Friday, 26 December 2014
Monday, 22 December 2014
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
How Ergonomic Furniture Can Make You Work Better
Ergonomic furniture is enjoying massive popularity for the
last ten years. The increasing availability of the Internet across the globe
somehow made this possible, as more and more industries get wired to facilitate
communication. This means longer hours sitting down and getting online.
Problems that resulted from this included pain in the back, arms and wrists for
long hours of sitting down, typing and clicking a mouse. Ergonomic furniture
became the answer to minimising neck and eye strain and other pain in the body
one gets from sitting and staring at the computer monitor for long hours. How
exactly does ergonomic furniture do this?
Consider that a common source of work-related neck pain is
often a computer monitor that is placed at an incorrect height. An ergonomic
computer desk will have an elevated platform for a desktop monitor so it is
elevated to eye level. If you're using a laptop, there are also relatively
cheap shelf-like products that can lift the laptop to a proper height. Then you
won't have to bend your neck to look downward. Doing this for hours and can
terribly strain your neck.
Joint and muscle pain in the wrist and forearm often comes
from holding them in locked positions over a mouse or keyboard. For this,
ergonomic gel pads can be placed just in front of the keyboard and mouse for
the wrist to rest on while you're typing away or clicking the mouse. The pads
allow your wrist to relax, reducing the tension that can come up through the
forearm to the elbow when you have to type or click for long hours.
An ergonomic office chair includes tilt-control in its
design. The tilt-control feature allows the user to adjust how much the chair
tilts, while he/she is sitting on it. In an ordinary chair, we shift our body
weight and the chair tilts in one direction or the other. With a heavier
person, the chair will tilt too much under his/her weight. Tilt-control in an
ergonomic chair makes it possible for the user to adjust the range so the chair
will not shift beyond a certain point. Hence, an ergonomic chair is one that is
comfortable and flexible while remaining safe to use.
Ergonomic furniture also comes in the form of an office
chair that can be adjusted to various back/seat angles and heights to avoid
physical pain such as back and neck pain. You have to be conscious not to stay
in one position for too long, hence the need to adjust the chair's angle and
height to whatever task you're currently doing. Stretching or rising up will
loosen your muscles and avoid pain.
The Importance of Classroom Furniture
It is becoming increasingly obvious that classroom furniture
is very important. Both you and your students need to be comfortable at all
times. More and more of our classroom furniture is being ergonomically designed
to minimize the squirming that is prevalent when furniture doesn't fit
properly. Along with this, it is important that furniture is 100 percent
functional as well. The right classroom furniture is essential to an overall
good experience, day after day. Here are some comments about the most
frequently purchased classroom furniture.
Teachers Desk
As a teacher you know how important it is to have a desk
that you are comfortable using. This is your work station, and you must make
sure that it meets your every need. From grading papers to setting up your
computer, this is where you will do most of your work. Make sure your teacher's
desk is comfortable, big enough to suit all your needs, and has enough storage
for any and all of your items.
Filing Cabinets
Even though filing cabinets may sound a bit "old
school" these are still a very important part of any classroom. If you are
having major issues with disorganization there is a good chance that you are
not taking full advantage of a filing cabinet. Just one of these cabinets can
go a long way in keeping your paper in order, and cutting back on the mess that
you have on your desk. Purchase a filing cabinet to go next to your desk - this
is one of the best pieces of classroom furniture that you will ever come
across.
Desks for Young
Students
When considering classroom furniture you need to think long
and hard about the desks for your students. Along with this, your purchase
should be based largely on the age group. Younger students need a different
type desk than older students. Along with the right size, make sure your desks
have areas where students can store materials. This way they do not lose their
supplies, and can have a work station of their own.
Desks for Older
Students
Older students have lockers, so they do not need a desk with
storage. That being said, you must still consider what you are buying. These
desks will have a smaller surface. The best ones have a groove at the top of
the desk for holding a pen or pencil. In many cases, the desk and chair are
attached.
Shelving
When buying classroom furniture you may overlook the
importance of shelving. You may be able to get away with not having shelves,
but you don't want to do without. This is a great place to store everything
from books to learning tools to classroom materials and much more. Along with
this, you may even allow your students to use the shelves if you have enough
room.
Friday, 5 December 2014
Choosing Quality Classroom Furniture
The
Importance of Choosing Quality Classroom Furniture
Educational furniture should be considered an investment in
the future of an institution so choosing high quality classroom furniture is
top priority. Quality furniture plays a vital role in education and can even
improve learning among students. It plays a key part in education and is
necessary for students, faculty and staff members alike. School furniture
includes desks, chairs, tables and shelves among many other pieces and the
ingredients that make each piece quality depend on its particular functions.
