How Furniture Colours Impact Productivity

Colour is frequently used in language to convey complex feelings, phrases such as "feeling blue", "seeing red" or "green with envy" are commonplace.

The colours we surround ourselves with influence our mood, energy levels and even our cognitive functions, but it can often be overlooked in office design.

In this article we will explore the psychology of colour in office spaces; whether it’s desks, chairs, or cabinets, each piece of furniture can contribute to the overall atmosphere and productivity levels in the workplace.

Blue: Calm, Focus and Productivity

Blue is widely regarded as one of the most effective colours for promoting focus and concentration. It’s often associated with calmness, stability and trustworthiness. Studies have shown that blue can lower heart rate and reduce feelings of stress, making it ideal for work environments that require deep thinking, problem-solving and analytical tasks.

If your office is focused on tasks that require long hours of concentration, such as research, writing, or design, incorporating blue furniture—such as chairs, desks, or even filing cabinets—can help enhance productivity and maintain a calm atmosphere.

Best Use: Blue works well in meeting rooms, personal workspaces and quiet areas designed for focused work.

Boston Chairs (Blue and White)

Red: Energy, Motivation and Creativity

Red is a high-energy colour associated with power, passion and excitement. It stimulates the mind and body, increasing heart rate and encouraging action. This makes red a great colour for areas where you want to inspire energy, motivation and creativity.

In an office, red furniture can be used in collaborative spaces, brainstorming rooms or creative hubs where employees need to feel inspired and energised. It can spark creative thinking and encourage a sense of urgency, which can be crucial in fast-paced work environments.

Best Use: Red is ideal for spaces where collaboration, innovation, and brainstorming take place, but recommended to be used in moderation to avoid overwhelming employees.

Canopy Split Level Table in White Oak with Deep Teal legs and Miami red stools

Green: Balance, Harmony and Focus

Green is a colour that evokes a sense of calmness and balance, making it one of the most soothing colours to have in an office. It’s often associated with nature, growth and renewal, and can help reduce anxiety and mental fatigue. Green is known to enhance focus and creativity while promoting a balanced and harmonious work environment.

For an office that requires employees to juggle multiple tasks or collaborate on various projects, green furniture can help maintain mental clarity and promote relaxation. It’s particularly useful for spaces where employees need to stay focused for long hours or in high-pressure situations.

Best Use: Green is ideal for desks, chairs or even wall accents in areas where focus and collaboration are essential.

Gianni Bench Desks in Halifax Oak with Black legs and green screen dividers

Yellow: Optimism, Creativity and Attention

Yellow is often linked to optimism, happiness and intellectual energy. It can stimulate creativity and encourage positive thinking. However, too much yellow can be overwhelming, so it's best used in smaller doses or in areas that need to feel uplifting and motivating.

In the workplace, yellow furniture can be used to inspire new ideas and innovation, making it a great choice for creative teams, brainstorming sessions or collaborative spaces. However, it’s essential to pair yellow with more neutral tones to prevent the space from becoming too intense.

Best Use: Yellow works well for accent furniture in areas designed to boost creativity, such as meeting rooms, lounges or design studios.

Solo Desk in White with Silver legs and yellow desk chairs

Grey: Neutrality, Professionalism and Flexibility

Grey is a neutral and sophisticated colour that can evoke a sense of professionalism and balance. While grey may not be as stimulating as other colours, it creates a calm and organised atmosphere that helps reduce distractions. It’s a versatile colour that pairs well with other hues and complements various office design styles.

In office furniture, grey is often used for desks, chairs and storage units. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows other colours and design elements to stand out. It’s particularly useful for offices with a minimalist or modern aesthetic.

Best Use: Grey is perfect for executive offices, boardrooms and workspaces that need to maintain a high level of professionalism while offering flexibility.

Park Panel End Bench in Concrete and White

White: Cleanliness, Clarity, and Simplicity

White represents clarity, simplicity and purity. It can create a clean and organised atmosphere, which is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. White office furniture is often associated with modern, minimalist design and can help make a space feel more open and airy. However, too much white can feel sterile, so it’s best used in combination with other colours.

Incorporating white furniture in an office space can help increase clarity and organisation, making it an ideal choice for offices that deal with large volumes of information or require a high level of precision.

Best Use: White works well in modern offices, open-plan spaces or areas where cleanliness and simplicity are paramount.

40 Diameter Welded Tables with Tulsa Chairs in white

Choosing the right furniture colours for your office is more than just an aesthetic decision. By embracing the psychology of colour, you can create an office environment that supports your team’s needs and enhances their performance. Get in touch with Hawk Furniture today and we can help you to utilise our MFC and metalwork colour options to transform your workspace.

Recent return-to-work policies have sparked significant discussions across industries. Many companies are navigating the challenge of balancing employee preferences for remote work with the need for in-person collaboration. This shift has profound implications not just for workplace culture but also for the physical spaces where work happens. In this evolving landscape, adaptable office environments are becoming essential for productivity and engagement.

Why Flexibility Matters

Hybrid work models are here to stay. A recent survey revealed that a majority of employees prefer a combination of in-office and remote work and a survey led by Resume Builder found that 72% of the companies have noticed increased revenue when a return-to-office policy has been set. Employers are increasingly recognising that rigid office layouts designed for pre-pandemic routines no longer align with the needs of today’s workforce. The demand for adaptable solutions is growing, driving companies to rethink their office designs.

Designing for the New Normal

To support modern work practices, office environments need:

• Modular Furniture: Easily movable desks, chairs, and dividers that allow for rapid reconfiguration.
• Collaboration Zones: Spaces equipped with whiteboards, shared tables, and lounge seating to encourage team interaction.
• Privacy Solutions: Quiet pods or booths for focused work, phone calls, or virtual meetings.
• Ergonomic Enhancements: Height-adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and dynamic seating options to prioritise employee well-being.

