An explanation and review of the terms used to describe office chair on our website and others.

Synchro, Synchronised mechanism, Synchro tilt.
As you realease the back from the upright position the back will move at twice the rate as the seat moves, thereby increasing the angle between the torso and the upper legs. This encourages an angle of greater than 90 degrees between the upper and lower part of the body encourages good blood flow and greater comfort

Back tension adjustment, Tension control
Most good office chairs will allow you to adjust the tension of the back mechanism to a rate that is proportional to your weight. In most cases this occurs via a wheel under the seat pan. In some of the more advanced chairs this is offered as a side control.

Forward Tilt, Forward seat angle
This is a mechanism that allows the chair to tilt forward, increasing the angle of the lower and upper part of the body. This reduces pressure on the spine in particular when leaning forwards.

Tilt lock
Some chair only lock in the upright position others lock in multiple positions and yet others lock in infinite positions. Sitting no longer means standing still and multi tasking is here to stay. A chair that locks in a number of positions will help you with the variety of your daily tasks. Providing support at different angles.

Height Adjustable arms, Height and Width adjustable arms Drop down Multipurpose arms
The growth of IT was matched by the growth and the increase in sophistication of the office chair. In many cases RSI (repetitive strain injury) was brought on through endless hours on the keyboard with no support to the lower arms. Adjustable arms have the flexibility to give this support no matter the size, shape or position of the user. Height and width adjustable arms give greater flexibility while drop down arms are useful for tasks that don’t need this support and also allow the chair to be pushed under the desk at the end of the day. Whatever the choice when buying an office chair always look for flexibility. Even in a small office it is unlikely that the chair will be used by just one person over its lifetime

Seat height adjustment

The British Standard for VDU use requires that the office chair should have back and height adjustment as a minimum. All chairs should provide this height adjustment and this is normally via an inert gas lift and a side entry lever. The lever is almost always on the right hand side of the chair.
Forward seat slide seat depth adjustment

Allows the seat of the chair to change in depth to accommodate taller people. Again with flexibility in mind this is a good feature to have. Continued support along the thighs means that you are more likely to sit in the correct position with your lower back supported by the back rest.

Waterfall edge
At the front of the seat a waterfall edge will reduce pressure on the thighs

Contoured cushions
When choosing a chair the level of comfort and support is important. Chairs which are too soft or hard will not give sufficient support. Anatomically shaped cushions will offer the correct support in the areas of the body that most need it.

Adjustable lumbar support
Many chairs on the market offer this is different ways
The most common is the lumbar pump this is either incorporated into the backrest as in the Erik chair or via a hand pump connected by a tube. This allows the user to pump air into a cushion within the lower pat of the back of the chair to provide greater and greater support as the chair will mimic the shape of the lower spine.

A simple adjustable bar within the lower part of the back as on the Harmony chair which can be raised and lowered will provide this support in a less sophisticated but equally effective way. Uniquely the Therapod series of chairs provides a series of straps throughout the length of the back rest allowing greater and lesser support across the whole height. At the other end simplicity is the key with the Corrigo chair which limits support to just the spinal area leaving the shoulders and most of the back free to promote flexible working.

Centre Tilt, Box Tilt
This mechanism is found on many executive models. The chair tilts from a single pivot point normally at the centre of the seat pan to allow rocking. With your feet on the ground this will improve blood flow.

Free Float, Permanent contact mechanism
Nearly all chairs will provide this; and it simple means that when the back lock is released the backrest will support your back as you move to an angle greater than 90 degrees.

Five star base
A minimum requirement for swivel chair is a stable 5 star base, this is a through back to around 25 years ago when some chairs were made with only 4 stars and were prone to topple.

Back height adjustment
Most office chairs will have a height adjustable back via a ratchet mechanism. This can usually be operated from the sitting position and allows the user to place the back of the chair fin a position where it will offer the most support

I have been selling office chairs for 22 years and have seen many changes, I can see that the office chair has evolved as our workplace has evolved. In my early days when the word workstation was coined, the spend on the desk was around ten times the spend on the chair. Now rightfully we spend more on our chairs.
Many of the latest models being produced feature thinner more square shaped backs, this is because we want support to our back and shoulders but as we multi task we want this support and differing angles

Mesh back chairs brought on by the Aeron chair have come to the fore, they look cool but more importantly they promote air circulation and as our Summers get hotter so will the heat build up between the users back and the chair and we get sweaty. A good mesh chair will help prevent this. Our most popular at the time of writing is the Enjoy chair

In an effort to offer choice and value at Simply seating we continually refine the chairs we offer both in terms of looks, function and upholstery the price is always important but if you are not buying for yourself or sometimes even if you are then the key is flexibility