Student and Faculty
Desks
Both the students and faculty of a school use their desks as
a primary piece of furniture in the learning process. Throughout the year desks
take consistent and repetitive use so it is important to choose high quality
materials and the best functionality possible for this particular piece. Use
sturdy built designs with solid wood or reinforced particle board for the tops
and steel in the framing for a desk that will stand up to year after year of
abuse.
The desk’s top should be coated for protection of the woods
to keep the furniture pieces free of graffiti, scratches and scuffs. Good
looking furniture creates a positive environment and promotes better attitudes
towards learning. In addition to lament coatings on the wood surfaces, desks
for younger children grade school ages should have an added layer of safety
with covered screw and rounded corners.
High Quality
Classroom Seating
Students spend on average 6 or more hours each school day
seated at desks while teachers often spend countless hours of overtime in
addition to daily learning hours. Uncomfortable seating can actually lead to
spinal and back problems in growing children and irritate a faculty members’
joint. Studies have shown that high school age students complaining of back
problems show medical signs of the negative effects on spines through x-ray,
victims of years in poor seating.
Uncomfortable seating can also make students restless which
can affect their abilities to concentrate and absorb vital information. Student
chairs should be contoured to meet the natural curves in the back and have
bottom seating designed for hours of sitting. Teacher and faculty chairs should
also be contoured but with an added layer of comfort in padded seating. Each
faculty chair should have padded bottoms, backing and if possible arms as well.
Computer chairs should also add comfortable seating as more schools transform
during the technology age.
The Importance of Good Classroom Furniture
Classroom furniture is important not only for comfort and
aesthetics but for the function it serves within the classroom environment.
While deciding on what is needed in a classroom is a personal choice, it is
essential to consider how the furniture complements the subject being taught
and the comfort of the students.
The Basics
Most classroom furniture will be used by hundreds of
students over many years. Quality furniture is needed to meet the demands of
time. The type of furniture for a particular classroom is driven by the age of
the students and the teacher's presentation of a lesson. The size of the
classroom and the number of students it accommodates are also essential
factors.
Student
Consideration of the students who will use the classroom
shouldl drive the choice of furniture. Age is one factor. Kindergartners
require smaller and different types of furniture compared with high school
seniors. It is also important to take into account any disabilities students
may have. For example, if the teacher has a student who uses a wheel chair, she
needs to have a table to accommodate that student rather than the traditional
desk with built-in chair. Whether furniture can be arranged to allow for
personal space should be taken into account as well.
Types
There are many types of classroom furniture, even though
desks and chairs may be the only items that come immediately to mind. In
addition to different type of seating and table configurations, there are
shelves, "cubbies", and other organizational furniture to consider.
Durability an important factor when investigating any classroom furniture.
Considerations
The number of students within a classroom must be taken into
account in terms of comfort and safety . Furniture must allow students to move
comfortably without creating congestion in any one area. If cooperative
learning is a goal of the teacher, the classroom furniture needs to be easily
and safely movable. According to Cooperative Learning Classroom, student tables
and chairs should not be connected and should be able to be used for individual
work and then brought together for group work.
Benefits
There are social benefits to be gained from a good choice of
classroom furniture. With movable tables and chairs, students gain a better
understanding of teamwork and social skills. Also, furniture designed for
specific learning environments is conducive to better learning. If classroom
furniture fits the student and subject, students can better focus on learning.
Monday, 1 December 2014
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Saturday, 22 November 2014
Friday, 21 November 2014
Office Space Planning Services in Gujarat
We are a team of office design, CAD and space planning
specialists able to cover the Vadodara, Gujarat, India. From our Vadodara
office, we can offer solutions to all your office accommodation needs, whether
it be space planning(office design), interior design, or maximising your office
space. Using the latest technology we can redesign your office to make it work
for you.
Our staff can advise exactly how many people could be
accommodated within your site; identify areas that are under-utilised; produce
reports showing what size areas are occupied by each team, and produce
proposals to reduce your costs.
An efficient office design is crucial to the running of an
efficient company and our office design service can transform the way your
business runs. We are able to show you how your office would look if you were
to alter the partitioning layout; giving you options for a more open plan environment,
or perhaps an executive suite, or even flexible partitioning for meeting and
training rooms. Our office design service looks at all aspects of your office,
such as heating, lighting, power and data supply, and we are even able to
produce 3d CAD models and photo-realistic visuals helping you to see how our
designs would transform your space.
