The Shape of Office Furniture Shapes How We Think

What’s going on ‘round here? Things have been shaping up quite nicely for rounded office furniture recently, as the style of curved furniture definitely seems to be trending right now. There could be two reasons for this.

First, new research has revealed that curved, rounded office furniture – as opposed to sharp edged furniture – has been linked with positive emotions, greater productivity, and creativity. Along with this, MRI research accurately shows that we process circular objects as more beautiful.

Oh, and how could we forget reason number two? We’ve all accidentally hip checked a pointy office desk corner… ouch! This may be the only love-hate relationship we have with office furniture.

Outside of the wonderful world of corporate environments, places like Starbucks have also latched onto this trend. Ever noticed how the oh-so jubilant java shop has many round tables as opposed to square edged ones? They believe rounded tables make you feel less lonely while sitting by yourself, and believe they give off a more comfortable, homey feel.

While this may appear to be a new and trending concept, let’s refer to some literature, shall we? Does the title “King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table” ring a bell? That’s right, King Arthur knew a thing or two more than just battling Romans. While typical conference tables may seem to have a “head of the table” it’s said that the king of Camelot wanted to implement more collaboration and emphasize that everyone is of an “equal status.” So, he insisted on a rounded table as opposed to square.

There you have it ­– if a legend from centuries ago implemented it and OstermanCron is talking about it, then it must be true. Right now in the OstermanCron Showroom, Kimball Office has rounded up some curvaceous pieces of their own. Really though – if you’ve kept your eyes peeled in trendy restaurants, in your friend’s home who you label as the “edgy fashionista with good taste,” and of course in the OstermanCron showroom, there’s a good chance that you’ve found some round.