An inexpensive way to landscape the office and reduce noise office screens or office dividers are available in a comprehensive range of fabrics, laminate, acrylic and glass.
The screens we provide are sourced across Europe and Scandinavia as well as screens they are made here in the Westcountry

D150 Screens
These screens feature the E link hinge system which allows easy and flexible linking and easy folding. These screens are perfect when space is at a premium and the screens are only available for temporary use. D150 are available in perforated beech wood finish, silver laminate, polycarbonate, acrylic as well as a number of fabric options.
Slim line screens with Aluminium frames D150 screens come with a five year manufactures warranty and are made in accordance with ISO 9001 2000 quality assurance certification and ISO14001 standard for environmental control.
Normal lead times for D150 screens is 3-4 weeks from order
Contract screens
Our range of contract screens are made here in the UK. Local flexibility means we are able to offer screens in special sizes and have undertaken bespoke work in this are for many of our clients. These screens come with a choice of PVC trim, extremely comprehensive range of fabric options and dumbbell linking. This flexible method of linking screens together means the screens can be easily linked together at any angle.
Contract screens are 25mm thick and are available within 2 weeks of order.
Very economical desk top screens and semi glazed screens are also available from this range
Deluxe Screens
These economical screens feature stylish slim line aluminium posts with matching plastic trim on the top of the screen. There are change of height screens and desk top screens are available and recently launched a range of wood effect laminate screens in oak, beech, maple cherry and walnut. Special sizes are available. Deluxe screens are manufactured in the UK and are normally available in 3-4 weeks from order.
Pratiko Lite
Extruded Aluminium profile screens available in Wood effect and plain coloured laminates, fabrics and polycarbonate. Available in four heights and four widths. Curved and split combinations screens are also available. Goal post screens are particularly useful for positioning between desks. As the lower section is open this not only saves money but permits the passage of cables between desks as well as increasing air circulation. Pratiko lite screens come with an integral accessory rail to allow a range of letter and stationery trays to be hung off the screen. Screen shelves and worktops allow the creation of call centre and reception areas. The creative use of curved Pratiko lite screens allow some exciting office configurations and cubicles.
Alumi screens are made in Sweden. Designed by Nina Jobs they have excellent sound insulation. The void of the screen is filled with is filled with mineral wool acoustic material. On the outside of both faces of the screen there is a special felt material which had additional sound insulation qualities. The felt is available in a number of patterns and is available in different colours The screen is manufactured according to IS0 9000 quality assurance and ISO 14001 Environmental standards. Alumi screens are made from recyclable materials
Sinus screens are curved wooden screens that have a great aesthetic effect and particularly useful in reception areas. Available size is 160mm and width 700m Sinus
Is available in Birch or Walnut veneer or painted finishes Red, Orange, Yellow or White. as standard
Sinus can be spayed to any specified RAL colour

Flexi screens
These wooden slat screens are available in Beech, Oak, Maple or Silver. The slats can roll into a tube for easy storage and are also available as a change of height screens. A useful way to create temporary meeting or break out spaces very quickly and inexpensively. Flexi screens are manufactured in the UK and are available within 4 weeks from order.

Laminated MDF Screens
Available in Formica fundamental finishes to can create bespoke shapes and sizes to suit a variety of applications. These screens can be connected together by means of a heavy duty hinge mechanism
Lead time for these screens is normally 2-4 weeks from order

This year Prima is based at the Business Design Centre in Islington London from the 3rd to 5th of June
Prima is the annual event for suppliers into the commercial interior design marketplace
The event is always well supported by the office furniture industry and these year will prove no exception
The following are some of the exhibitors
Allermuir suppliers of contract furniture to the leisure industry and reception seating  and now part of the Senator group

Transition seating. Office seating company based in Bristol and part of the Alpha Marketing group in Ireland. A newly created division with some fresh office chairs and soft seating

Antocks Lairn. Now part of the Ness Group and supplies  contract furniture to the Leisure market as well as office furniture,. Recent product launches include a new bench system called Bureau

Boss Design the Dudley based office seating company who offer contemporary and hi-design products

Bulo the Belgium based executive and office furniture manufacturer

Camira the largest suppliers of upholstery to the office furniture Industry

CMS Ergonomics the Wantage suppliers of components to the office seating industry

Colebrook Bosson Saunders Suppliers of office ergonomic products such as flat screen arms and CPU cradles

Connection UK formerly known as Connection seating with contemporary soft seating
and office chairs

Dd Spanish suppliers of contract furniture

Dieteker Swiss based manufacturer of office seating

DPG Form fittings Leading supplier of cable management include the Affinity and Eclipse through desk cable  management systems

Edge design or Edge seating, the cotemporary seating Company who are a division of Pledge

Frem. Manufactures of bespoke boardroom tables and reception desks

Frezza the Italian office and executive office furniture Company

Girsbereger the German office seating company

Hands the High Wycombe based manufacturer of executive furniture and reception desks

Interstuhl German office seating Company who will be showing their new and very well received Silver chair series

Maine Office who manufacture metal storage cupboards with a UK base in Kings Langley Herts.

