overall design.
These brands are:
Let’s dive into each in detail.
UPLIFT Desk is at the top of the office furniture industry by offering a simple yet ingenious product: a height-adjustable standing desk. The company’s focus on ergonomics and customization sets them apart, appealing to the health-conscious and design-savvy alike.
UPLIFT Desk’s Acoustic Privacy Panels and Space Saver Motion X Board are also a nod to the company’s constant innovation, providing solutions for both productivity and privacy.
UPLIFT Desk’s products are a must-have for smaller size creative companies that want to lower noise volume, offer a quiet workspace for employees, and invest in their long-term health. They are also great for hybrid work offices, as their desks are easily adjustable to accommodate different home office setups.
Humanscale blends ergonomics with aesthetics. The brand champions the “less is more” philosophy in its chair, desk, filing cabinet, lighting, and desk accessory designs. Humanscale’s innovative monitor arms and task lighting underscore its commitment to adaptable, user-centric workstations.
Humanscale products are perfect for a modern, open and hybrid office environment that requires multi-functional features and minimalist design. They’re also great for executive offices where style and functionality go hand in hand.
HON is a brand synonymous with durability and value. Their enterprise-wide office solutions offer varied yet consistent designs, achieving the look and feel of a corporate setting.
The HON Company’s wide range of products caters to diverse workplace needs, from desks and chairs to storage and panel systems for cubicle space, as well as conference rooms, health and safety screens, and lunchroom furniture. Its Basyx office furniture collection, tailored for startups and small businesses, offers similar quality without compromising comfort.
German brand Wilkhahn is known for its commitment to environmental responsibility. It’s a pioneer in the industry, having crafted revolutionary office chairs like the ON Task Chair, which facilitates movement and adapts to different body types and behaviors.
Wilkhahn’s product line caters to modern remote and corporate offices, emphasizing movement, mindfulness, and correct posture. Their ergonomic chairs, Aline, IN, ON Task, and Stand-Up Stool, utilize 3D technology to ensure sitting that’s healthy and comfortable.
Whether you’re in a remote or physical office, Wilkhahn puts your health first.
Steelcase‘s line of office solutions boasts a scientific approach to space management. The brand’s commitment to “understanding how space performs” results in furniture that doesn’t just fit a space but is optimized for the behavior and comfort of its users.
Entrepreneurs and startup owners can utilize Steelcase’s Flex Collection to optimize small office spaces. This collection offers lightweight, flexible solutions for various work styles and needs, whether that’s solo work or collaboration.
Berco Designs, renowned for its adaptability and contemporary design, delivers solutions tailored to diverse work styles and corporate environments. Its inclusive, modular seating and table products encourage collaboration, boost productivity, and help to minimize disruptions.
This company is a top choice for businesses catering to different work settings, including individual workstations, collaborative areas, meeting spaces, and cafeterias.
Lamex offers flexible solutions for different work styles and corporate settings. Its inclusive office furniture combines traditional and modern elements to meet various needs.
From individual workspaces to collaborative areas, lounges, quiet corners, room dividers, filing cabinets, and organizers, Lamex is loved by businesses seeking sophistication and functionality in their offices.
Actiu is the embodiment of contemporary. Its sleek designs are backed by a commitment to sustainability and innovation, and its portfolio includes acoustic panels, dynamic workstations, soundproof booths, storage cabinets, stationary lighting, and collaborative tables.
Actiu is a brand ready to outfit progressive and design-driven offices geared to promote worker satisfaction, productivity, quiet space, and comfort.
BodyBilt brings to the table a focus on office workers’ physical health, specializing in task and executive seating.
BodyBilt’s ergonomic expertise has led to custom-fit, multi-tilt chairs that accommodate different body types to ensure a comfortable and supportive experience for all. This is especially essential for individuals who sit for long hours in call centers, healthcare facilities, design studios, and commercial real estate offices.
Knoll is one of the best office furniture brands in that it takes design to another level. With classics like the Barcelona chair, Knoll combines artistic flair with practical design. The brand partners with modern designers to foster dynamic work environments with unique textiles for a high-end touch.
Knoll’s range includes ergonomic office seating, adjustable desks, and award-winning designs from eco-friendly materials — ideal for a trendy office setting with a hot-desking arrangement.
Kimball International excels at creating durable, innovative, and sustainable furniture with a user-centric design.
Kimball customizes sleek chairs and modular systems to fit modern workspace settings, including those in hospitality, government, healthcare, education, real estate, and corporate offices.
Vitra, the Swiss icon that blends art and function in corporate and home office furniture, fosters innovation, collaboration, and well-being with vibrant, durable designs. Known for its architectural integrity, Vitra caters to contemporary workplaces, startups, and creative hubs with eco-friendly lighting fixtures, shelving units, and other products.