At Hawk, we specialise in designing office furniture that adapts to these evolving needs. Our solutions enable organisations to create spaces that not only reflect their culture but also enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.

Planters with castors could provide the flexibility needed for an adaptable workspace.

The Future of Office Design

As organisations refine their return-to-work strategies, the conversation is shifting from simply bringing employees back to the office to creating spaces that employees want to return to. Office environments must be welcoming, functional, and adaptable.

Investing in flexible office furniture can:

• Boost Engagement: Employees feel empowered when they can choose how and where they work.
• Enhance Collaboration: Teams benefit from dynamic spaces that encourage idea-sharing and innovation.
• Support Wellbeing: Comfortable and ergonomic furniture solutions reduce physical strain and improve morale.
• Increase Space Efficiency: Adaptable layouts maximise the use of available space.

Looking Ahead

The workplace of the future will be defined by its ability to evolve and meet the changing needs of organisations and their people. As return-to-work policies continue to evolve, investing in flexible office furniture is a strategic step toward building environments that foster innovation, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.

Let Hawk Furniture help you to design workspaces that work as hard as your teams do.

As we move into 2025, the world of office design is evolving with exciting new trends that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. These trends reflect a growing need to create spaces that promote wellbeing, encourage creativity and deliver a sense of calm and focus. We are exploring the top interior design trends for 2025 and the way these are being incorporated into the office environment.

Curved Lines

Straight lines have been a staple in office design for decades, but 2025 is seeing a new era of organic shapes and softer lines. Curved furniture, such as desks, chairs and partitions is becoming increasingly popular. The appeal lies in its ability to create a sense of flow and comfort, making office spaces feel less rigid and more inviting. Curved desks and soft-edged meeting tables add a sense of openness to the office while encouraging natural movement and collaboration.

Grid Storage Unit with Wood Panels

Quiet Luxury

The trend of "quiet luxury" is all about understated sophistication. Gone are the days of ostentatious, showy office designs. In 2025, office furniture will shift toward high-quality, timeless pieces that exude quiet elegance. This trend emphasizes quality craftsmanship, clean lines and premium materials without being overtly flashy.

For office furniture manufacturers, this means creating products that offer a refined look with durable, sustainable materials.

Roma Lorenzo Rectangular Desk in Dijon Walnut shown with Portland Operator Chair

Earthy Tones

The demand for earthy tones in office spaces continues to rise as companies aim to create more grounded, calm environments. Shades of terracotta, ochre, deep greens and browns are taking over office furniture and decor, creating a sense of warmth and stability. These hues not only add a sophisticated look to the workspace but also promote relaxation and focus.
Furniture made from natural materials like wood, stone and metal, finished in earthy tones, will align with this trend. Incorporating such colours into desks, chairs and accessories will help to bring a comforting, organic feel into the office.

Force Bench in Clear Lacquer Metal

Biophilic Design

As we continue to prioritize wellbeing in the workplace, biophilic design remains one of the top trends for 2025. This concept focuses on integrating natural elements into the built environment, enhancing productivity and mental health. From indoor plants to green walls and natural wood furniture, biophilic design fosters a connection to the natural world. Furniture that incorporates plant integration or allows for seamless integration of greenery will be highly sought after.

Split Level Canopy Table in Olive Grey Metal and Anthracite Top

Bold Colours

While earthy tones provide a calm and grounding atmosphere, bold colours are making a comeback in 2025 to inject energy and vibrancy into the workspace. Bright oranges, deep blues, rich purples, and vivid reds will start to appear in office furniture, accent walls and accessories. These colours stimulate creativity, making them ideal for collaborative spaces, brainstorming rooms and areas designated for innovation.

Manufacturers should experiment with incorporating bold colour schemes in their designs. Bold chair fabrics, vibrant desk accessories and statement pieces will help to bring an office to life and foster a creative environment.

Phoenix Upholstered Chair

Speak with a member of the Hawk Furniture team today and find out how we can help you to align your workspace with industry trends.

The holiday season often brings added stress, both in personal life and at work. From gift shopping to year-end reports, your office can quickly become a mess. However, with the right organisational furniture solutions, you can create a tidier, more productive environment even during the busiest times of the year. Here are some effective furniture ideas to help keep your office organised during the holiday season.

1. Modular Desk Systems

Modular desks offer flexibility and customisation, allowing you to adjust your workspace based on your needs. During the holidays, you may need more space for wrapping gifts, decorating or extra projects. A modular desk can be expanded or reduced to accommodate these needs without creating clutter.

Modular Reception in White Oak with White Panels

2. File Cabinets with Multiple Drawers

As the year wraps up, you're likely dealing with extra paperwork and end-of-year reports. A well-designed file cabinet can help you keep everything sorted.

Hawk Furniture Storage Range

3. Multi-Purpose Furniture

Multifunctional pieces such as our storage planters provide both vital cupboard space and greenery to freshen up the office.

Porta Bench with Planters

4. Declutter with Minimalist Furniture

If your office feels cluttered because of excess furniture, switching to a more minimalist setup can create a more organised atmosphere.

Hairpin Coffee Table with Boston Chairs

5. Cable Management Furniture

Holiday gift exchanges, virtual meetings and extra gadgets can lead to cable chaos. Furniture designed with cable management systems will help you keep cords under control.

Gianni Bench in Halifax Oak and Black Legs

With the right furniture solutions, it’s possible to keep your office organised and functional during the holiday season, no matter how busy things get. From multifunctional storage to stylish, space-saving pieces, Hawk Furniture can help you create a clutter-free workspace that fosters both productivity and festive cheer.