How to Layout Your New Office with Back-to-Back Desks

Setting up a new office can be both exciting and daunting. With the right plan and furniture, you can create a workspace that fosters productivity, collaboration, and comfort. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using dual back-to-back desks, which are ideal for maximizing space and promoting teamwork. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of laying out your new office with dual back-to-back desks, covering everything from planning and measuring to selecting the right desks and arranging them for optimal efficiency.

Step 1: Planning Your Layout

Before diving into the specifics, start by envisioning your ideal office layout. Consider how many people will be using the space, the type of work they will be doing, and any special requirements they might have. Sketch out a rough floor plan to get a sense of where everything will go. Think about:

• Workflow: How people will move through the space
• Collaboration zones: Areas where team members can gather and brainstorm
• Quiet areas: Spaces for focused, individual work

Having a clear plan will help you make informed decisions as you move forward.

Step 2: Measuring Your Space

Accurate measurements are crucial for avoiding frustration later on. Measure the dimensions of your office space, noting the location of windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Pay special attention to:

• Room dimensions: Length, width, and height
• Obstacles: Columns, radiators, or other fixed elements
• Traffic flow: Space needed for easy movement between desks and other furniture

Step 3: Selecting the Right Desks

When it comes to choosing desks, Desky offers excellent options that combine style, functionality, and versatility. Dual back-to-back desks are perfect for creating a collaborative environment while saving space.

Consider the Desky Dual Back-to-Back Melamine Sit-Stand Desk, which allows users to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This flexibility can improve posture and boost energy levels. Another great option is the Dual Back-to-Back Round Melamine Sit-Stand Desk, featuring rounded legs for a sleek, modern look.

Desky desks are available in three sizes to suit different needs: 1200 x 750mm, 1500 x 750mm, and 1800 x 750mm. They also come in a variety of colors to match any office decor: White, Black, Sublime Teak, Select Beech, Burnished Wood, Natural Walnut, Classic Oak, Jarrah Legno, and Prime Oak.

Step 4: Arranging for Productivity and Comfort

Once you have your desks, it’s time to arrange them for maximum productivity and comfort. Here are some tips:

• Face-to-face setup: Position desks so that team members face each other. This encourages interaction and makes it easier to collaborate on projects.
• Spacing: Ensure there is enough space between desks for people to move comfortably. A minimum of 1.2 meters is recommended to prevent a cramped feeling.
• Lighting: Place desks near natural light sources if possible. Natural light can boost mood and reduce eye strain. If your office lacks natural light, invest in quality task lighting.

Step 5: Cable Management

A clean, clutter-free workspace is essential for productivity. Effective cable management keeps your office looking tidy and reduces the risk of tripping hazards. Desky desks often come with built-in cable management solutions, but here are some additional tips:

• Cable trays: Mount under the desk to keep cables off the floor.
• Cable clips: Use to secure cables along the edges of desks or walls.
• Power strips: Place strategically to avoid cable clutter and make plugging in devices easier.

Step 6: Storage Solutions

Incorporate storage solutions to keep your office organized. Here are a few ideas:

• Under-desk storage: Use mobile pedestals or drawers to store personal items and office supplies.
• Shelving units: Install shelves on walls to save floor space and keep frequently used items within reach.
• Filing cabinets: Essential for storing important documents securely and neatly.

Step 7: Personalizing Your Space

An office should reflect the personality and needs of its users. Encourage team members to personalize their desks with items like plants, photos, and ergonomic accessories. Desky offers a range of accessories, including monitor arms, keyboard trays, and desk mats, to enhance comfort and efficiency.

Step 8: Layout Ideas

Here are a few layout ideas to get you started:

• Open collaboration zone: Position dual back-to-back desks in the center of the room to facilitate spontaneous discussions and easy access among team members.
  
  Surrounding this central setup with meeting tables or lounge seating provides informal areas for brainstorming sessions and quick meetings, enhancing the collaborative atmosphere. Adding elements such as mobile whiteboards or flip charts can further support idea sharing and presentations.

• Private workstations: For tasks requiring focused concentration, transforming your office into semi-private workstations is ideal. Use partitions or acoustic panels between dual back-to-back desks to reduce noise and visual distractions, creating a quieter and more private workspace.
  
  This setup maintains the ability to collaborate easily when necessary while offering individual spaces conducive to concentration. Desky’s range of acoustic panels can complement your office decor while improving overall acoustics, making the work environment both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Corner configurations: Maximizing floor space is crucial in smaller offices, and placing dual back-to-back desks in the corners of the room can help achieve this. By utilizing the corners, you free up the central area, providing a more spacious feel and allowing for additional furniture or equipment placement.
  
  This layout ensures easy movement and accessibility, promoting a clutter-free and organized workspace. The central space can then be used for multifunctional furniture like convertible tables or modular seating, making the office adaptable to various activities, from team meetings to individual work. 

Step 9: Maintaining a Clean and Tidy Environment

A well-maintained office contributes to a pleasant and productive work atmosphere. Establish a regular cleaning routine and encourage team members to keep their workspaces tidy. Here are some tips:

• Daily cleanup: Spend the last 10 minutes of the workday tidying up desks and communal areas.
• Weekly deep clean: Schedule a more thorough cleaning of the entire office, including vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing surfaces.
• Declutter regularly: Encourage employees to declutter their desks weekly, discarding or filing away unnecessary items.

Conclusion

Designing a new office layout with dual back-to-back desks can transform your workspace into a hub of productivity and collaboration. By following these steps, you’ll create an environment that not only looks great but also supports your team’s well-being and efficiency.

Whether you choose the sleek Dual Back-to-Back Melamine Sit-Stand Desk or the modern Dual Back-to-Back Round Melamine Sit-Stand Desk, Desky’s range of sizes and colors ensures you’ll find the perfect fit for your office.

With careful planning, effective cable management, and thoughtful storage solutions, your new office will be a place where creativity and productivity thrive. So go ahead, get started on your office layout, and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized, inspiring workspace!