Morris furniture Office furniture manufactures based in Glasgow

Nomique a soft seating manufacturer based in Telford who will be launching two new products the Smile and the Ebb & Flow

Orangebox  one of the few true UK based manufactures of office seating, based in Hengoed Wales

Rackline Cheshire based suppliers of office and mobile storage systems

Railex who also supply metal storage cupboards and metal mobile storage solutions

Screens at Work manufacture office screen solutions from a basic multipurpose screen to a Aluminium frames acoustic screen

Templestock high density storage, filing systems and hot desking products from their base in Birmingham

Verco based in High Wycombe one the UK’s oldest office chair manufacturer

The times of the Exhibition are

Tuesday 11am – 8pm
Weds 11am-10pm
Thurs 11am-4pm

Cable management
At time when glass desks and minimalist styled office furniture come to the fore then in order top preserve the aesthetic we should look at how cables can be tided discreetly from view.
Spiral cableways have a spring expansion from 150mm to 1300mm and are useful when required for height adjustable desk. They are easily located with a single screw fixing and the base is weighted for stability.

The more traditional Cableway allows for the segregation of power and data and is a more robust version than Spiral. It can be used on horizontally or vertically to carry cables to any given point underneath the desk. It comprises of detachable segments to allow customised lengths.

A simple cable basket is also available for horizontal runs underneath the desk which can be adapted for all types of office furniture

A favourite through desk solution especially for boardroom tables is the affinity power module. This is a rectangular spring assisted flip top module and can incorporate, power, data and voice in customized variations. This keeps cables and away from the boardroom table surface creating a clutter free environment.

The Eclipse is a circular version of the Affinity units which is easier to install and will table up less space than the Affinity module 

Cable management solutions for office furniture can be viewed at our cable management section

Alternatively please contact us if you have a specific requirement.

Kompass
Executive and open plan office furniture available in comprehensive shapes with options of legs style and desk top finish available from our Italian suppliers in 3 weeks.

30mm thick desk top finishes are Beech, Light grey or Walnut, there are optional cupboards with doors and drawer fronts in Blue, Yellow or Aluminium silver. 3mm anti shock PVC edging with ridged effect enhance the substantial feel of this office furniture

Popular and matching office storage solutions in three heights with single and double doors in wood finish, smoked or aluminium framed glass.
Double and single ergonomic wave desks are ideal for compact desks that are required for heavy VDU use environments

Super size corner desks 1600mm x 1600mm and 1800mm x 1800mm  are a popular option and provide exceptional value money, especially with the opportunity to share legs in combined situations. These desks are flat packed but it is essential to check access when ordering office furniture of this size

If used as executive office furniture Kompass has a range of meeting ends, desk links and returns to accommodate a workstation solution in any space no matter how confined

There is also a very economical reception desk to compliment this range of office furniture details of which can be found at kompass reception desk                              

A downloadable pdf catalogue for the Kompass range of office furniture can be found at kompass office furniture

 
The catalogue for Kompass storage solutions can be found at Kompass storage cupboards

Case Study

Debenhams Call Centre project 2004

A few years ago one of our first projects was the supply of new call centre desks and associated office furniture to the head office of Debenhams plc in Taunton

B4 Double wave desks in Maple from Morris office furniture, Oise chairs from Office Chairman, Lockers from Bisley, Soft Seating from Incatext and Orangebox

Andy Clements Facilities Manager

“Office Reality carried out a major piece of work for Debenhams Retail PLC. This involved the provision of almost 100 workstations including the relocation of existing furniture

The installation had to happen within strictly defined timescales so as to minimise so as to minimise the impact to the business function concerned. The program was complicated, not only by the fact that the new furniture had to match the existing desks but also the whole move had to be co-ordinated with provision of date cables and power.

 Throughout Paul Seddon worked tirelessly to ensure that his team completed the job to his high standards and any issues communicated effectively and thus quickly overcome.

Aftercare was equally as effective but any snagging issues were minor

Having had this good, painless and cost effective experience I have no hesitation in recommending Office Reality as a company and supplier.”

