Some of the best businesses in the world have begun their journey to greatness during difficult economic times. Microsoft, CNN, Burger King, FedEx and HP all got their start when things were bad. If you're looking to expand your business, it's a great time. Commercial and retail space is very inexpensive right now, highly qualified labor is easy to find and start up costs are low. If your business is ready to move to a new level, here are some tips for getting your new office set up.

The basics
Ramping up a business can be an expensive undertaking if not done properly. The key to controlling the costs of setting up an office is to select office furniture that is actually needed, rather than fills the space available. If you set your office space up correctly, you can always add more furniture and workstations later.

Workstations
Workstations are a basic need of most offices. Be sure that you get office furniture that is modular, so you can have more flexibility in creating office spaces for your employees. Often you can get good deals on modular panels that can be used to make workstations that vary in size by the employee's position in the company or needs. Obviously, the furniture in the workstation is essential for productivity. Desks, chairs and other furniture must be comfortable. Everything should be within easy reach and the height of the keyboard and the monitor should not only follow ergonomic best practices, but OSHA guidelines for office furniture and workspaces.

Cabinets and shelves
Obviously, your employees will need to manage files and have access to resources, manuals, books and publications. These should all be easy to reach from their chair. Using a U-shaped or L-shaped layout maximizes efficiency, allowing employees to access materials from their wheeled office chair without having to get up.

File cabinets
Ideally each employee should have at least one file drawer in their office. Groups can share file cabinets in centralized locations if the information they have isn't sensitive. This will save you money and space for other furniture in each person's workspace.

Meeting rooms
Your meeting rooms should be furnished with furniture that is comfortable and which promotes small group discussion. The conference table should allow everyone to see one another without constantly leaning back and forth. Be sure the table isn't so large that you can't have additional chairs along the walls for meeting drop-ins.

Reception area
The furniture in your reception area says everything about who you are. Think for a moment about coming to a vendor's office and seeing folding chairs and a folding table. What message does that send? Be sure that the furniture is attractive, cohesive and sends the right message about who you are as a company. Be sure your reception desk is easily identifiable and the waiting room should be within eyesight of the receptionist for security and control purposes.  

Done properly, office furniture doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. As you start to populate your new office space with furniture, find a supplier who can work with you and supply you with your furniture needs going forward so everything still matches as you expand.