Partitions are an ideal way of adding division and separation in the office into designated workspaces. Partitions, whether temporary or permanent, can help create areas in the office which are conducive to better productivity. Partition walls help to reduce external noise, providing spaces that are suitable for meetings, quiet work areas, or just where employees can have some quiet downtime.
Partitioning for your office
Here is an overview of the different styles of partitions available to help you decide on the right ones for your office space.
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Wood office partitions
Wood partitioning is a good option if you require complete privacy, as the partitions can conceal the contents of each room entirely.
Wood or plywood partitions are aesthetically appealing as they provide a more conservative appearance to an office space. Some companies use plywood partitions to build their boardrooms and other areas that require minimal noise and privacy.
Plywood offers great versatility. As well as natural wood finishes you can choose from a wide range of finishes in Formica, laminate, paint and fabric, guaranteeing that you can get the look that you are after.
However, although wood is aesthetically pleasing, an issue can be that it is not as fire-retardant as other types of office partitioning. So wooden office partitions are often combined with other elements to improve its response to fire.
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Aluminium office partitions
Aluminium partitions or aluminium frames are a popular choice for office partitions. These dividers, which are often combined with glass, provide an excellent alternative to wood partitions. They are available as a solid structure, foldable, or modular partitions that are adaptable to any office environment.
Much like the wooden partition walls, aluminium partitions are also an effective sound barrier providing privacy and quiet when required. Many companies choose aluminium partitions because of the professional finish and variation in styles and designs.
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Glass office partitions
Glass partition walls are another alternative for office partitioning. Similar to aluminium frames, they are flexible and easy to customise. Frosted glass, prints, and even special paint can be used to modify the partitions’ appearance to match any company branding.
Glass partitions create a sleek, transparent and up-to-date look in offices which lasts the test of time. The glass creates an airy feel and so is perfect in an open plan space providing a natural flow of light and reducing the need for additional lighting in many areas. And frameless glass partitions make a great first impression to visiting clients.
Choosing the right partition walls for your office
As businesses grow their needs change and moving offices is not often an option, so opting for partition walls can be the most cost-effective solution. Office partitions can be quickly and easily installed and removed as required, at a minimal cost. Therefore, individual rooms and spaces can be constructed to support the changes of the office environment and its employees.
Below are some things to consider when choosing the right office partitions for your company.
a) Aesthetics
The visual appeal of any structural changes to an office is usually one of the first things that is considered when choosing office partitions. Aesthetics are usually a large part of how the company’s brand is conveyed. A professional and modern office gives a great first and lasting impression to visiting clients.
Are you seeking traditional or a more open plan, modern office? For a conventional and traditional office space, wood is probably the most suitable choice. Aluminium or glass, offers a more contemporary and spacious appeal.
b) Flexible
Wood or plywood is more robust than aluminium or glass partitions as the density of these dividers makes them more suitable for permanent solutions.
Glass or aluminium partitions provide better flexibility as they can be easily taken apart to accommodate changes in the office requirements. Glass office partitioning walls also keep unnecessary noises and distractions to a minimum, allowing for a quieter working environment. Your work colleagues will notice just how much easier it is to concentrate with glass partitions in place.
c) Economical
Partition walls are a very cost-effective choice for refurbishing an office space as they are easy to construct and manoeuvre into position and provide significant cost savings compared to constructing solid brick partition walls
With glass, plywood or aluminium partitions, new spaces can be created without breaking down existing walls or shutting down the office for lengthy periods. Instead, they can be erected in just a few hours, saving time and minimising the financial impact on your business.
d) Privacy
There are 4 key types of privacy:
- Acoustic privacy
The ability to work undisturbed by noise, or to be able to create noise without impacting others, is important in today’s office environments. Supporting concentration with acoustic privacy can be done by installing office partitioning which will absorb the sound effectively.
- Visual privacy
Good office design can help employees free themselves from sight-induced distractions by offering visual privacy in the form of office partitioning.
- Territorial privacy
There is a benefit in creating individually owned spaces, and using glass partitioning can achieve an open plan setting without closing the overall look and feel of the office.
- Informational privacy
We can relate to awkwardly taking a call in the echoing stairwell or corridor, just to be out of earshot of others. Providing spaces for confidential interactions in the form of office partitions tells your employees you respect them.
Let us help with your office partitions
If you need to create private meeting rooms, executive office space or a completely new office in Essex, Hertfordshire or London, we can help. Call us now for your free consultation on 01277 560440 or email info@emeraldinteriors.co.uk