We as a company have moved on from this and have completed major office furniture projects across the UK here is a list of some of them

ICI Data  Manningtree Essex

The Jewellery Channel Hampton Middx

Mothercare Watford

Thompson Financial London

TD Waterhouse Leeds

Acorn Engineering Slough

Double Click London

Catlin Scott London

Robertson Construction Fort William

Holland and Barret Burton on Trent

Options technology London

HSBC Cardiff

London Borough Of Southwark

We support these projects with a comprehensive design service and we have 3 teams of professional office furniture installers throughout the UK 

Impact desks, storage and meeting tables represent the best in value and can be with you in 5-7 working days. Most importantly the prices we offer include installation. Take the heat out the project and let us worry about getting the furniture into position from the ground floor, building it and removing the packaging.

Quality office furniture with metal to metal fixings with a choice of Oak, Maple or Beech desks, filing cabinets cupboards and bookcases

Economies of scale mean that we won’t worry if its one desk to Inverness or 50 desks to central London we have and we will take it on, exceeding expectations and providing unbeatable value for money and service.

Impact office furniture also has three choices of leg frame 3mm PVC shock resistant edging

A downloadable pdf catalogue can be found at http://www.officereality.co.uk/workstations.php

Edison reception desk

A cost effective modular reception desk, available in Walnut, Mahogany, Maple, Wenge, White or Silver we have provided this solution to many clients throughout the UK

Using a relatively small number of modular curved and straight elements we can provide reception desks of many different shapes creating stunning reception designs at a very cost-effective price.

There is also a desk height option responding to disability requirements, available as a straight or curved section. Uniquely the reception fronts can stand as a freestanding element providing a stand up option for a “meet and greet” facility.

Counter tops are provided in glass or matching laminate

Full specification and a downloadable catalogue for the Edison reception desk can be found at http://www.officereality.co.uk/reception-desk-8.php

Recent installations include

Grove End House London NW8

King Sturge Exeter

University of Arts London W1

Centaur Communications London W1

Academy Dental Cardiff

Australian Portfolio Wines London W1

Holmdale School Kent

Skanska Woking

Air Charter Services Derby

Rawlplug Glasgow

As with all our reception desk and office furniture solutions we offer a free design and space planning service in support of our proposals.

Edison is available as a contemporary and stylish range of executive office furniture including desks, cupboards, glass and wood finish boardroom tables.

Please download a pdf catalogue at http://www.officereality.co.uk/executive-office-furniture-2-1.php

Damian

Office furniture design team

Clearance

We started this section whilst in Poland with one of our suppliers. In order to make way for new office and reception chairs they needed to move products out of their UK warehouse. So critical had the timing become that they considered moving these brand new office chairs to landfill.

After agreeing very keen prices we truly didn’t look for an immediate financial return in the belief that value prices for brand new products combined with free delivery would carry the day and increase the popularity and traffic to our web site. That it did, we cleaned out this supply in a matter or weeks and have now been on a continuous two year search for additional office furniture and office seating products at clearance prices. Office chairs still dominate this line with fabric and leather options always available. However keep looking and you will find good quality desks, glass desks, office sofas and tub chairs all at giveaway prices.

You will find all over the web claims of special offers and clearance items but you will not find better value or a greater change in what we offer.

The clearance section has become the most popular section of our website both with new and returning visitors and sends a message that throughout our web sites you always find good value and choice.

Paul Seddon

Avant-garde, stylish and perhaps even breathtaking this is Arkitek

Whether as stand alone executive desk, bench system or boardroom table this new range will not look out of place.

The aluminium frame provides flexibility to generate bench modules of ever increasing length. The central beam provides strength and support and an anchor point for office accessories such as glazed screens.

Tops in compact laminate, 25mm melamine and frosted or coloured glass, frames in chrome, white and silver offer fantastic choice options

Cable management solutions are available; the importance of hiding cables to preserve the minimalist design cannot be over stated. This is provided by an integral cable tray across the full length in the 2 way and 4 way shard workstation desks

Modesty panels are available in polished aluminium or glass and a series of circular and rectangular meeting tables can be provided.

Block is a range of complementary storage cupboards and credenzas, mobile and static that complements this range

Manufactured by our supplier partners in Spain we can normally achieve a delivery within three week from order. Arkitect is manufactured to European Standards for office furniture in a factory that has been awarded ISO 14001 1996 Global Environmental standard  

Outstanding office furniture and great value has always been the twin pillars of our success and we are proud to offer this new range to end users and specifiers of office furniture. Please contact us for more information on this exciting range.

Links Arkitect http://www.officereality.co.uk/executive-office-furniture-22.php

Block http://www.officereality.co.uk/executive-storage-15.php