
Photos courtesy of Room & Board Business Interiors
The pandemic has reinforced the importance of outdoor spaces, and people are looking to create exterior settings that foster productivity beyond the four walls of an office. “I think everyone was just really surprised at how lovely it is to conduct business outside. As employers reinvent what back to the office looks like, having beautiful, functional outdoor areas in addition to whatever the workspace inside is, can be a real recruiting tool in attracting and retaining great talent. When you have the opportunity to provide a change of scenery, not only does it create a dynamic work environment, but employees reap the added health benefits of being in nature—from reducing stress and blood pressure to boosting mood and concentration, outdoor spaces are good for us,” said Elise Nicpon, national business development manager, Room & Board Business Interiors.
Indeed, Nicpon said there are more sophisticated outdoor furniture options than ever before that can be utilized for work and entertaining. “Our outdoor furniture may look like a typical indoor chair or table, but the construction is completely different. We are using marine-grade plywood and hydrophobic antimicrobial foam and durable outdoor performance fabrics —these materials are intended to be used outside in a range of weather conditions. They are easy to maintain, clean, and resist fading. Fusing Room & Board’s signature residential style with commercial capabilities, our outdoor collection brings a comfortable, modern aesthetic paired with quality and peace of mind.

The lines between indoor and outdoor continue to blur, with elevated design at the forefront. “With materials like outdoor velvets, all of a sudden, the outdoor category has become this whole new frontier which we can explore—there are more colors, more patterns, more textures. Our outdoor assortment is an extension of what interior design can accomplish, because you can create the same great look outside,” she added.
Nicpon recently shared five tips for creating the ideal outdoor office with contemporary pieces from Room & Board Business Interiors.
Don’t Skimp on Comfort
It’s important to select pieces that provide support and comfort, especially seating. “When we think of comfort, we might naturally gravitate toward something that’s more of a lounge chair. However, lounge seating doesn’t really mirror what office seating is like. Outdoor dining chairs are closer to the scale that you want, and it’s easy to add a cushion,” Nicpon explained. After considering seat and arm height, you may want to select a chair with an open-air metal or woven back to keep you cool on the warmest days with the added benefit of being quick-drying on rainy ones. “A lot of outdoor chairs already have a mesh or slatted material, which is going to allow the air to flow,” Nicpon added.
Be Mindful of Work Surface Height and Work Style
The best work surface is one that’s the same height as your desk, such as a small outdoor table. If you need more space to spread out, a dining table is your go-to, with the added bonus that it can also serve as a meeting space, and as a place to serve meals to guests. Monotony can actually give rise to errors, as well as decrease productivity and happiness levels. Switching up your workspace and moving around, even when you are outside of the office, can boost work performance. “A table that’s 29 or 30-inches high is going to be a great solution if you are seated and working. A lot of outdoor spaces will also have little bar tables or counter-height tables, which make perfect standing desks. And we know the health benefits of standing periodically during the day,” Nicpon noted.

Get Organized and Stay Hydrated
Staying organized is the key to a productive workday. Even without a traditional desk, users should keep the tabletop clutter free. “If something is mobile, it makes it easier to stay organized. With most outdoor furniture, you can shift to make space for yourself while you are working. If you are having friends over to barbecue later in the evening, you can rearrange things quickly,” Nicpon said. A bar cart is one of the most versatile pieces for use outdoors. A cart can provide additional surface space for a printer, accessories and a spot for your favorite beverages and snacks—reminding you to stay hydrated. Plus, when work is done, you can wind down after a long day with a cocktail.

Create Shade
Sun protection and screen glare protection are paramount when working outdoors. An umbrella that you can reposition as the sun moves throughout the day is a must-have. Not only will an umbrella keep you cool, but it will also protect your eyes and your skin. “If you have architectural coverage or trees nearby, that’s where you want to be so that you can work in the shade. If you don’t have either of those options, you want to have an umbrella that tilts. With a tilting function, you can continue to move the umbrella throughout the day and really control that light,” Nicpon explained.

Create a Special “Zoom” Space
Ditch the faux Zoom backgrounds and create an original outdoor oasis backdrop and special lounge spot for video calls. A designated ‘meeting’ space allows you to both get away from your desk and focus on a call without distractions. When the call is complete, you can take a break and enjoy some time in nature. “Be mindful of what is behind you and give your Zoom guests a nature boost with a background that incorporates lush greens, flowers, potted plants and/or hedges. And don’t forget ‘light’ positioning, if you are shaded in a way that allows you to easily see your screen, then you already have the best light ever because you are outside. It’s really hard to mimic that daylight inside,” Nicpon noted.