Along with our core space planning service we are now able
to offer Office Fit Out Services (office design and build). Our team has many
years of experience that will enable us to make the best use of your office
space, and to complete the project from drawing through to installation.
Whether you need to fit in extra desks, would like to use efficient space
planning to minimise your use of office space, or would like a complete
overhaul, we can help. We are able to incorporate new office environments (such
as hotdesks, touchdown, breakout or even internet cafes) and can use
intelligent space planning (office design) to change the way your staff work
(increasing communication, improving privacy for teams, and even improving
efficiency and productivity).
Planning Office Spaces
Planning
Office Spaces: a practical guide for managers and designers
When planning a new office, designers and their clients are
faced with many challenges and questions. They have to think about practical
issues such as spatial needs, proximity relations, IT infrastructure and
furniture, but also more strategic issues such as occupancy costs,
effectiveness of the working environment, and environmental impact.
One of the most fundamental questions during the briefing
stage concerns the office concept: what kind of office design best suits the
working processes and culture of the organization? Should all employees have
their own workstation or are they going to share desks? Would enclosed offices
or a more open working environment be better? Perhaps a solution that holds the
middle is best? How many and what kind of meeting spaces do we need?
Friday, 7 November 2014
Modular Office Furniture
Big tables and chairs in an office are not really
appreciated by anyone. Nowadays, with the look and feel of an office becoming a
more important aspect to employees and clients, there are a varied range of
furniture and interiors which provide perfect solutions. This not only attracts
your employees and clients, but also gives them a good work environment
henceforth leading to productivity.
Unlike the olden days, where there use to be just two or
three varieties of furniture, now there is a huge range of furniture from a
small chair to a big workstation. This furniture not only gives a look and
feel, but also gives a huge level of comfort and satisfaction. The only hitch
is to select the appropriate furniture which will suit your office. Now, there
is an even better solution where you can opt for modular office furniture. These
types of furniture are designed in such a way that they are easy to fix, re-fix
or repair as the need demands. You can also find a huge variety of colors and
designs in these modular office furniture pieces. As modular office furniture
is light weight, they can be moved from one place to another without
difficulty.
Modular office furniture can play an integral part in an
office. They are cleanly made with just the right dimensions and standard
units. Hence; when you buy this furniture, it will last a very long time. There
are a few things which are to be considered before deciding on modular office
furniture. Basically, need is everything. So, consider all of the furniture
that you will require and how much will be needed. Next is to plan where that furniture
is to be placed. This can give you a fair idea of what size and what design
will fit in to make your office look good. The next important thing is the
cost. Immediately when you think of modular furniture, it gives an image of
very posh furniture which is not affordable to buy. But actually that's not
true. Although they are posh, the cost of this furniture is not too high. You
will be able to get these furniture pieces even at a low price without
compromising on anything.
There are many retailers who manufacture modular office
furniture and they will be able to give you a fair deal. What you have to do is
take some extra time in finding the right person to buy modular furniture for
your office. It is preferable to opt for some retailer who is in your locality
as he might be come to your rescue when you have to repair them when needed.
Thus, modular office furniture not only gives an elegant
look to your office, but also provides a feel of comfort and enhances the
atmosphere which benefits you and your employees. This, in turn, increases the
profit of your organization.
Monday, 13 October 2014
Creating a Comfy Home Office
Creating a
Comfy Home Office
If you have a job that enables you to work from home some
portion of the week, you’re undoubtedly reveling in the joys of not having
lengthy commutes on those days. And beyond the hours saved from traveling, one
of the great benefits of telecommuting is being able to work in the comfort of
your own home – but how do you establish an environment and routine that’s
conducive to getting work done?
There are so many wonderful choices today in home office
furniture. Plus, technology is helping people connect quicker and easier than
ever before, so furnishings are evolving to support that speed and comfort, as
well.
First, figure out what kind of look you want. Do you want it
to match the rest of your décor? Or would you like something that is totally
different – thereby representing more of an “office environment” that doesn’t
feel as comfortable as to dissuade you from being productive.
Pick up a home decorating magazine and tear out some
pictures of offices that you like and take it with you to your local furniture
store – they will guide you through the selection process and make sure that
you have what you need to do the job right.
The end goal will be to have a comfortable chair, plenty of
working space, and an effective environment that lets you focus on what’s most
important – getting the job done well.
