When furnishing workspaces, it is essential to choose furniture made from suitable materials. Some pieces are perfect for offices, while others would not work in a restaurant, and vice versa. Poorly chosen materials can not only limit the functionality and durability of furniture, but also disrupt the aesthetics of the entire environment. The solution is modern manufacturing methods that offer customization of furniture, allowing you to combine different materials and find a balance between design, durability, and budget. The experts at Alupress Design will always help you choose the optimal solution according to your priorities.

Find out what you expect from furniture

Before you start shopping for furniture, you need to clarify what purpose it will serve and what kind of wear and tear it will be exposed to. For example, an office desk must be comfortable and durable, while easy maintenance plays a key role for a dining table in a bistro. Environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and frequency of use are also important. In more demanding conditions, it is advisable to choose a highly durable material, while in offices or commercial spaces with stable temperatures, more attention can be paid to design.

Next, determine your budget. For example, laminate is more affordable and suitable mainly for interiors with stable conditions, while solid wood offers higher quality and durability, but at a higher price. It is therefore advisable to consider both the initial investment and the long-term costs of maintenance and repairs.

Specific choice of material

For tables: Wood, glass, or laminate?

Thanks to its strength and natural appearance, wood is an ideal choice for work and conference tables. It has a long service life and can be repaired or sanded down if necessary. However, it is more sensitive to moisture and requires regular maintenance. Glass, on the other hand, has a modern and elegant look and is easy to clean, making it suitable for meeting and conference rooms or representative spaces. However, it can appear cold and is not ideal for long-term work as it is prone to cracking. Laminate, on the other hand, is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and offers a wide range of decors that can imitate wood, stone, or other materials. Laminate boards thus represent a balanced solution between design, price, and maintenance.

For chairs: Plastic, metal, or wood?

Plastic is lightweight, easy to handle, and suitable for restaurants where furniture needs to be moved around frequently. Metal is extremely durable and suitable for demanding environments or industrial office design. However, metal chairs can appear cold, so combine them with wooden or upholstered seats to create a modern and comfortable solution. Wood is stable and aesthetically appealing, making it an ideal choice for representative spaces or, for example, traditionally styled restaurants. Just keep in mind that wood is damaged by excessive moisture and is relatively easy to damage mechanically.

Other furniture and equipment

When furnishing a space as a whole, think about the details – storage spaces, reception desks, relaxation areas, and noise-reducing elements should all work together. Laminate and metal are ideal for shelves or cabinets because they combine durability and low maintenance. Textile acoustic panels make meeting rooms and restaurants more pleasant, while glass or metal elements give spaces a modern style. Relaxation areas can benefit from wooden accessories, which create a cozy atmosphere.

Design versus functionality – where to find the balance?

When selecting materials, it is important to find a balance between appearance and practicality. For example, combining metal legs with a wooden tabletop combines durability with modern style. However, the right combination of materials also depends on the type of space, where longevity must also be considered.

Need help? We’re here to help.

Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and its purpose, load, budget, and maintenance all come into play when choosing one. For optimal results, we recommend shopping wisely and, if necessary, seeking the advice of experts who can create a personalized solution with an emphasis on design and functionality.