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In early 2014, we rolled out our live video chat platform, known as Virtual Visit, to help our customers feel more confident when shopping for furniture online. Need a little help before you call our furniture experts for a demo? Check out our five favorite Virtual Visit desk collections that we love to show off:

At Work by NBF Signature Series

This sleek, modern collection of office furniture is one of our best-selling lines due to its sharp looks and convenient versatility. The large grouping includes desks, tables, storage units and filing cabinets—everything you need to work productively. Want a closer look at the brushed metal framework or espresso laminate work surfaces? Our Virtual Visit advisors are standing by to help!

 

Fulton by Kathy Ireland & Martin Furniture

If you’re looking for something with a little more substance, then give the Fulton Collection a try. This grouping is an artful blend of traditional and contemporary, which means it will look great in offices of nearly any style. Plus, this collection was designed by none other than renowned former super model Kathy Ireland, so you know it will bring a bold, beautiful look to your office space. Special features include convertible keyboard trays, full extension drawers and a deep, dark espresso finish that’s almost black. You can get a live demo of any of these features; all you have to do is ask the Virtual Visit team.

 

Via by Sauder Office Furniture

Two-tone furniture is in, and the Via Collection by Sauder is your ticket to a trendy office. Classic cherry surfaces with soft black accents make these furnishings really stand out, and a high-gloss Eversheen top coat on the desk tops lends a truly unique look. Call in today to find out how this collection will look in your workspace.

 

Antigua by DMI Furniture

For those who love rich, traditional style, the Antigua Collection by DMI is a solid and reliable choice. The West Indies Cherry finish is soft and welcoming, while the bun feet and fluted pilasters will make your office look regal and refined. Don’t forget to ask our showroom advisors for a close up of the unique parquet desk top designs.

 

Contemporary by NBF Signature Series

Another one of our exclusive furniture lines, the Contemporary Collection comes in warm finishes with metal hardware that will soften the look of your space, helping you to feel a little more at home even when you’re hard at work. Login to Virtual Visit so that or advisors can show you just how much storage space this grouping has to offer!

More From NBF

How to Hide and Organize Computer Cords

Love your computer but hate your computer cord clutter? Cables and wires can ruin the look of your workspace, especially if you’re using a lot of electronics. If you’re the type of person who prefers a crisp, clean look in the office, then check out the different forms of wire management that are available to you.

Desktop Grommet Holes

Many desks come equipped with built-in grommet holes—a hole cut out near the edge of the desk. Grommet holes typically come with a cap to maintain a clean look while covering up the mess. Simply slip your wires through the hole and plug them into the wall or built-in desk power strip for a seamless look. This is the most common type of wire management system, so be sure to carefully read the product description of the desk you are considering to determine whether it comes with any grommet holes.

Wire Management Troughs

Some desks and tables come with built-in wire management troughs. These long, narrow containers are typically affixed to the front of the unit, often built into the modesty panel, and they consist of a protruding shelf with a lip that holds your cords in place and up off the floor. Although these are less common than desktop grommet holes, they are certainly effective. They’re an ideal option for use in areas with ever-changing users, such as classrooms and training rooms where laptops are used frequently.

Alternative Wire Management Systems

Some desks come with more unique wire management systems that you may prefer to grommet or trough options. Some designs take it to the next level of office cleanliness by feeding those cords through the leg of the desk. This way, you aren’t just left with a mess of wires hanging out from underneath your work surface. Rather, the cords come out the bottom of the leg and then connect to the nearest outlet, leaving a clean, fresh look unscathed by industrial cording.

DIY Solutions

Already have an office desk and don’t want to splurge on a new one? Don’t worry—there’s hope for you yet. While you can attempt to drill your own grommet hole into the top of your desk, we only recommend doing this if you are already a skilled handyperson or know someone who is. 

Alternatively, you can keep cords more organized by attaching cord management racks or a wire bin to the underside of your desk. Simply run cords through the bin to keep them up off the ground and out of sight. You can also achieve this by attaching binder clips to the bottom of your desk and running cords through those.

 

Don’t like any of these ideas? If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, and if you can’t cover your cords, make them look great! By covering your electrical cords with Washi tape or affixing them to the wall in artistic designs, you can create cords you will actually want to look at.

 

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Now Trending: Outdoor Breakrooms

The breakroom has the potential to be the best space in your office, depending on what you do with it. Keep it plain and sad looking, and your employees aren’t likely to want to sit in it for very long. But provide an innovative and inspiring space, and your employees will thank you for the reprieve from the hours of sitting at their desks.  

One up-and-coming trend in office design is creating break areas outside, which is especially welcome when the weather gets nice again after a long winter. So think outside the cube, and take these tips for creating a great outdoor break area!

Location, Location, Location 

The first and possibly most important step toward adding an outdoor breakroom is choosing where it will go. Your business may or may not have much say in this matter, but if you do, choose a location with plenty of natural sunlight. Catching some rays can be a great mood booster for employees taking breaks outside, and it can leave them feeling energized and ready to tackle the afternoon workload. Consider adding umbrellas in case they need a break from the sun. Of course, you may also want to add some furniture to some shady areas to keep employees comfortable on those particularly hot summer days.

Get the Right Furniture 

You won’t be able to use just any old breakroom furniture in your outdoor area. Choose chairs, tables, and other furnishings specifically designed for outside use. These products can withstand harsh outdoor elements like rain and direct sunlight, and you can even keep many outside year-round. Depending on how large the space is, you’ll want to provide chairs and tables for employees to eat lunch at, plus a lounge area for chatting and even holding outdoor meetings.

Go for the Green 

It’s easy to find outdoor furniture that’s not only weather-resistant but eco-friendly as well. From benches and picnic tables to waste receptacles and outdoor boards, hundreds of products are made entirely from recycled materials. These are great for the environment and great for you since most are made from materials such as recycled milk jugs that are completely maintenance-free.

 

Collection Spotlight: NBF Signature Series Urban Collection

Looking for an office furniture collection that’s as well-built as it is good-looking? We’re proud to introduce the newest member of our NBF Signature Series—the Urban collection. With the strength of metal and the warmth of weathered wood, the Urban Collection is a true statement piece that’s meant to last.

Industrial Style

A black metal framework and weathered walnut work surface give off the distinctive look of industrial style that’s sweeping offices around the world. Reminiscent of old factory furniture, this rustic-meets-modern style is suitable for most offices, whether they’re trendy startups or established companies ready for an updated look. The pairing of dark metal with light wood allows the Urban Collection to make a statement in nearly any workspace.

Durable Build

Looks aren’t everything, and they aren’t the only benefit this grouping has to offer. Laminate work surfaces are highly resistant to chipping and scratches, and the metal framework is sturdy and long-lasting. When you choose this collection, you’re not only getting the industrial look you want—you’re also getting the reliable construction your business needs.

Functional Design

Unlike other collections that offer only a few pieces, we’ve designed the Urban Collection to outfit your entire office. From executive desks and filing cabinets to conference tables and privacy screens, you’ll find everything your business needs to get to work.

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Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.