Tips for Furniture Shopping
Quick Tips
for Furniture Shopping
Before you head into a furniture store, be prepared to know
what you’re looking for!
·
Identify your personal style. Is it casual,
contemporary, country, traditional or eclectic? (Check out some of the products
under each style category on this site if you need some help).
·
Examine your preferences. Make a list of your
favorite colors, textures and patterns. Do you prefer bold colors or pastels?
Solids, stripes or plaids? Soft, light fabric covers or rich tapestries?
·
Consider your lifestyle. Do you plan to have a
family or already have children? Pets? Are you planning to move soon?
·
Prioritize your purchases. Decide which items of
furniture you want or need most, and buy those first. Then build around them.
· Determine your budget. No matter how much or how little you want to spend, you can find good values that suit your style in any price category.
· Determine your budget. No matter how much or how little you want to spend, you can find good values that suit your style in any price category.
·
Budget your time to suit your shopping style. Do
you enjoy doing lots of research and browsing, or are you an on-the-spot buyer?
Shopping for furniture can be as easy or involved as you want it to be.
·
Explore available resources. Look to home
programs, books, magazines, catalogs, websites and furniture showrooms to
provide inspiration.
·
Keep a scrapbook of furniture styles you like.
·
Take advantage of free services. Many furniture
stores offer such benefits as interior design consulting, room planning guides
and product brochures.
·
Trust your own judgment. Buy what you like, and
don't be afraid to be bold or different.
Have fun and enjoy the process. Furnishing your home to
express your personal style can be one of life's greatest and most enduring
pleasures.
Tips for Fresh Decorating
Quick Tips
for Fresh Decorating
If you want to keep your house looking stylish and fresh,
but you can't afford to redecorate every year, don’t fret!
There are so many inexpensive – but expensive looking – home
furnishings and accessories that can make a bit difference in keeping your
decorations up-to-date.
·
Accessories, like picture frames, vases,
decorative boxes, and lamps, are a wonderful way to update without having to
completely start over.
·
Buy one new piece of furniture at a time. Over
1-2 years, your home will look closer to your ideal (without the heavy price
tag all-at-once).
·
Choose large staple items – like rugs, used
artwork, or plants – that can anchor the look of a room without a big price
tag.
·
Pick up a gallon (or 2) of a bold color, then
pick a wall (or 2) and start painting!
Whether you’re just looking for a quick update or a more
long-term solution, start small – over time, you’ll find that your space is
looking more comfortable than ever.
Love Leather Be Bold
If you like the look and feel of leather, but are afraid you
can't afford it, then you haven’t seen the wide variety of leather products
available to consumers today.
There are furniture manufacturers, who make less expensive
leather upholstery, as well as manufacturers who make synthetic leather – at a
fraction of the cost – that looks and feels like the real thing.
After all, decorating with leather can be done at virtually
any price point – and it’s a pragmatic material. It is easy to care for, cool
in the summer, warm in the winter, and is friendly to kids and pets – crumbs
and dog hair are simple to remove.
Start by visiting a local furniture store and asking to feel
variable leather products in their showroom. You will be able to touch the
various leather options available to determine which feels the best to you.
Then decide what – and how much – you want to decorate with
this fantastic, practical material. Like most things, the more you want of it,
the more it’ll cost. But maybe you don’t need the full sectional sofa and
ottoman in real leather if a side chair is the perfect complement (at a much
more affordable cost).
Ideas for Extra Spaces
Have your kids moved out of the house? Have you upgraded to
a bigger pad recently? Maybe you've got some extra space that you don't know
what to do with it?
Here are some ideas to breathe new vibrancy into those extra
rooms:
·
Create a library complete with big leather
reading chairs
·
Create a yoga room for relaxing and meditating
·
Create a reading room specifically with
oversized sofas and soft blankets
·
Create a hobby studio for all your crafting,
sewing, or scrapbooking projects
·
Create a guest room -- of course!
·
Create a music room, and maybe invest in a grand
piano you can rent for use by local independent teachers
·
Create a home office with a daybed serving as a
guest bed and couch
·
Create a home theater with theatre-style seating
for two
Let us know what YOU did!
Tips for Sofa Shopping
Quick Tips
for Sofa Shopping
To help ensure you're on the right track in searching for
your dream sofa, we teamed up with the Spandan Enterprise to offer you these
shopping tips:
·
Color will be the first element you respond to,
so look for colors that express your personal style.
·
When you find a style that appeal to you, try it
out for comfort.
