Design Your Office Plan for a Hybrid Work Environment As we steadily approach 2025, the typical office environment continues to evolve. With shifts in working patterns, technological advancements, and an increased focus on employee well-being, the landscape of workplace design is undergoing transformative changes. The future of work is here. More people are working remotely than ever before, and many companies have embraced flexible work schedules to accommodate their employees’ needs. As a result, the traditional office environment has been altered, with more spaces being designed for collaboration and flexibility rather than a purely linear workflow. In this post, we’ll explore what offices might look like in 2025. Reimagining the Office Plan The traditional office plan is evolving to accommodate new modes of working. Offices in 2025 will likely continue to shift away from rigid, compartmentalized layouts towards more flexible designs. These changes are meant to foster a sense of community, encourage collaboration, and create multipurpose spaces that can adapt to the diverse needs of a modern workforce. At IronOak , we stay ahead of the curve, offering a wide range of furniture to help your business navigate these shifts effectively. See our # CommunalOfficeFurniture . Embracing the Hybrid Work Environment The advent of the hybrid work environment has fundamentally changed the way we think about office spaces. This model combines the benefits of remote work with the collaborative opportunities of the traditional office. As a result, the physical office is evolving into a space that facilitates collaboration, fosters company culture and provides resources that employees may not have at home. Expect to see more collaborative spaces, technology-enhanced # MeetingRooms , and flexible # workstations that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different teams and projects. Creating an Appealing Office Environment An appealing office environment isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a space that supports well-being, promotes productivity, and attracts talent. This means integrating elements of comfort, flexibility, and biophilic design (bringing the outside in) to make offices feel more inviting. From # ErgonomicFurniture to indoor plants, IronOak Office Furniture offers a wide selection of items that can help you create an office space that looks good and supports your team’s health and happiness. Transitioning from Cubicles to Open Floor Plans Fewer cubicles and more open spaces are a trend we expect to continue in 2025. While the open floor plan has sometimes been criticized for noise levels and a lack of privacy, new approaches balance openness for collaboration with quiet areas for focused work. # ModularFurniture , soundproofing panels, and strategic space planning can help achieve the perfect balance. IronOak can provide expert advice and products to create an open yet efficient office layout. The Future Starts Now with Iron Oak Office furniture As we look towards the future, one thing is clear: the office of 2025 will be designed with people at its heart. It will be a space that supports a variety of working styles, fosters wellbeing, and drives collaboration. If you’re in the Western Cape area, and want to start preparing for the future of work, IronOak is here to help. Contact us to explore our comprehensive range of office solutions or contact us to discuss your specific needs. Let’s work together to create an office environment that’s ready for 2025 and beyond. Iron Oak

In this week's article, we will have an in-depth look at the Copenhagen office desk. Overall look and feel At first glance, it looks very durable with its steel frame legs and steel support bars attached to the bottom of the drawers. All steel sections have a matt black powder-coated finish and is also available in a raw steel finish to give it a real industrial look and feel. The steel frame is attached to the wooden worktop with size M8 cap screws and comes with a handy LN key tool, should the desk need to be disassembled in the future if it needs to be moved to another location. Then we get to the wood finish, the solid Blackwood worktop has a silky smooth matt finish which brings out the luxurious natural beauty of the wood even more, while at the same time being very hard and durable to prevent light scratches from forming due to movement of office equipment. The wooden worktop and drawers are also available in a solid oak finish. Functionality This is an extremely functional desk with only one downside, but we will get back to that in a second. Most modern-day desks only offer worktop space, with a drawer pedestal having to be ordered as an extra and that just adds to the cost of your workspace. The Copenhagen desk however has 3 drawers underneath the worktop that utilize all the space from the left to the right of the desk with more than enough space for all the useless stuff you keep lying around on top of the desk. The only downside to the added functionality of this unique desk is that most office chairs will not slide in completely under the table and therefore feels a bit cramped when sitting at the table. The good news however is that this unit is completely customizable. You can have it manufactured with higher leg space (which will then open up the space completely underneath the desk for more legroom), which will make the worktop a bit higher than normal, or you can customize the drawers to a smaller size and have the normal worktop height with enough leg room for you and your chair. Dimensions Table dimensions: Width 1600mm x Depth 700mm x Height 760mm 2 Side drawers inside dimensions: Width 510mm x Depth 554mm x Height 112mm Middle drawer inside dimensions: Width 390mm x Depth 554mm x Height 112mm Worktop thickness: 22mm Steel frame sections: 25mm x 50mm x 2mm Rectangular tubing Hardware All the hardware pieces on this desk feel like quality. Stainless steel ball bearing runners 45mm x 600mm are used for the drawers and round Black nickel knob handles are mounted on the drawer faces which gives it a very smooth action when opening and closing the drawers. For added functionality, height-adjustable legs are mounted to the bottom of the frame for leveling out your desk on uneven surfaces. Warranty Iron Oak is so confident in this unit, that the steel frame comes with a lifetime guarantee and the wooden finish with a 2-year warranty. Copenhagen office desk review By: Iron Oak #officefurniture #furniture #desks #customdesks #industrialfurniture #storage

Cape Town is endowed with lush, managed forests – no wonder why it’s home to a number of furniture businesses. That includes us. We are happy to say that Iron Oak is among the homegrown furniture brands that continue to make a mark in the local industry. Our furniture is heirloom-quality, which only means that it is crafted by passionate hands and made with the best locally-sourced wood. While we have a diverse selection of furniture on our website, every item is still handmade to order. We also make custom furniture pieces that cater to our client's specific needs. If you’re looking for custom furniture in Cape Town , Western Cape, look no further because Iron Oak Office Furniture has got you covered.  Why custom furniture? When you order custom furniture from us, our craftsmen attend to every detail, from start to finish. We design the bespoke piece according to your specific needs and then give you the opportunity to review and revise before construction begins.  The quality of our custom furniture is, we dare say, superior to what you may get in many showrooms. Each of our items is made from natural solid wood and we exclusively use traditional, time-tested joinery and construction methods.  We devote careful attention to all custom furniture, guaranteeing that the final product meets all size and specification requirements, while also being built to our heirloom-quality standards.

When investing in your work space, the type of wood you choose for your desk is a big factor. Different woods have different personalities. The grain naturally differs, as well as the colour, but also texture and weight can give your desk its unique character. So what wood should you choose? It depends on the look you are going for… try and think of key words to describe the office you want, here’s a few to get you thinking: Scandy Country Club Modern Sleek Shabby Chic Rustic Industrial Once you have some keywords down, start searching on the usual sites for inspiration, and see what wood appears in those images. Also find inspiration from our projects look book. Staining and Finishes Another consideration is that wood in its original state is very different to the finished article in a piece of furniture. Our standard desktops are offered in oak and blackwood (though we can make your desk top in any wood you like, just get in touch for a quote). Why these two? We feel they are two ends of the spectrum. Blackwood is a rustic wood with a lot of character. It can be a very natural wood, but also very bold. If you want to make a statement, this is the wood to use to create a perfect center piece that will draw attention. Have a look at our Conference tables for inspiration. Oak is a light wood that with bags of character. It’s knots and grain are instantly recognisable but not over powering. Look at some of our desks for inspiration. Other woods available at www.ironoak.co.za are: Walnut, Kiaat, Mahogany and American Ashwood. Ask out team to help you make an informed decision: ct@ironoak.co.za #officefurniture #homeofficefurniture #solidwood #Oakwood #Blackwood #desks #shelving

Purchasing a boardroom table is an important decision for any business. Boardroom tables are normally the focal point of meetings and presentations, so the right table can set the tone for a productive and professional meeting. Plus, your boardroom is often a third party’s first experience of your company and first impressions count. 10 key things to consider when purchasing a boardroom table for your business. 1. The shape of the boardroom table Boardroom tables come in a variety of shapes to fit your aesthetic and functional needs. These can include rectangular, circular, oval or you could opt for the versatile reconfigurable meeting tables.  Reconfigurable tables are a great option to suit multiple meeting sizes and then can be stored away to free up space. It’s also important to consider the purpose of your meetings when choosing a shape. Rectangular tables are often seen as ideal for formal meetings and presentations, whereas round tables encourage collaboration and open discussion. 2. Size It’s critical that you choose a table that is proportionate to your boardroom and consider how many people will need to be seated. If the table is too small, meetings may feel cramped and uncomfortable. A boardroom table that is too large, however, may dominate the room and make it difficult for attendees to see and hear one another. When measuring the size of your room, don’t forget to factor in the space needed for people to move around, pull out their chairs and for any other furniture or equipment that may be within the room. 3. Material The material of your boardroom table is another element to take into account. There’s a large variety of materials available – popular choices including wood, metal and laminate, but each material has its own pros and cons to consider. Make sure your aesthetic choices are also made with durability and regular use in mind. For example: wooden tables are traditional and elegant but they can be expensive and M.F.C (melamine faced chipboard) are a scratch resistant alternative being considered by many businesses. You may wish to also consider a nano-tech finish as this is scratch resistant. Glass tables can make a room look larger and more modern; however, they tend to show up marks more than other materials so an opaque or frosted glass may be a better option if you wish to avoid seeing smudges.  When purchasing a boardroom table, consider the type of meetings you’ll be hosting as well as your business’s overall look and feel. 4. Table Top Finish The finish of the table also affects its overall appearance and durability. When shopping around, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from including the table top, to the table edges and the leg finish.  Table top options can be coloured, matt, gloss or natural wood grain.  You may also like to have a nano-tech coating on the top which provides a scratch resistant surface. A coloured matt finish can add a modern contemporary look to your boardroom, while a natural wood finish provides a more classic and sophisticated look. These decisions should be made with your boardroom’s overall ambience in mind. 5. Leg Finish Most people tend to focus on the table top finish, but modern tables now have the option to mix the finish and look by using different materials for the top, legs and frame. Table leg finishes are available in wood, chrome, steel and a number of colours and shapes too. When considering the leg frame, it’s important to ensure your chosen seats will fit comfortably under the table and allow for good leg room and that the chair won’t be hindered by the table frame. 6. Power and Data Today’s world is technology-driven and we often use our laptops or phones when presenting so it’s important to consider power connectivity when choosing your boardroom table. You can have built-in power outlets and cable management systems which are fitted into the meeting room table top.  These built-in beauties hide wires and cables and keep your meeting table looking neat and tidy when these features aren’t required.  It’s also useful to think about the type of equipment you will use regularly in your meetings, such as laptops, projectors and audio systems so that you can choose a table that provides the necessary connectivity options. 7. Matching Boardroom Storage Keeping a clutter-free and organised boardroom helps to create a professional atmosphere in your meeting and this can be achieved with matching sideboard units or credenzas to accommodate cups, glasses, a coffee machine or brochures and documents for your meeting. 8. Comfort Some meetings are a lot longer than others! A comfortable chair will allow people to concentrate and take on board what the meeting is about. We’ve all been in a meeting where people are moving from side to side and shuffling in their seats and this tends to be because they aren’t in a comfortable chair.  For this reason, it’s important to choose chairs that provide comfort and style and compliments your chosen boardroom table. There’s also another great feature not to be overlooked with your boardroom chairs and that’s something called “mind memory”.  This feature means that when you get up from your seat it will move back to its original position. 9. Budget Another thing to consider is your budget! A good place to start is to determine how much you’re willing to spend, then look for tables that offer the best value for your money. Well-made high-quality tables can be expensive; however, they’re built to last and can save you money down the track. Budget-friendly tables may lack some of the features and quality that you need, so be sure to weigh your options carefully.  Iron Oak Office can cater for all budgets. 10. Decor style It can be difficult to know which decor style is the right fit. Below, are some popular decor styles for boardroom tables to help you choose the right one for your space. Traditional: This style is characterised by its use of classic materials and design elements, such as wood and ornate details. Traditional is a timeless option that never goes out of style and can be a great choice for more formal offices. Contemporary: Think clean lines, neutral colours and modern materials, such as metal and glass. Rustic: For a warm and inviting atmosphere, a rustic table may be a good choice. Rustic design elements may include wood and metal legs and can add a touch of cosiness and texture to your boardroom. Industrial: An industrial decor style is characterised by use of raw materials, such as metal and concrete, and a focus on functionality. This decor style is modern and slightly edgy, perfect for trendy urban businesses. Eclectic: An eclectic decor style utilises a mix of different materials, textures and patterns. If you’re looking to create a unique and one-of-a-kind atmosphere, an eclectic table may be a good choice. It can add a touch of whimsy and personality to your boardroom. When deciding on a decor style, it’s important to take into account the atmosphere you are trying to create. You may also want a sense of cohesion between your boardroom and the rest of the business, so factor in the overall office design too. In conclusion, choosing the right boardroom table is an integral part of creating a professional and productive meeting space. Hopefully, this list gave your business a useful overview of the main things to consider when making your purchasing decision. Iron Oak Office can recommend mid and high-end boardroom tables to suit your budget and a member of the team will be happy to talk through suitable options to suit your needs – simply click here. Check out our webstore range here.

Creating an efficient, collaborative office layout is crucial for productivity and company culture. However, few companies have the expertise to optimize their space on their own. That’s where partnering with a furniture provider that offers professional space-planning services can help maximize your office’s potential. And that is where we come in... Benefits of Expert Space Planning Attempting to design your office layout without professional help can be extremely time consuming and frustrating. You may create a workable layout, but there are likely inefficiencies and issues you didn’t foresee. Bringing in an objective outside perspective ensures every detail is considered – from workflow and traffic patterns to future needs and collaboration. Professional space planners have the experience to know what works well and what causes problems. A major benefit is functionality. The optimized layout will focus on seamless collaboration between departments and teams. It will also ensure furnishings and equipment properly fit the unique dimensions of your space. Understanding Your Business Needs Experienced space planners will discuss how you utilize the office and typical daily activities. This allows them to gain a deep understanding of your business and needs. Do you require private offices or full workstation customization? Is a large communal break area important? The more insight you can provide, the better the planners can cater the layout specifically to you. Designing the Layout Armed with an understanding of your business, the space planners can begin designing the optimized floor plan. Key elements they will strategically place include Workstations and desks Conference rooms and communal areas Traffic flow patterns Storage needs Lighting, electrical, HVAC, and other requirements In designing the layout, planners utilize proven principles: Adjacency planning – placing departments that collaborate often near each other Positioning desks based on roles and needs Controlling noise through strategic space division Proximity to shared spaces like conference rooms Ability to smoothly accommodate company growth Benefits of the Final Design The end result is a thoughtfully designed office that checks all the boxes: Employees from different teams work together seamlessly Noise is minimized, creating a calmer environment Your business can evolve without requiring a layout overhaul Company culture comes through in the space It feels polished, professional, and efficient Partner for Success To execute on the space plan fully, partner with Iron Oak Office Furniture. We provide the service. This ensures close collaboration from initial design to final installation. The furniture experts can handle everything from purchasing pieces that will perfectly fit your space, to delivery and setup. No detail is missed when using a single provider for both planning and products. Bring Your Floor Plan To Life In the end, strategic space planning pays dividends through improved productivity, functionality, and company culture cultivation. Don’t leave your office layout to chance. Partner with the experts to maximize your potential. Here in the Cape Town area, the pros at Iron Oak Office Furniture provide space planning to optimize offices. We then ensure a smooth process carrying out the layout with our furniture services. Contact us today to make your ideal floor plan a reality!

From traditional executive designs to sleek standing models, there’s no shortage of office desks to choose from. The sheer number of options available can make it difficult to know which to purchase for your workspace. So, if you’re searching for the ideal models, it pays to know your stuff. To help you, we’ve put together the following office desk buying guide. Choosing the right office desk for you Before you start perusing the selection of models on the market, it’s useful to stop and ask yourself some basic questions that will help you to narrow down exactly what it is you’re looking for from your office desk furniture. For example… Do you need extra storage? In many workspaces, the shift towards computers and digital technology has significantly reduced the need for office storage. However, becoming completely paperless is still a pipedream for many organisations. When you’re deciding which desks to go for, you’ll need to consider how much storage you need. If you have a lot of paperwork and supplies to keep organised, it’s wise to opt for desks that come with integrated drawers. Have a look at our Brooklyn Desk and our Copenhagen Desk. Do you plan to expand your workforce? If you intend to grow your workforce over the coming months or years, it’s important to have flexible office furnishings that can accommodate more people as and when they start. One option is to go for modular desk systems that make it easy to provide additional workspace for new members of staff whenever they start. a perfect choice will be in our Manhattan Collection to go with one of our Manhattan workstations. How much space do you have? From large office desks in our Manhattan Collection to petite, space-saving models in our Copenhagen Collection, you can take your pick from a host of different sizes. This means you’ll need to think carefully about how much space you have to accommodate these items of furniture. If you have a big working environment and space isn’t an issue, you might want to go for large desks that enable you and your employees to really spread out while you’re getting on with your tasks. However, if space is in short supply, you’ll need to find more compact models. What will you use your desks for? On a related point, it’s important to ask yourself what your desks will predominantly be used for. If you need them for occasional computer use, then small, simple designs might be perfect. However, if you’re looking for surfaces to suit people with admin and paper-heavy jobs, you’ll probably need units with a larger surface area. What image are you trying to portray? When it comes to selecting desks for your workspace, looks matter. The right style of office furniture can help you to create an attractive environment that appeals to your employees and impresses any visitors. You can take your pick from an array of different types of desks, from uber-modern designs to reassuringly traditional executive office desks. So, think carefully about the image you’re trying to portray before you make a purchase. How much can you afford to spend? Paying attention to the initial price of products is vital as well as taking value for money into account too.The real question is, how long do you need your office furniture to last? All our steel frames carry a lifetime guarantee, therefore you are sure to have a product that will last you a lifetime. You’ll no doubt want to keep a keen eye on costs and make sure that your purchases come in on budget. With this in mind, it pays to set a clear spending limit before you start shopping and make sure you keep an eye out for products that are on sale. A selection of styles: With such an array of desks to choose from, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the different styles available. Here, we take a look at a variety of popular models, focusing on their most significant features. Rectangular Characterised by clean, straight lines Their simple, traditional look can work well in virtually any office Available with a range of frame styles. Examples: Manhattan desk, Brooklyn desk and Copenhagen desk. L-Shape Shaped to fit neatly into corner areas Help you take full advantage of the space on offer in your office Examples: Manhattan L-Shape desk and Athens desk. U-Shape Perfect for a 360 degree workstation with lots of space. Their modular design gives you a flexible solution that can grow as your workforce expands You will need a larger space to accommodate these units. Examples: Manhattan U-Shape desk. Ergonomic Sit/Stand desks enhances the effectiveness of your office setup. It's the perfect way to modify all stations to fit your employee's needs. Extremely good for your health. Can be set to any height from 710mm up to 1210mm Examples: Manhattan sit/stand desk. Clusters/Workstations Modular systems that can be installed to accompany the needs of your employees. Perfect for medium to large workforce that needs space to get the job done. When used individually, the desks can serve as corner units. Examples: Manhattan workstations. Home Often smaller than models designed for commercial environments Made to fit into smaller rooms for the perfect work from home setup. Examples: Copenhagen home office set and Brooklyn desk. Useful features Once you’ve decided on the shape, size and style of desk you want, it’s time to think about the additional features you’re looking for. For example, you might want: Integrated storage For many workers, integrated desk storage is a must. Having drawers built into their workstations means they have quick and easy access to paperwork, stationery and a range of other office essentials. You can take your pick from desks with single or multiple drawers, and if you want to keep your documents and other items safe, you have the option of choosing designs with lockable storage. Height adjustment The health risks associated with being sedentary for long periods of time are now well known. If you’re looking for ways to protect your wellbeing and that of your workers, you may want to opt for height-adjustable models. Featuring easy to use height controls, these innovative modern office desks give people the choice of standing or sitting as they work. Cable management With so much technology now in use in workspaces, it’s never been more important to have effective cable management solutions in place. To help keep your office tidy and safe, you might want to opt for desks that feature integrated cable management systems, such as concealed wire management and access ports. Modesty panels To give your personnel added privacy when they’re at their workstations, you could choose units that come complete with modesty panels. This simple but effective design feature can make people feel more relaxed as they work. Height levelling feet Unless you can be sure that your floors are completely level, there’s a risk that your desks will wobble once you put them in place. This is where height levelling feet come in handy. By choosing desks with this feature, you can rest assured that even if your floors are uneven, you’ll be able to provide your workers with a flat, steady surface. Get in touch At Iron Oak Office Furniture, we’re experts when it comes to these products. If you’re searching for excellent quality, stylish and durable office desks, you’ve come to the right place. For further information and advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team. You reach us by whats app on +27 67 274 4790 or complete our online contact form and we’ll get back to you.

Industrial-style furniture offers a perfect balance between a modern and vintage look. In this blog post, we will provide valuable insights for startups and small businesses looking to create an inspiring and productive workspace. ACHIEVING ADAPTABILITY AND DURABILITY Let’s be honest, startups and small businesses are going to experience rapid growth and changes in workspace requirements. That’s the goal, at least. That’s why Iron Oak offers sophisticated office furniture that is built to last for a lifetime of changes. Pieces like our L-shape desks with sit/stand capability, the U-Shape desk and our mobile storage and shelving are perfect for being moved and reconfigured to meet your needs at any point in your business venture. On the other hand, it’s so important to create a workspace that builds a foundation of identity and manifestation of success. Startups and small businesses can benefit from investing in furniture that can withstand the demands of a busy office and heavy use by purchasing furniture with a good return on investment. FOR AESTHETIC Industrial office furniture draws inspiration from raw and rustic elements found in factories and warehouses. It often features exposed brick, metal accents, distressed wood, and minimalist designs. Your office space may or may not be able to match today’s trends, but your office furniture most definitely can. The design and aesthetic of your office space play a significant role in shaping and influencing employee morale. Iron Oak office furniture can help create a unique brand image that evokes a sense of authenticity and innovation. A well-designed workspace with comfortable and visually appealing furniture can enhance satisfaction, motivation, and productivity. industrial office furniture SPACE OPTIMIZATION Startups and small businesses often operate in compact office spaces. Industrial office furniture is well-suited for optimizing areas with limited space with its multifunctional furniture. This efficient use of space fosters a clutter-free and organized workspace, enhancing productivity and creativity. Many of our desks have sit/stand capabilities for those who are active or need a little more variety throughout their day. All of our storage units have the option for casters, making them mobile. Our biggest flex is the Manhattan workstation with its limitless configurations. You can have the best of both worlds: top-grade build and compact mobility. Industrial office furniture offers a perfect blend of adaptability, aesthetics, and functionality for startups and small businesses. By embracing the industrial aesthetic, leveraging the versatility and durability of these furniture pieces, and optimizing space, you can create an inspiring workspace that fosters collaboration, reflects your brand identity, and enhances employee morale. So, whether you’re setting up a new office or revamping your existing one, consider incorporating Iron Oak Office furniture to create a unique and vibrant environment that fuels your business growth. Choose right the first time, choose Iron Oak office furniture!

In recent times, due to world events, the home office has changed from being a nice-to-have area to a must-have for many workers. Whether you have plenty of space in your home for a dedicated office room or are struggling with space to work from, here we have plenty of ideas to help you set up the perfect environment for productivity. Choose a secluded location When choosing a good place to work from in your home, it’s best to consider where will be the quietest area with the fewest distractions. For example, if you are too near the kitchen, you might be tempted by the constant draw of the fridge calling you. Or, if you are close to the utility room, you may be distracted by the sounds of the washing machine humming or the tumble dryer rattling. Working from your bedroom is also not a great idea. Your bedroom should be a space reserved for relaxation and sleep, therefore, it’s best to separate your work from this area for mental health purposes. If you don’t have a designated room available, then a corner of your living room or an attic space could work well to begin with. Invest in the right furniture If it looks like you’re going to be working for extended periods of time from home, then it’s important to think about the furniture you are going to need to make life easier, and more comfortable. Ergonomic office chairs are an absolute must when it comes to preparing your home office furniture. A basic kitchen chair isn’t going to be suitable if you are spending long hours in one place at your computer screen. Not only will you feel uncomfortable, but your posture and back health will suffer in the long term. An ergonomic chair adapts to your position throughout the day and provides support for your spine at exactly the right height for you. A dedicated computer desk will also be extremely useful as it offers a place to rest your laptop and monitor, plenty of drawer space for equipment, and enough room for your legs. At Iron Oak we have different desking options available including: L-Shape Desks, U-Shape Desks and Ergonomic Sit / Stand Desks. Keep clutter at bay When it comes to how to make a productive home office, organisation is paramount: an organised space is an efficient one. Therefore, practice a clean desk policy with minimum clutter. Not only will this help to keep you more focussed, but it will also ensure you don’t lose items you need close to hand. It’s definitely worth investing in suitable storage space to accommodate your home-working needs, and home office furniture is a great choice. It provides you with the opportunity to design your storage to suit your unique requirements, as well as a huge choice of colourways, designs and finishes to make your work area chic and stylish. Mix up lighting Lighting your work area is also a key consideration. You want to make the space bright enough so you are not straining your eyes, but also accented in the right direction to highlight the areas you need. Natural light is obviously the best lighting option as it will also help to boost your energy levels. Therefore, placing your desk next to a window or below a skylight is a good idea if possible. If natural light is not available, or when the winter days draw darker, overhead lighting is key to maximise productivity. Desk lamps can also help to add additional lighting directed to a specific space. Bring in nature When it comes to your home office, it’s worth investing in some greenery to bring nature into your space. The psychological benefits of indoor plants have been shown to reduce stress levels, improve attention span and improve overall mood. Not to mention an increase in oxygen production and airflow in the nearby areas to where they are positioned. Pay a visit to your local garden centre and ask for some advice on selecting plants suitable for a home office environment. Create a space you enjoy working in Now you have created a space that is quiet, comfy and tech-ready, think about how you can make it inspiring and enjoyable. Although you’re aiming for a clutter-free environment, a couple of family photos on the shelf and a funky mug mat on your desk are sure to bring a smile to your face – even after the longest conference call! Choose a motivational screensaver for your laptop when you take a break. Whether it’s a quote that you can relate to or an image of your favourite holiday destination, it will give you the motivation you need to carry on with the rest of your day. Design the ultimate productive home office with Iron Oak Office Furniture in Cape Town Here at Iron Oak, we are experts in how to make a productive home office. Therefore, why not get in touch to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced team members. We will work with you to discover exactly what you need from your home office space and can cater for all budgets, sizes and tastes. #HomeOfficeFurniture #OfficeFurniture #Shelving #WorkFromHome #Desks #Workstations #ErgonomicOfficeFurniture #SitStandDesks #BoardroomTables #ReceptionDesks #WorkLifeBalance #IronOak Our Copenhagen Home Office Set:

What is industrial furniture and where can you find it? Industrial furniture has become popular in recent years because of its unique and stylish look. This type of furniture is typically made from metal or wood and has a rustic or retro feel to it. Industrial furniture can be used in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and restaurants. You can find industrial furniture at many different stores including Iron Oak. We have a wide range of industrial furniture products available for purchase. The benefits of using industrial style furniture in your home or office There are a number of benefits to using industrial style furniture in your home or office. Some of the key benefits include: Style and design: Industrial style furniture is unique and stylish, and it can add a touch of character to any room. Durability: Industrial furniture is often made from metal or wood, which makes it strong and durable. Versatility: Industrial furniture can be used in a variety of settings, and it comes in a range of different styles and colours. How to style industrial furniture for a unique look If you're looking to add a touch of character to your home or office, consider styling your industrial furniture in a unique way. Here are a few tips to get you started: You can add accessories to your industrial furniture to give it a more personalised look. Try adding plants, flowers, ornaments, or photographs. Another great way to style industrial furniture is by mixing different materials. Try combining metal and wood, or use different textures to create visual interest. If you're looking for a more unified look, choose a theme and stick with it when styling your industrial furniture. This could be based on your favourite colour, style, or a particular pattern. Another great way to style industrial furniture is by mixing different styles and designs. For example, you could mix vintage chairs with modern tables for a unique look. To create balance in your room, make sure that your industrial furniture items complement each other and work well together as a group. Tips for choosing the right industrial furniture for your needs When choosing industrial furniture, it's important to consider your needs and what you will be using the furniture for. Is the furniture going to be used in a residential or commercial setting? What style of the room is it going to be placed in? What type of materials will the furniture be made from? Once you have answered these questions, you can start to narrow down your options and find the perfect industrial furniture for your needs. If you're not sure where to start, browse different products on our website. Conclusion Industrial furniture is a popular choice for homes and offices because of its unique style. There are many benefits to using this type of furniture, including affordability and versatility. If you're looking to add character or personality to your space, consider mixing different styles together in order to create an eclectic look that no one else will have. One last tip: when choosing the right industrial style furniture for your needs, it's important to take into account what materials they will be made from as well as where you plan on placing them in your home or office. Browse our range of #Desks #StorageCabinets #Shelving #Workstations #Pedestals and more.

Many adults in South Africa now spend more than 7 hours a day sitting and this typically increases to 10 hours or more as we get older. This is hardly surprising when you consider our daily routines, such as being sat at our desks and being sat in the car. The main issue with this, is that our bodies are not engineered to be sat in a static position all day. Long periods of sitting have a major impact on our health and well-being. This can include strain on our necks, herniated discs, muscle degeneration and weakened bones, these are just some of the problems involved around the issue of sitting for too long. By implementing a standing desk into your workstation, this will help combat these symptoms as well as giving your body a chance to experience all the health benefits that go alongside it. Having the ability to switch between standing and sitting postures can help reduce the physical stress which your body has to endure. It keeps you active at work, and improves your productivity throughout the day. The use of sit-stand desks, has been scientifically proven to improve your productivity, concentration and increase your creativity. The reason for this, is whilst your standing some of the body’s largest muscles are working, so this increases blood flow to the brain. Therefore, it improves the way we feel and improves the way we work. It has also been found that sit-stand desks have the ability to increase productivity from up to 10-20%. As well as becoming more productive, sit-stand desks will lead to much greater health than those who sit for an extensive period of time. It has been discovered that office workers spend 65% to 75% of their working hours sitting down, the majority of this takes place in prolonged periods of sustained sittings. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that compared with those who sit the least, those who sit the most are more than twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have a 13% and 17% increased risk of cancer incidence and mortality respectively. As mentioned in an above paragraph, it requires the use of more muscles, so it’s no surprise that you burn more calories whilst using a sit-stand desk due to the increase in blood flow. Standing uses around 13 percent more energy over the course of an eight-hour day, says Dr Dunstan, who is head of physical activity at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. This accumulates to four hours standing burning the equivalent to what you would if you went on a 45-minute walk. Sit-stand desks don’t just have long term benefits, as they are also extremely beneficial in the short term for the body. Standing helps prevent a harmful build-up of sugars and fats in your blood, as a result workers who stand more have better energy levels and concentration. Here is a basic step to step guide in how to get the most out of your sit-stand desk. To decide the height of the standing desk, relax your shoulder and create a 90-degree angle with your elbow. Bring the desk height to just below the forearm. Your thighs should run parallel to the ground, with your feet firmly placed on the floor, shoulder width apart. Wrists must be in line with your forearms. Keep your head upright with ears in line with your shoulders. Eyes should be in line with the top one third of the screen. You will also find that your posture will be at its best, when your rib cage is above your hips, as this means that you’re not leaning forwards or backwards. Finally, your knees should be straight, however not locked, if knees are locked you are likely to be bending too far back, this causes strain on your lower back and pelvis. It is recommended that when working at your desk, you should spend at least a minimum of two hours on your feet, this with the main aim of reaching an ideal four hours. Seated work needs to be regularly broken up with standing work. As well as avoiding too much seated work, remaining in a static standing posture should also be avoided. This being why its advised to regularly charge or shift weight between your legs, in order to reduce leg fatigue. As well as shifting weight, you should also frequently adjust the posture of your body throughout the working day. Occupational standing has not been shown to cause any damage towards your lower back or your neck, if anything standing helps to provide relief towards the muscles. People who are new to standing based work may experience some musculoskeletal sensations and fatigue, as the body still needs to adapt to its new way of working. If these pains don’t decrease after changing posture or going on a walk, then it’s suggested for the worker to have a rest. This being in a position that helps to relieve all sensations. If there are still issues after this, then medical advice should be sought after. It is crucial that employees promote to their staff that prolonged time sitting can dramatically increase someone’s risk of cardio metabolic diseases and premature death. Iron Oak Industrial Office furniture provides a Sit Stand Desk solution on this website. #OfficeFurniture #SitStandDesks #Desks #IndustrialOfficeFurniture

Space in the office can be sacred; it doesn’t matter whether you’re in a small-scale workplace or a large open-plan room, as your workforce grows – the room at your disposal soon diminishes. That is why it is so important to have efficient storage solutions in place. From cluttered office desks to overflowing drawers and filing cabinets, things can very quickly start to get on top of you, and we all know that a messy workstation can disrupt concentration and workflow. One way to combat this problem is with the use of efficient office storage solutions, a multitude of which you’ll find here at Iron Oak Office Furniture. Our team has picked out our top 3 office furniture favourites that’ll save you workspace and promote productivity. Office Lockers: Think how many times you’ve got to work, dumped your bag under the desk and flung your coat over the back of your office chair without a second thought. Most days, right? The thing is, your belongings soon add to the mess in an overcrowded office environment. With the investment of some well-positioned office lockers, you’re able to safely contain your belongings the minute you walk into work, securely locking them away for the duration of the day. Laptop Storage: Leaving work laptops lying around can also add to office clutter, as well as pose something of a security risk for any important files or the potential theft of expensive company equipment. With this in mind, it makes sense to offer a place for employees to safely and securely stow away their laptops and phones while not in use. Lockable pedestals not only solve security and storage issues, but they’re also able to charge laptops overnight so they’re primed and ready to use the next day. Office Storage Cabinets: You accumulate plenty of odds and ends while working in an office, but the problem is, where to store these items? From important papers and documents to work mugs and company merchandise, these things quickly begin to mount up on your desk with no real place to put them. Office storage cupboards eliminate this issue by providing a safe and sturdy space to store all manner of belongings. From standard shelving and narrow office units to special, specifically designed storage units there’s a range of designs to choose from that’ll ease your office storage woes. If you would like more information on our office storage products, or just need help knowing which solution is the best choice for your office, contact our friendly customer services team today at ct@ironoak.co.za. We strive to provide our customers with high-quality office equipment. #OfficeFurniture #IndustrialOfficeFurniture #HomeOffice #Furniture #Desks #Shelving #OfficeStorage