This past decade marked a lot of change for the commercial furniture industry and led to many workplace innovations we see in today’s offices. However, some of the new ideas interior designers brought to life years ago have undergone a significant transformation. Here are 4 furniture trends from the early 2010s that made a lasting impact on the way we view modern workspaces and continue to be office staples.
Privacy Chairs
Before there were pods, booths, and space dividers, privacy chairs helped create the first microscopic personal spaces within open-concept offices. These chairs often featured their own desks, lighting setups, and canopies that helped reduce noise and distractions, making them perfect for phone calls and meetings. The basic ideas behind early privacy chairs prompted interior designers to rethink the way they approached increasing productivity in the workplace.
Treadmill Desks
Treadmill desks were the predecessor to many workplace fitness incentives. Though you aren’t likely to see workout equipment right beside a desk in most offices today, this innovative idea prompted office workers to think more about their health and getting active while on the clock.
Media Tables
Café-style multimedia tables paved a way for the popularity of video conferencing. These tables often featured large monitors on one side and multiple seating options on the other. Unique pieces of furniture like these blended digital assets with recognizable features, creating highly collaborative spaces.
U- and L-Shaped Desks
The U- and L-shaped desks were and are extremely efficient at boosting employee engagement in the 2010s and still do today. These uniquely shaped desks created plenty of extra room within small workspaces by perfectly fitting in the tightest of corners.
Plenty of these 2010s commercial furniture staples are still available for purchase here at Affordable Office Interiors! Take a look at our wide selection of new and used office furniture and see how you can remodel your workspace without breaking the bank.
