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An office cube may not always feel like coziest space.(break2) In fact, cubicles are often touted as being dark and unwelcoming. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case so long as you’re able to decorate and bring some personal touches into the space. In addition to just being more aesthetically pleasing, there are a number of benefits associated with making your work space your own – including higher levels of motivation and productivity. Here are our top tips for making your office cube feel more like home.

Add a plant. Whether it’s artificial or simply a hardy plant variety that doesn’t need much direct light, plants immediately add something extra to your cubicle. Plants are thought to also have a restorative effect – that is, by simply seeing the plant nearby, we feel better and get a bit of a mental break/refresher.

 

Add a desk lamp that fits your tastes. Lighting is obviously important when it comes to working, so a desk lamp is a must-have. A desk lamp can also set the tone for the style of the rest of your workspace, so you’ll want to be sure to include one that is very fitting of your tastes and decor style.

 

Get creative with accessories. While you’ll still want everything to remain professional, adding some creative uses for accessories can help to make a space feel more comfortable and more stylish. Something as simple as using a vase for a pencil holder or a jewelry dish as a gathering place for office supplies are two examples of how this can apply.

 

Add some cozy effects. Whether it’s a few picture frames, a throw pillow on your chair or some fun bookends, adding some personal touches goes a long way towards making your cubicle feel more comfortable and more inviting for yourself and for any visitors you may have.

 

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More From NBF

How to Choose a Filing Cabinet

If you find yourself constantly surrounded by a sea of paperwork at your desk, a filing cabinet may be just the tool to get you back afloat. Deciding to get a filing cabinet is one thing, but choosing one is another. With the number of options available, it can be tough to know which is right for you and your office. Consider these common filing cabinet types before you begin your shopping journey so that you can narrow the playing field.

Lateral Filing Cabinets

Lateral filing cabinets are designed for high-volume work environments since they can hold a large amount of paperwork at once. These units include multiple drawers, and many are equipped with an anti-tip mechanism that prevents them from falling over when a drawer is fully opened. Because lateral filing cabinets are wider than they are deep, filing is typically done from side to side. Most can accommodate both letter- and legal-size hanging folders. As lateral filing cabinets are so large, measure the space where you intend to put your new cabinet before you buy.

Vertical Filing Cabinets

Vertical filing cabinets are common in home offices and workspaces with little floor space to spare. These units can have the same number of drawers as a lateral file, but each drawer is narrower. File folders are typically sorted in a front-to-back formation, and the drawers are typically deeper than those found on lateral cabinets, so be aware that you will need to have enough clearance space to fully extend them. 

Mobile Filing Cabinets

Mobile filing cabinets are convenient since they can be rolled around wherever needed. These units typically come equipped with 2 or 3 drawers and are most commonly vertical. Most mobile filing cabinets are designed to fit neatly under standard-height desks to provide convenient storage without occupying much room. The majority of mobile filing cabinets can accommodate both letter- and legal-size paperwork, but, due to their compact size, some only hold letter files. Be sure to check the description of the cabinet you’re considering to make sure it can hold legal files, should you need it.

Open-Shelf Filing Cabinets

Open-shelf filing cabinets are wide and shallow, resembling bookcases more than filing cabinets. These units feature open fronts that are suitable for filing end-tab folders side-by-side. Designed for use in narrow aisles and areas with limited space, these arrangements are great for highly accessed files such as those used in medical facilities.

Flat Filing Cabinets

Flat filing cabinets are a series of flat, shallow drawers designed to keep large, flat items, such as blueprints or maps, neatly organized and protected. Most flat filing cabinets can be stacked on top of one another to maximize office space.

Fireproof Filing Cabinets

If you work with sensitive documents, keeping them in a fireproof filing cabinet will be worth your investment. Fireproof filing cabinets prevent damage caused by an open flame, but they’re also water and theft-resistant, ensuring ultimate safety for your most important documents. Fireproof filing cabinets come in vertical and lateral varieties, so you can find the one that best suits your office space and the amount of paperwork you have. Fireproof filing cabinets are commonly used in large corporations where assets need to be protected. Still, they can be useful for anyone, including home office employees who want to keep their Social Security card, birth certificate, and other important documentation safely stored away.

More Considerations

Locking capabilities: Not all filing cabinets lock. Be sure to read carefully to determine whether or not your file of choice is lockable.

Counterweights: Counterweights help prevent filing cabinets from tipping, which could be an important feature if you tend to pack your files as full as they can get. 

Follower blocks: Follower blocks are metal drawer dividers often used in filing cabinets before hanging files became commonplace. Some units still use these, so be sure to determine whether or not you want this type of filing technique.

Hanging bars: Hanging bars are what keep your file folders hanging. If you want to file your documents in a front-to-back fashion in your lateral filing cabinet, purchase additional handing bars for this purpose.

 

How to Clean Area Rugs

How to Clean Area Rugs

Caring for area rugs can be just as time-consuming as caring for wall-to-wall carpeting, and different types of rugs require different cleaning methods. If your area rugs look like they need a good cleaning, take our tips for caring for each fiber and weave type.

 

Pile rugs are the most common residential rugs, though they may be less common in a commercial setting. To clean and maintain this type of area rug, vacuum regularly on at least a weekly basis to remove dirt and debris that can and will get caught in the fibers. Spills can be blotted with a paper towel and cleaner specifically made for carpeting. We also recommend having your pile rug professionally cleaned about once per year to ensure it lasts as long as possible. 

Flat weave rugs are more commonly used in offices because they are low maintenance and don’t hold as much dirt as pile rugs. This type of rug can be simply swept or shaken out once every week or so, though vacuuming is certainly a good idea. Blot or wipe spills immediately to prevent staining.

Natural fiber rugs such as jute and sisal are made of plant-based materials and can be damaged if cleaned with too much water. Weekly vacuuming will pick up any loose dirt and debris, but spills and stains should be cleaned using a cleaner specially formulated for natural fiber rugs.

Regardless of what type of area rug you have in your office, regular maintenance will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Always check the tag and consider manufacturer-recommended cleaning instructions first.

 

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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.