From workstations to shared spaces, Vitra prioritizes adaptability with customizable colors, materials, and tech integration — perfect for studios, corporate centers, and home offices.
Japanese brand Okamura is one of the rare office furniture manufacturers that has successfully blended ergonomic support, clean line design, and technology with environmental sustainability. Its range includes advanced ergonomic chairs and desks designed for durability and comfort.
Okamura promotes dynamic, adaptable workspaces that suit smaller spaces, open-plan offices, and workstations. It prioritizes flexibility, mobility, and user-friendly design.
Haworth excels at crafting spaces that foster work, learning, and collaboration. Central to its design ethos is a commitment to sustainability, shown in practices like its Cradle-to-Cradle® certification and the net zero approach woven into its product range.
As one of the newcomers in the office furniture market, Haworth provides a range of customization options tailored to shared hybrid workspaces, educational settings, home offices, corporate headquarters, and healthcare environments.
Teknion places a high value on human health and environmental considerations in its innovative office furniture collection.
Teknion’s range seamlessly merges with technology to craft adaptable workspaces. The brand shows a strong dedication to sustainability and physical well-being in its materials and designs.
Choosing the best office furniture brand for your office is crucial for creating a productive and aesthetically pleasing workspace.
Here are some practical tips to help you make an informed decision
Before diving into the vast sea of office furniture brands, assess your office’s specific needs. Consider factors like the size of your office, the number of employees, the type of work being done, and any special requirements such as ergonomic chairs or collaborative workstations.
This will help you narrow down your options to brands that offer the right solutions for your needs.
Investing in high-quality and durable office furniture is essential. Look for brands with a reputation for manufacturing robust and long-lasting products.
Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations can provide insights into a brand’s quality. Additionally, consider warranties and after-sales services as indicators of a brand’s confidence in their products.
Ergonomic furniture is a must for any modern office. Brands that prioritize ergonomics in their design help in promoting employee health and productivity. Look for adjustable chairs, desks that support good posture, and accessories like monitor stands that can enhance comfort and reduce strain.
Here’s an useful video on choosing the right ergonomic office chair as an example:
The aesthetic appeal of your office furniture can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your workspace.
Choose a brand that offers a variety of styles and finishes that align with your office’s design theme. A cohesive and visually appealing office can boost employee morale and create a welcoming environment for clients.
While it’s tempting to go for the most luxurious options, it’s important to balance quality and cost. Set a realistic budget and compare different brands within that range.
Many reputable brands offer excellent value for money, combining quality, aesthetics, and affordability.
If environmental impact is a concern for your company, opt for brands that use sustainable materials and practices. Look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or GREENGUARD, which indicate a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Lastly, consider the level of customer support offered by the brand. Reliable customer service can be invaluable, especially when it comes to assembly, maintenance, and addressing any issues that arise.
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Among the top-rated furniture brands in 2024, Jonathan Adler stands out for its unique, high-quality designs that blend modern aesthetics with luxurious materials, earning high marks for customer satisfaction and design creativity.
Steelcase, Herman Miller Europe, and Kinnarps are among the top office furniture manufacturers in Europe, leading the market with extensive product ranges and significant market shares. These companies are known for their high-quality office furniture solutions and have a strong presence across European markets. They stand out for their innovative designs and commitment to sustainability and ergonomic products, catering to a diverse range of business environments.
MillerKnoll, Inc. is recognized as the largest office furniture manufacturer globally, and its extensive portfolio includes well-known brands like Herman Miller and Knoll.
The company has achieved a broad market presence through a focus on innovative design, sustainability, and significant acquisitions that have expanded its range and reach in the office furniture sector.
The best type of furniture for an office includes ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and functional storage units. Ergonomic chairs support proper posture and reduce the risk of back pain, making them essential for long hours of sitting.
Adjustable desks, such as sit-stand desks, promote movement and flexibility, allowing employees to alter their working position throughout the day, which can enhance productivity and reduce fatigue.
Functional storage solutions help keep the office organized and ensure that necessary documents and tools are easily accessible, contributing to a more efficient work environment. Together, these pieces create a workspace that enhances comfort, supports health, and increases productivity.
Why Is Ergonomic Office Furniture Important?
Ergonomic furniture supports optimal posture, reducing the strain on muscles and joints that can grow during long work hours. This can help prevent health issues like back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also boosts health and productivity by minimizing discomfort.
A desk can be made ergonomic if it promotes a suitable posture and minimizes strain. Key features include adjustable height for eye-level alignment, ample space for organization, and the flexibility to switch between sitting and standing.
When choosing an office chair, prioritize features like lumbar support, adjustable height, armrests, breathable fabric, and the ability to recline.