Commercial spaces need to consider both their exterior and interior presence in order to most effectively impact customer perception and improve visitors’ experience. Your business does not need to invest in sweeping, costly changes in order to make an impression. Rather, something as simple as privacy partitions can completely change how a business looks, feels, and operates.
However, to make an informed decision, you need to understand which material will work best in your specific scenario. No two businesses are alike, so copying someone else’s strategy is a quick way to invest in a solution that does little to boost your space.
Here are the best privacy partition materials for commercial interiors in general, along with some insight into their most common applications.
Glass
Glass has become one of the most popular materials for privacy partitions for numerous reasons. It feels modern and sleek, contributing to a business’s identity as a forward-thinking industry leader. Glass can also inhibit sound, depending on its thickness, improving day-to-day comfort for workers and visitors.
However, most businesses overlook glass because of its opacity; how can a completely see-through material help with privacy? In reality, many types of glass treatments are available to provide varying levels of privacy.
Frosted glass, for instance, conveys the same modern look while obscuring anything behind it. Patterned glass can contain both entirely frosted and completely transparent sections, creating a compelling visual that offers privacy without locking a space completely behind an impenetrable screen.
The main challenges with glass are its durability and weight. Glass can be extremely heavy, making frequent panel rearrangement a challenge. It is also vulnerable to damage from blunt force. While thick, high-quality partitions are unlikely to shatter, they can still chip or crack.
Metal
Like glass, metal is prized for its sleek, professional look. From shimmering bronzed edges to the shine of stainless steel, few materials convey innovation and industry like metal. Many commercial entities value metal for its ability to completely obscure a space. Unlike glass, which may still allow shadows to pass through, metal furnishes a distinct approach to space and depth.
Metal surfaces are versatile and easily customizable. They can be printed with patterns or manufactured with textures, which can assist with noise control. They are also simple to adjust in shape, with many metal privacy partitions featuring refined curves, waves, and overhangs to perfectly capture the aesthetic identity of a business. Metal is easy to clean, reducing maintenance challenges.
However, metal is prone to denting, and these dents can be difficult to fix. Some types of metal can also be scratched, so they are best used in places with low activity.
Wood
Few privacy partitions can match the comfortable, rustic aesthetic of wood. This natural material evokes a sense of safety, home, and fresh air, which can add a sense of serenity and calm to your space. This is why wood is often used in areas where guests may experience increased stress, such as doctors’ offices, municipal buildings, and other professional facilities.
Wood is highly durable, although it can be susceptible to scratches. It can also be budget-friendly and completely obscures an area, adding sound-dampening qualities (especially if carved with patterns). Simply avoid areas with high moisture, and you can enjoy your wooden partitions for years to come.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a type of solid plastic that many businesses are selecting in order to reduce the challenges associated with managing their privacy partitions. It can be made in almost any color or pattern, allowing maximum creativity to fit your space’s exact aesthetic. It is also an affordable and lightweight option, which makes use simpler for both the budget and the employees who must set up the privacy area.
However, most companies appreciate HDPE privacy partitions for their longevity. The material is highly water-resistant, making it suitable for some applications that other partitions cannot sustain. It is difficult to scratch and easy to clean, so you can expect to enjoy your HDPE partitions in like-new condition for many years with minimal maintenance.
Create a Perfectly Curated Space
If your company is looking for privacy partitions, whether to create a space within a space or to block off an important nook, selecting the right material is essential. Even the best privacy plan can quickly go awry if the wrong materials are used, so consider not only your aesthetic but also your budget, functional needs, and the frequency with which you will need to move the partitions when making your choice.
The team at Tree Towns can help you create a custom privacy partition that suits your office’s visual identity without compromising on quality. Contact Tree Towns to get started on an order that is personalized for your needs!