TELECOMMUNICATING TREND CREATES DEMAND FOR FUNCTIONAL, ATTRACTIVE FURNITURE FOR THE HOME OFFICE

CHANTILLY, Va. – Sept. 17, 2018 – Forget the corner office. These days, the home office is where the real work gets done. Recent reports show as many as 3.7 million Americans working remotely at least half the time, and the numbers will only increase as more companies discover such tangible benefits as improved employee productivity, reduced turnover and decreased costs in real estate for office space and overhead.

But for telecommuting to be successful, smartly designed home offices are a must. It’s just not enough to set up shop on the sofa or kitchen table, as these spaces can become crowded, disorganized and cumbersome to maintain. That’s why furniture manufacturer BDI puts so much focus on small and home office furniture that creates feature-rich workspaces, which are designed to boost productivity and inspire creativity.

Luckily, as technology becomes more advanced, it also tends to take up less space. That means the home office can be seamlessly integrated into the home’s overall aesthetic, effectively becoming part of the whole — not a distraction.

“The need for large work surfaces to accommodate bulky CPUs and other cumbersome office items isn’t as crucial anymore,” said Bill Becker, Design Director and CEO. “But what hasn’t changed is the need for a workspace of any size to provide a comfortable and functional work environment. This requires specialized features that keep your workspace performing.”

Here are some considerations to take into account when setting up a home office.

How much working real estate do you truly need? For some, it's important to keep files close at hand, while also having room for peripherals like a printer, conference phone and an extra monitor. If so, consider file pedestals and multifunction cabinets that come with locking drawers, adjustable shelves and locking wheels. Plus, your desk should include built-in wire management to help keep cords from all of your equipment neatly organized. If all your workspace requires is a laptop and a few office supplies, a simpler setup will suffice.

How will you use the space when you’re not working? In the home office, space constraints can often dictate the ideal furniture configuration. In a dedicated office space, you’ll likely have more flexibility for a full executive set up. But if you’re carving out space in a spare bedroom or living room, your options will likely be more limited. In these cases, a more compact design, or modular desk system might be your best option to maximize a smaller footprint or take better advantage of vertical space.

How do you feel during the workday? Simply put, you need to be comfortable to be productive. In terms of ergonomics, the ideal sitting position puts your knees at a 90-degree angle, with your feet flat on the floor. Your screen should also be an arm’s length away to reduce eye fatigue. For optimal benefit, consider a height-adjustable standing desk that will allow you to keep yourself in motion with periods of sitting and standing throughout the workday.

How will it look in your home? You need to feel good about your workspace, so style isn’t a superficial matter. Wood is great for a more mid-century or transitional feel, while steel and glass collections create a more modern look. Keep it consistent with your décor and personal aesthetic.

BDI furniture solutions are available at retail stores throughout the United States and around the world. To locate a BDI dealer, visit https://www.bdiusa.com/retailers.

About BDI:

BDI is a premier designer and manufacturer of innovative home furnishings. Guided by the philosophy that everything has its place, BDI furniture combines original design with innovative function to seamlessly integrate technology into the home and office environments. Collections include media furniture, home entertaining, office solutions, modular storage systems and more. BDI products are available through leading furniture and electronic retailers throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. To learn more, visit www.bdiusa.com, or follow BDI on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube.