How to Decorate an Office On A Budget

December 3, 2021

Interior design of a meeting room in an office

Moving into a new office or reworking an existing space can get expensive. So what do you do if you have a tight or limited budget? 

New or Used Office Furniture?

The question of new or used office furniture may be a financial one or, perhaps, it’s more about the message you want to send to your customers. 

Think about what your goal is with your space. Is your space:   

  • Only a workspace? Not a place customers/clients will ever visit? 
  • Open to the public? 
  • A reflection of your brand?
  • More about comfort than technology?  

Before you decide whether to get new or used office furniture, take time to think it through. You don’t always need the latest and greatest equipment and furnishings.    

To make the most of your money, figure out everything to you need before you order. Often, the more you order, the better the price you can negotiate.   

Another great way to get good prices on office furniture is go to a business auction.

Consider Technology

Just like your office furniture, think about what you really need before you start to buy.

Refurbished laptops, desktops and printers can reduce the cost of setting up your office. Give your team what it needs to do its job – it’s generally not about all the bells and whistles. For instance, a basic printer-scanner combination may be all you need rather than the newest, biggest, or best technology on the market.

Consider your phone system needs carefully. Phone systems will likely be an ongoing expense so start at the right size. Many businesses just use cell phones when they’re first starting.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Just like when you want to spruce up your home, a fresh coat of paint makes a world of difference in your office. A new paint job in the office can boost employee morale and is an inexpensive way to give your space a whole new look.

Do You Need a Whiteboard?

Whiteboards can get expensive depending on the size (and if you have a whiteboard, you need it to be big enough to do the job).

Rather than spending money on a whiteboard, what about creating a chalkboard wall or even a whiteboard wall. Both are a paint solutions you can use to create an exciting space on the walls.

Bring in Natural Lighting

Needless to say, it’s important to have the right amount of light in your office for the tasks taking place. You can visit business auctions for savings on lighting fixtures or shop around to find the best deals.

Make sure you consider the value of natural lighting; it saves money on buying lamps and the cost of your electricity. Natural light increases productivity and makes a happier workforce. It can reduce headaches and eyestrain.

If you have limited windows in your office space, consider making the workspace in that area a rotating workspace space so everyone gets to benefit.

Don’t Skimp on Seating

In offices, the workers spend most of their hours sitting. Good quality, comfortable, ergonomically correct seating can increase productivity, reduce absences from work, and boost overall employee happiness.   

If your office gets visits from customers or clients, your choice of seating is a reflection of how you value those customers as well as how you feel about your brand and your employees.  

Summit Properties’ portfolio includes more than 700,000 square feet of premium commercial office space in some of London’s prime business districts.