Upscale environment: creating the right look and layout for your office.

• Position: How-To GUIDE

With a little planning, the layout and style of your office furniture can keep your employees productive and comfortable for years to come. Office furniture should not be an impulse buy. Just like a new car, what looks good today may not look so great five years from now. Remember that your employees will be spending eight to 10 hours each day in their business surroundings, so take the time to find the best fit for your business. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your investment.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

1. Partner with a reputable office furniture dealer. Big-box retailers and warehouse stores sometimes offer inexpensive office furniture, but looks can be deceiving. This furniture is typically built for home office use, and will not stand up to the rigors of a 40-hour work week. Professional office furniture dealers offer services such as space planning, color consultation and reliable delivery and installation. Your office furniture dealer will often offer some of these services for free. Most importantly, you will find more selection, higher quality and knowledgeable salespeople.

2. choose your office furniture a few months before you move in. Commercial grade office furniture is typically built-to-order. If you wait until the last minute to purchase your desks and chairs, you will most likely have to settle for something that is less than perfect. A well-designed workspace takes time, and you will find more selection and better quality if you plan ahead. When time is not on your side and you have to get your office up and running quickly, some office furniture dealers have a small selection of office furniture available for delivery within a week.

3. Invest in a good chair. While you may not want to break the bank on top-of-the-line office chairs...