Work it out: our guide to choosing furniture for co-working spaces

The way we work has changed beyond all recognition over recent years - while a majority still head to the office daily, there’s an increasing move to a more flexible approach, with home-based and hybrid working still popular. As part of this shift, co-working spaces are sought after like never before, whether purpose-built or bringing a new lease of life to office buildings, with demand predicted to grow by 54% by 2030.

Our contract furniture collection includes desks, chairs, sofas and tables to suit all styles and sizes of office. This guide to choosing furniture for co-working spaces highlights some of the key considerations for these projects and a few favourites from our collection.

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to working styles, and a contemporary co-working space has something to suit everyone. Desks are a key starting point as these will be key for many workers. When selecting desks for a co-working location, it’s important to consider the available space, and how the desks will be used - will workers bring laptops each day or is space needed for monitors? Is storage required?

If you opt for a bespoke solution you can even include power outlets and lights - as seen in our project at Regent’s University, London. This calm, restful space gives academics a place to meet with colleagues, to prepare for classes, to work or read.

Once desks are decided, chairs are next on the list - and with the average working sitting for 1,300 hours each year, it’s important to make the right choice. Comfort is a key factor when choosing a new desk chair - ergonomic design, adjustable arms and tilted seats help workers find a perfect position to sit.

Our collection includes desk chairs to suit every style, with options for fabrics and finishes to work in harmony with your project aesthetic. Starting with the base of your desk chair - fixed legs keep the look streamlined and simple, or a height-adjustable swivel base allows extra movement while maximising the available space.

New to our collection, the Icon desk chair is a great choice for a co-working space. Comfortable, contemporary and inviting, with a wide range of options for upholstery. Choose a swivel of fixed base with legs stained to a finish to suit your space.

Or add a retro touch with the new Amelie desk chair - a contemporary take on a vintage piece, it sits perfectly in co-working spaces or for office reception areas. Fitted with castors and available upholstered in fabric, leather or faux leather.

One of the reasons why co-working spaces have become so popular is that they allow small businesses, freelancers and entrepreneurs to respond to changing requirements and scale up or reduce their workspace as needed. Many of our products can be shipped quickly and installation completed to meet tight deadlines - perfect if you want to reallocate space or accommodate new workers.

Modular or multi-functional furniture is a smart choice for a co-working space - our range of modular sofas allows seating to be reconfigured or additional units added.

Our Sushi modular sofa is a great choice for a co-working space or office lobby - with endless combinations possible it’s simple to create something stylish to suit every space.   

Multi-functional furniture gives options for different ways to work and adds flexibility to the space. We supplied our Victoria High Back chair for a recent project at FlexWorks Hull - it’s a stylish lounge chair which works well in this contemporary office, and the addition of a smart flip-down table on one arm lets workers take notes or use their laptops while sitting in comfort.

While many enjoy lone working or working from home, there are real benefits to basing yourself at a co-working space - in particular the community that builds and the opportunities for networking. When selecting furniture for co-working spaces, it’s important to bear this in mind and alongside individual desks, include spaces where workers can get together.

Our Evolve Plus bench desk allows plenty of space for a group or small team to work together - perfect for project planning or getting the week started with a Monday morning meeting. Add low stools to save space, finished in wood or upholstered in fabric to complement your interior.

The Zoe low stool is a great choice - with a Scandi feel, its distinctive metal frame can be polished to any RAL colour and there’s a choice of seat in either solid wood or upholstery in fabric or leather.

Our new Less stool would also work well in a co-working space - whether at a communal desk, breakout area or café space. This super-light piece is also extremely sturdy, making it a practical choice for these projects. We love the distinctive tubular metal frame and choice of solid wood or upholstered seat.

Sofas are essential for any co-working space - comfortable seating encourages a more informal way of working and it’s great to give alternatives to working at a desk. Add some lounge chairs and low tables for a flexible set up that’s going to appeal to clients and add interest to the interior.

Our collection includes endless options for lounge chairs and sofas, from pared-back, minimalist design to pieces with vintage vibes or statement shapes.

The Core sofa is a great sofa for a co-working space - its sculptural shape creates a super-comfortable sofa with an elegant, contemporary feel. The quilted back adds interest from all angles and it’s available as a 2 or 3 seater sofa, upholstered in a wide range of fabrics.

The Bora sofa has a classic shape with a detailed button back - upholstered in fabric, leather or faux leather and with legs stained to a variety of finishes, it’s hardwearing and stylish, making it a smart choice for a co-working space.

Lounge chairs give some extra flexibility and add interest - this is a great way to have fun with statement shapes or fabrics, with design details to make your co-working space appealing.

The Celeste | Furniture Fusion is new to our collection and perfect for a contemporary workplace - it’s durable and hardwearing but also super-comfortable thanks to its curved padded seat and backrest. Available in a range of finishes and upholstery choices including your own choice of material.

The Well-Come collection includes a lounge chair that’s perfect for co-working spaces - compact, contemporary, sculptural and elegant. It’s also a hardwearing and sustainable choice - made entirely of polyurethane, its design means that flexible parts and coverings can be replaced, extending its lifespan and reducing waste.

And while our collection has thousands of options, sometimes bespoke is best - we love a challenge and love working with clients and designers to create a bespoke piece for their project. We'll help realise your vision, and we're full of creative ideas to help deliver something special.

Most co-working spaces now include somewhere for workers to take a break, or to work through lunch with a change of scene. If your office includes a Cafe, restaurant or break-out area, our collection includes lots of options for dining tables, table tops, side chairs and bar stools.

Our Alma dining chair has a solid beech frame stained to black and a seat upholstered in a bold mustard yellow woven fabric. This popular piece works well in a range of commercial interiors and sits perfectly at FlexWorks alongside our small dining tables topped with solid light oak. We also supplied our Roller dining table in two different sizes - part of a collection of tables and stools which share a playful, distinctive silhouette.

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