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Many modern office designs use modular furniture. And why not? Many desks, tables and other pieces now come in easy-to-assemble parts and can be configured to fit the available space. A cubicle is a typical example of modular office furniture.

We are all familiar with office cubicles – those partially enclosed workspaces, open on one side for access and separated from other cubicles by partitions. These are usually found in offices with an open floor plan. At the same time, cubicles provide privacy for workers to do their tasks without distractions.

Cubicles are configurable and can be accessorized to suit the user’s needs. Add-ons include overhead bins, drawers and bulletin boards. Because many brands have holes and hooks, traditional desktop accessories such as penholders and magazine racks are now finding their way to cubicles’ vertical surfaces. Despite the variety in configuration and accessories, there are two basic types of cubicles: panel-mounted and freestanding.

A panel-mounted cubicle is where components such as desks, tables and file cabinets are mounted directly on the panels. It can be equipped with internal power options, and tend to be taller than the other type of cubicle. This gives greater noise reduction and privacy to users.

For freestanding cubicles, separate panels are placed around furniture. This makes installation and configuration easier, since there is no need to buy additional desks, tables and other accessories if these are already available. This system works with furniture that you already have.

References to “cube farms” abound in popular culture such as movies (Tron, Wanted) and comic strips (Dilbert). This term refers to offices filled with cubicles, and, although humorous, tends to have negative connotations. The uniformity of a cubicle-filled layout may be seen as blandness and, depending on the panel height, may give an impression of isolation.

Office cubicles need not be bland, as there are a variety of ways to make them a more comfortable place to work. Placing plants, putting up motivational quotes or pictures with family and friends are some decorating ideas that personalize your workspace. Keep in mind, however, that decorative items used should not be degrading to or disrespectful of co-workers, and to use restraint so as to be within the bounds of professionalism.

Being a type of modular office furniture, cubicles allow great flexibility in terms of office layout and many opportunities for self-expression to users. Aside from being available in a variety of designs and materials, they can be bought refurbished or as clones of established brands. With creative design and purchase choices of office cubicles, companies can provide their workers with productive and efficient workspaces while saving money overall.

If you are seeking out convenient and flexible office cubicles for your company, there are plenty of options. And if you want to have variety in the way your cubicles are arranged, modular office furniture is a good choice.