Executive office furniture buying guide

Buying executive office furniture is a different proposition to kitting out the rest of an office. It is generally more expensive, used in only a handful of situations and can be custom made to complement the space available and its intended use.

Here's the lowdown on buying the right executive office furniture for your business. 

What defines executive office furniture?

"It's a piece of furniture rather than simply a desk or table," says Elaine Montgomery, director and administrator of Able Office Furniture. 

"Generally speaking, it's made out of timber veneer as opposed to melamine, which helps the boardrooms and executive offices portray a certain status."

Where is it used? 

According to Elaine, there are certain parts of an office where you typically find executive office furniture:

• managers' offices
• boardrooms
• executive suites
• client meeting and consultation rooms
• reception areas.

As well as executive desks and furniture for the top brass, she says some businesses fit out entire offices with executive office furniture.

"Accountants often use it and they may buy it for junior partners," she says. "Solicitors and doctors use it, and some even use it at home instead of an ordinary desk."

Custom-made executive office furniture 

Before ordering any executive office furniture, Elaine says consider the available space. "People will walk in asking for a 12-seat boardroom table, but in actual fact they only have room for eight," she says.

Also, carefully consider the colour of your executive desk or furniture - teak, oak, jarrah, walnut or maple. All have a very different appearance. Some are light, others very dark.

"And then you can have other pieces made to match," Elaine says, including glass-fronted cabinets, side tables, coffee tables or reception desks to complement the centrepiece.

Is it cheaper in bundles or bought individually? 

It depends. Elaine says her customers will receive a discount if they buy numerous pieces, but it depends on the quantity.

"Some manufacturers give retailers a discount over a certain amount," she says. "Others might not give any because the retailer is already on a discount rate. But if you want a good price, volume is a better way to go." 

What about waiting for a sale?

Elaine says waiting for sales could leave your executives with nowhere to sit for a while.

"I've been in the industry 15 years and I can assure you sales are infrequent," she says. "There are no window shoppers for office furniture. They only come to your shop when they are ready to buy."

In tough economic times, however, there can be better deals available. Elaine says office equipment is one of the items businesses defer buying during downturns, which can make retailers keener to sell.

Distinctive style

With the right executive office furniture, your wokrplace can reflect the values of your business.

Speak to an executive office furniture specialist today about giving your boardroom, office or even home workspace an air of distinction and style.