Open spaces work best when they’re designed with intent. The smartest layouts make the most of openness while defining clear zones for work, meetings and downtime- all without the need for walls. Introducing gentle structure through furniture, greenery and texture shapes your space with subtle boundaries that support focus, collaboration and calm across your teams.

Our work

At Broadstone Mill, we refurbished a workspace within a heritage building, remaining respectful of the airy, open mill structure whilst creating a communal environment that can be used by different workers, teams and businesses. Furniture, plants and wall art subtly zone the space, providing different areas for focus. The result is a setting that feels open, welcoming and quietly productive. Read the full case study here.

Why zoning matters

Your workspace may be open-plan by nature, or you may not be able to make structural additions like partition walls. Thankfully they aren’t the only way to define the key areas your business needs. Furniture can create functional, stylish zones that shape how people work and interact:

• Modular storage acts as a natural divider while offering essential storage and display opportunities.
• Soft seating clusters are perfect for breakout or waiting areas, creating visual cues for relaxation and conversation.
• High-back sofas & booths provide acoustic comfort and a sense of retreat in open settings.
• Tables at different heights help define function, from casual catch-ups to collaborative sessions.
• Planters & acoustic panels bring texture and calm, softening sound and adding a touch of biophilic design.

The ranges that make it possible

Chairs with a high back elevate comfort whilst helping to contain sound, dampening the travel of conversations or meetings. Think of a cluster of Pledge’s Toro chairs as a quiet corner that can be created anywhere you need focus or calm.

JDD’s Bob and Penelope meeting pods, offer instant comfort and privacy in beautifully upholstered fabrics. Ideal for private calls and conversations away from a noisy office, no partition wall required.

Imperial’s Matrix modular storage helps to zone workspaces large and small as they can be infinitely customised to offer as much privacy or transparency as needed. Add integrated planter boxes to introduce an instant biophilic element to your workspace.

How we can help

Whether you’re rethinking a single floor or a full building, zoning with furniture can transform how people use and feel about a space. Chat to our interiors team for expert advice regarding furniture and your next interior project.

Curious for more furniture inspiration? You'll find our top picks of versatile furniture for your workplace in our furniture guide, browse it here.

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