Un-clutter an office work space by installing wall units.
Office wall units typically hold books, binders, and piles of paper. With the ongoing miniaturizing of technology components, they may also contain PCs, printers, and network routers. Many have the desk and other work surfaces built in. To configure the ideal wall unit for an office, consider what will be stored and displayed to achieve the ideal balance between cabinets and shelves. Does this Spark an idea?
Built-in Units
Whether the office style is traditional or nouveau, when installing a built-in remember to provide for electrical outlets and ways to run wires for computer(s) and accessories, as well as adequate venting for keeping them cool. Built-in units can be wrapped around two or more walls, be massive with a full-sized desk as part of the construction, or studio-apartment small with a fold-up desktop. Standard configurations have cabinets along the bottom and shelves above desktop level, but function dictates design and cabinet number and location is flexible. Based on design style, build with wood, metal, plastic even wicker; consider recycling old kitchen cabinets and shelving.
Free-standing Units
There are dozens of styles of and materials used for shelving and cabinet units. These components are modular in most cases and can be rearranged if desired. In large spaces, place a free-standing desk a few feet out from the wall units and make them the backdrop; when possible, use free-standing units that have additional desk-level work surface built in. For a sleek, contemporary look which works well in multi-use spaces, use a table for the desk so it can be used for dining and the wall-unit work surface can double as a buffet. Have fun with color when designing a free-standing wall unit configuration because the sections are portable and easy to paint. From wire mesh cubes to wooden ladder-style mini-units, plastic cabinets on casters to reconditioned tool boxes, there's a style and configuration to suit any space and budget. Hang shelves and cabinet boxes on chains from the ceiling, or consider using furniture that was designed for another purpose. China hutches, for example, make good office wall units.
Converted Closets
A standard reach-in closet makes a great office wall unit. Modular components manufactured specifically for the office that are less than 2 feet deep fit perfectly in a closet; or custom built-ins can be used. Most reach-in closets do not have electrical outlets, so they do need to have power run to them; louvered doors provide ample cooling ventilation for computer components. Because the entire office "mess" is behind closed doors when not in use, this design can be done quite inexpensively with open shelving units and a cut-down door for a desk. Companies that specialize in recycling store and hotel furniture from remodels stock all sorts of shelving, cabinetry and work surfaces; for cost-effective desk and wall units investigate their products.
Tags: wall units, wall unit, electrical outlets, work surface, work surfaces