Setting up a coworking space is not just about renting a location; it’s about designing a workspace that cultivates creativity and productivity. At the heart of this design process is the choice of furniture. Whether you’re a design aficionado or someone who’s overwhelmed by the plethora of options, this guide will assist you in making the right choices.
Cost Considerations for Furnishing Your Coworking Space
Understanding the costs involved in setting up a coworking space is crucial, especially for those who are new to the industry. While the expenses vary based on the location, size, and type of furniture chosen, we can take a cue from a specific coworking space’s experience:
Example: A Real-life Cost Breakdown
Let’s go into the costs associated with setting up a 23-workstation coworking space.
- Space Rental: The monthly rent for a 1,000 sq. ft. space in a prime location would be one of the primary expenses. This would vary widely based on the city and the exact location within that city.
- Desks & Chairs: Considering the need for 23 workstations, quality tables and chairs would be required. While going for high-end brands might seem tempting, balancing cost and quality would be key.
- Amenities: The space would require a kitchen, which means additional costs for kitchen supplies, a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and more. These are essential for providing a holistic experience to the members.
- Tech & Infrastructure: This includes high-speed internet, printers, scanners, and other essential office equipment. Regular maintenance of this equipment would also be a recurring expense.
- Miscellaneous Costs: This encompasses lighting, artwork, plants, storage solutions, and other decorative items to enhance the workspace’s ambiance.
- Operational Costs: These are the recurring costs like electricity, water, daily cleaning, and maintenance.
It’s essential to note that while the initial setup cost might seem high, the returns in terms of membership fees, event space rentals, and other revenue streams would start compensating for these expenses. The key is to ensure optimal utilization of space, provide first-rate amenities, and pursuit a community-centric environment.
1. Reflect Your Brand Through Furniture
Furniture should serve dual purposes – it should resonate with your brand and be functional. A balance between design and utility ensures longevity and provides value for money.
2. Essential Coworking Furniture Checklist
Before diving into intricate designs and themes, let’s understand the basics.Â
Here’s a checklist of essential furniture for any coworking space:
- Chairs: Office chairs, kitchen chairs, accent chairs
- Tables: Desks, kitchen/communal tables, meeting room tables, accent/side tables
- Lighting: Standing lamps, desk lamps, overhead lighting
- Sofas: Regular sofas, armchairs, communal sofas
- Accessories & Accents: Plants, posters, wall art
- Storage: Lockers, cubbies, cabinets, shelves, hooks, racks
Furniture is a significant investment. However, the right choices can serve you for years, offering a great return on investment.
3. Crafting a Comfortable Workspace
Remember, your coworking space should cater to your members’ needs. A harmonious blend of comfort, style, and functionality is paramount. While white-dominated spaces exude minimalism, incorporating textures and colors can elevate the ambiance.
4. Privacy and Security in Design
A modern coworking space isn’t just an open floor. It’s a judicious mix of open desks, private booths, collaborative areas, and social lounges. Features like phone booths offer added privacy, and lockable storage solutions enhance security.
5. Decorating on a Budget
A limited budget doesn’t mean compromising on style. By choosing quirky accents, investing in indoor plants, and avoiding clichéd corporate posters, you can achieve a unique look without breaking the bank. For those new to indoor plants, this article provides insights into the best choices for office spaces.
6. Coworking Furniture Retailers to Explore
Finding the right retailer can simplify your furniture hunt. Some popular options include:
- IKEA
- McGowan Office Interiors
- Knoll
- National Office Furniture
- Cymax
- Wayfair
- Groupe Lacasse
- Industry West
- Bestar
- Flexsteel
When setting up a coworking space, it’s essential to tap into valuable resources that can guide you. Archie, beyond offering software solutions, provides insightful content on various facets of coworking management. From enhancing security to optimizing WiFi infrastructure and crafting community-centric strategies, Archie’s blog is a treasure trove of information. Before making decisions, it’s worth exploring these resources to ensure you’re on the right track.
Conclusion
Selecting the right coworking furniture goes beyond. It’s about creating an ecosystem where creativity thrives, collaborations blossom, and every member finds their comfort zone. Dive into the world of coworking space furniture ideas and craft spaces that resonate with your vision and member needs.
