Office design is not just about aesthetics – it directly impacts productivity, well-being, and the company’s image. Yet, despite the best intentions, some organizations make mistakes that range from amusing to downright disastrous.
In this article, we explore the most surprising blunders seen in workspaces, helping you avoid falling into these traps. Some will make you smile, while others may make you seriously rethink your own design choices.
When design takes over functionality
Some companies focus so much on aesthetics that they completely forget about the actual use of the space.
“Instagrammable” but impractical offices
It’s not uncommon to see companies invest in impressive decor to wow visitors… but that quickly becomes a daily nightmare. Common examples include:
- Ultra-glossy glass desks where fingerprints are always visible.
- Designer chairs that no one wants to sit on for more than 20 minutes.
- Futuristic open spaces with no storage, leaving files piled up everywhere.
An office should look good, but above all, it must be functional for the people who spend eight hours a day working there.
Lighting: from disco vibes to dark caves
Lack of natural light
Placing workstations far from windows or blocking the only sources of natural light with huge cabinets is a common mistake. The result: tired employees, reduced concentration, and lower productivity.
Harsh neon lights
On the other hand, some offices shine as bright as supermarkets. Strong white neon lights placed directly above desks cause headaches, visual stress, and a cold atmosphere.
“Creative” experiments
We’ve also seen cases where companies install colored lights (blue, purple, red) to “energize” the space. The effect is often the opposite: a nightclub feel, nearly unbearable during serious meetings.
Furniture: when cheap becomes expensive
Desks too small or too big
A classic mistake: ordering online without checking actual dimensions. The result?
- Desks that don’t fit the allocated space.
- Or, conversely, desks so small that the monitor and keyboard take up all the room.
Low-quality furniture
“Cheap furniture” is a common trap. Wobbly tables, chair wheels breaking after three months, peeling finishes… These short-term savings quickly become costly in replacements and damage to your company’s image.
