Colorful fabrics boost office productivity

OFM, an office and school furniture manufacturer and distributor, has released a new in-stock fabric program which can affect office workers’ creativity, productivity and overall mood. The company’s new Elements program has upgraded the upholstery offerings on many of its chairs with new fabrics and vinyls, all of which feature bolder, richer colors and more striking patterns and textures than typical office furniture.“We’ve been taught to think that things like colors and patterns are superficial, but it turns out that they can affect us in profound ways,” says Audrey Barnhill, architect and design sales manager for OFM. “Light and color have long been known to stimulate the brain, which fosters a more creative and productive workplace and overall atmosphere. We can’t say exactly what designs might stimulate individual workers the best, but we believe that by expanding the palette, we can help find what works for them.”
The designs are based in part on recent research which found that a more colorful environment can boost workers moods. OFM’s new collection includes luminescent vinyls that take on a different shade depending on the light and a mix of warm vibrant colors featuring reds, blues and greens, along with designs that exude energy with the movement of the patterns. This includes everything from swirling dots to multi-colored staggered blocks.
“Now that we understand how important color, patterns and texture are, we should do everything we can to expand the range of options,” Barnhill said. “By having a colorful palette varied by the latest styles, we are offering more options to our dealers who in turn can offer more to everyday end users.”