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IBA Knowledge – Design – Furniture, © RerF / iStock 1830038899
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Quality Criteria for Office Storage Furniture

What to Look Out For

Different elements in a uniform grid system allow a wide variety of combinations
Different elements in a uniform grid system allow a wide variety of combinations
Hinged doors, horizontal tambour, sliding doors or open shelving
Hinged doors, horizontal tambour, sliding doors or open shelving
Crucial for all types of storage: easy access and full usability of the interior space
Crucial for all types of storage: easy access and full usability of the interior space

General Requirements 

  1. GS mark for tested safety
    The GS mark guarantees, among other things, the stability, strength and torsional rigidity of the frame. It also certifies the strength of shelf supports, the durability of hinges and the smooth functioning of pull-outs.
  2. Stable positioning
    To ensure cabinets stand securely, height-adjustable levelling screws are required, which must also be adjustable afterwards. Storage units on castors must be fitted with lockable castors.
  3. Versatile combinations
    Cabinets should be part of a modular system consisting of units of different heights that can be combined in various ways. At the same time, different types of fronts should be available – for example, hinged doors, sliding doors or tambour fronts. This allows cabinets to be reconfigured when required.
  4. Optimal use of space
    The interior of cabinets should be usable across the full width. Fronts, doors and hinges must be designed in such a way that they do not restrict use and allow folders and other materials to be placed and removed without obstruction.
  5. Protection against sagging
    Shelves and top panels must be secured against sagging. The permissible loads are specified in the user instructions.
  6. Noise reduction
    Where pull-out elements (such as filing trays or suspension filing systems) are included, they must operate smoothly and quietly.
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Planning for Changing Needs

Your requirements for office space may change over time. In such cases, it pays to have cabinets and shelving that can be adapted to new needs. Modern storage systems are therefore modular and allow individual elements to be replaced or rearranged.

Additional Functions of Cabinets and Shelving

  1. Screening workstations
    Cabinets can provide visual and acoustic screening for individual desks or groups of desks. For this, the furniture should be at least 140 cm high.
  2. Absorbing sound
    If fronts and/or back panels are fitted with sound-absorbing materials, they can also help to reduce the overall noise level in the office.
  3. Enhancing design
    Cabinets placed between workstations rather than against a wall can bring colour into the office with decorative back panels. With the right finish, these panels can also double as pinboards.
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A useful aid in selecting office cabinets, pedestals and other furniture is the Quality Office certification mark.

Quality Office – The Label for Premium Office Furniture