·
Bounce up and down on the cushions. Make sure it
feels right to you.
·
Wiggle the arms. Do they hold firm, indicating
good workmanship?
·
Lift the frame. Does it feel heavy and sturdy?
·
Examine the fabric. Are the seams straight? Does
the fabric line up properly? Does it feel pleasing to the touch?
·
Check the price. Quality sofas are available in
all price ranges.
·
Measure it. You don't want the sofa to overwhelm
your room, but you also don't want it to be dwarfed by other pieces.
After you've done all your checks, the most important thing
is to follow your heart. If you love it, then it's right for you.
Tips to Maximize Furniture Safety
Quick Tips
to Maximize Furniture Safety
General Guidelines
Furniture surfaces should be smooth and free of splinters or
rough edges. Nails, screws and other joiners should be tight and unexposed. Be
wary of older pieces of furniture that may contain lead paint.
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are not recommended for children under six years
of age. The top bunk should have guardrails on each side, with no more than 15
inches open at each end. Rails should be secure and sturdy, and they should
extend at least 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. The mattress
should be the proper size, as stated by the manufacturer. Always use a sturdy
ladder to access the top bunk, and only one person should be on the top bunk at
a time.
Cribs
Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8
inches apart, and none should be loose or missing. Check to make sure all
screws, brackets and other hardware on the crib is properly installed and
intact. The mattress should fit snugly, with no more than two-finger width
between the edge of the mattress and the crib. Dressers and Chests of
Drawers
Drawers should slide in and out easily. When purchasing
children's furniture, check for automatic drawer stops that prevent the drawer
from falling out on unsuspecting children. Open only one drawer at a time. And
never allow children to stand in open drawers because of the danger of the
piece tipping over.
Bookcases
Be careful not to overload the shelves. In some cases, it
may be a good idea to secure the top portion of the unit to the wall to prevent
it from tipping over, especially if children are present in the home. In some
pieces, especially in youth groups, a shelf unit attaches to a desk or chest.
Always be sure those units are attached properly and securely.
Entertainment Centers
and TV Stands
It's important to use the correct size furniture to house
your television. Because of their weight, especially the popular larger models,
TVs can fall forward if they are not properly supported. Furniture
manufacturers offer a wealth of entertainment centers designed to accommodate
today's electronics, so there's sure to be a piece to suit your needs.
Storage and Toy Chests
Lids should feature safety latches that prevent the top from
falling freely or slamming shut on fingers or a child's head. Lids also should
not lock automatically. If you have an older chest without safety latches, it
is recommended that you contact the manufacturer for a replacement latch or
remove the lid.
Reclining Chairs
Voluntary industry guidelines have made today's reclining
chairs safer, but children should never be allowed to play on the chairs,
particularly when the chair is in a reclined position.
Tips to Care for Indoor Furniture
Quick Tips
to Care for Indoor Furniture
Furniture plays an important part in our lives and in our
homes. That is why it is essential to care for our furniture to ensure its
longevity and cleanliness. By using a little common sense, a little patience
and some elbow grease, our home furnishings will last several lifetimes.
Here are a few basic tips to keep our home furnishings
looking their best:
Cleaning
·
Because dust can be abrasive, always dust with a
soft lint-free cloth that is moistened with polish.
·
Never use soap and water on wood furniture.
·
Use the same type of furniture polish
consistently, as furniture can appear streaky if oil- and wax-based polishes
are mixed.
·
Wipe in a circular motion to loosen old polish,
and buff until it's dry for a perfect finish.
·
A natural bristle paintbrush can be used to dust
intricate designs in wood.
·
Vacuum upholstery (and rotate cushions) once
weekly to avoid fabric problems. You also can use the round brush attachment to
clean wood furniture.
Longevity
·
Avoid exposing wood furniture and upholstery to
continuous direct sunlight to avoid fading and other damage.
·
Protect your wood furniture from humidity by
using an air conditioner in the summer and a humidifier in winter.
·
Place furniture at least 12 inches away from
temperature extremes such as heaters and air conditioners.
·
Use coasters, pads and other protection against
spills and other stains.
·
Gently lift, open and close doors, lids and
drawers.
·
Do not allow cats and dogs on furniture, as they
can be extremely abrasive to furnishings.
Everyday Use
·
Sit only on structures designed for that
purpose.
·
Do not place hot items on a finish that will
melt away or stain.
·
Beware of water from spills and condensation on
drink glasses that can cause damage to coatings.
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