UK Office Partitions Guide 2025
Office partitions are a key element in modern office fit-outs, providing more than simple desk and cubicle partitions. Used creatively, they give a more flexible use of space, helping you create a more comfortable working environment and gain more ROI from every square metre. Whether you're replacing existing partitions or embarking on a new office design and layout, these tips will help you identify the best solution for your workplace.
Office Partitions: The Benefits
When open plan office layouts became all the rage, office partitions were a simple piece of furniture that created cubicles and individual workspaces to aid focus and productivity. It's not only the way we work that has changed over the past few decades; as our working practices have become more flexible, the options and uses for office partitions have become more varied too.
Privacy & reduced distraction
Partition systems can help all employees work effectively by limiting visual distractions and creating quiet spaces for deep working or for team members that struggle with noise.
Work flexibly with multi-use areas
Even small areas can maximise their space by using partitions that adapt to the working needs of the day. Sliding or accordion walls mean you can change the layout and use of the room as required, for example, create a private meeting room one day, or a larger hot desking area that feels part of the wider office the next.
Acoustics management
We all know that open plan offices are prone to noise. Seat a sales team next to accounts and there will often be discomfort. Acoustic partition panels help to dampen noise, or use double-glazed glass partitions to allow light and line of sight while reducing sound transfer.
Maximise ROI for your space
Get the most out of your investment by future-proofing your office layout. Partitioning can be dismantled, meaning you can create a new office configuration when you need to reorganise your floor plan without the higher cost of structural changes.
Office Partitions - Flexible Options for Design & Function
You'll find a huge range of options when it comes to partitioning systems. From glazing to metal or wood stud walls and print or vinyl finishes; the design options are almost limitless, but it is a good idea to work with an expert design and partition installation company, like Phoenix Systems, to make sure your space not only looks good but meets construction and health and safety standards (such as fire performance) while remaining within budget.
Solid/stud walls
Stud walls are at the cheaper end of the cost spectrum and provide both privacy and can reduce sound transfer. On the downside, they can reduce light and a sense of space. On the other hand, they can be used in combination with vinyl wall coatings to create almost any design aesthetic... and the upside with vinyls? They can be replaced if damaged or a change in branding inspires an office refresh and a new wall colour, pictures or patterns.
Glass office partitions
Choose from single- or double-glazed glass walls, with the latter providing more sound reduction. These walls provide more light and space than a stud wall while still creating individual shielded working areas.
Glass partitions enable you to create uninterrupted glass surfaces with both straight and curved lines throughout your office area, creating a real sense of space, but with the light and space comes additional considerations: privacy and health and safety.
Clear glass is not seen as easily, which is why glass partition systems need to have manifestations. Manifestations are etched or film designs on the glass that make it stand out, highlighting the existence of a glass wall. Examples of manifestations include 2 rows of dots half-way up the wall, or alternatively many businesses use the company logo. The manifestations can be any colour as long as it contrasts enough to stand out to people passing by. From a privacy perspective, glass partition walls can have film on half of the wall, and another option is integral or free-hanging blinds.
Glazed fire screens
Where fire containment performance is required but you don't want to restrict your freedom of design, you can opt for fire resistant glazing systems. Glazed fire screens can be made to offer integrity and insulation in the case of fire and are often used in stairwells, or areas with a high risk of fire such as a laboratory.
Wooden and veneered partition systems
Wooden and veneered partitions provide a lot of character for a space, being more tactile and with a natural aesthetic. Not only do they have high durability, they can be easily coordinated with doors, furniture and storage walls, as well as incorporating glazing options.
Cubicles & screen dividers
Probably the simplest and cheapest option that enables you to quickly divide areas without having to change your whole office layout. Typically fabric, they provide some privacy and sound reduction, but they will also isolate each team member from the wider team. If focus is your priority, then this will do the job within a lower budget.
Flexible partitions
Look for sliding, folding or accordion walls. These partitions are fantastic for changing use of space and look great, but they will be more expensive.
Demountable walls - relocatable partitioning systems
These partitions are expensive at the outset but are great for long-term use. They are promoted as delivering a return-on-investment over time as in some situations they can be re-used; as long as you have a similar space to fit them into. Landlords like them because they are easy to dismantle and erect, and they have minimal effect on the building.
Other Options to Consider
Freestanding office dividers
Freestanding office dividers can be handy to create small private areas and can be moved around as required.
Free walls - storage and furnishings
If you want to create defined areas that retain a sense of space without using partition walls, then movable full and half-height storage (e.g. tambours and bookcases) can be used to create individual areas while still retaining the feeling of an open-plan office by retaining line-of-sight across the room.
Freestanding office pods
Office pods are a popular, low-cost option to design spaces where people can work collaboratively without disturbing others. This option doesn't involve adding walls and is quick to install. Examples include meeting or break-out rooms.
Checklist for Specifying Wall Partitions & Office Layout
- Get clear on what you need
What is the purpose of the space? Consider your needs now and what you might need over the next 5 - 10 years. How well does your current layout work and what can be improved?
- Get feedback from staff
Your team are the ones having to use the space; how will it work for them? This might include incorporating needs for quiet space, privacy, meetings or creative collaboration.
- Design, aesthetics and materials Is this part of a wider design?
If it is, it's probably worth getting an expert workplace interiors team to design and plan the whole project. Some partitioning systems are complex to fit and accurate measurements are needed for a successful installation. An interiors team can help you bring the whole project together in line with the look and feel that reflects your branding or perhaps sustainability requirements. One top tip is to ask for 2D and/or 3D visuals to help you understand exactly how the layout will work for your team.
- Building Regulations and Permissions
Any landlord or planning permission will depend on the building (is it listed?), size and complexity of the work. Movable items such as screens, cubicles or furniture will not need planning, but any layout changes will need to take into account building regulations, fire and health and safety. Anything that impacts fire escapes, kitchens or the structure of the building may need to be drawn up with building approval in mind from the local council or an approved inspector.
- How will the project be delivered?
There's no avoiding the fact that any fit-out, whatever its size, is a project of many moving parts and is likely to impact business-as-usual. It's worth considering getting a single workplace interiors supplier to deliver the whole project from site prep to completion. This will mean you can keep a tighter control on project deliverables and budget than if you have multiple teams to juggle. The goal is to get the office partitions and fit out installed swiftly and safely, so you can get on with your day jobs.
- Office Partitions - The Cost
The cost of your project will depend on its size and materials used. Get multiple quotes and make sure you get references from their previous clients to help you minimise the risk of the expense of run-on costs or shoddy workmanship.
Phoenix Systems is a UK office fit-out specialist with extensive experience in office refurbishments and office partition installations. Having delivered workplace interiors projects across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire for over 50 years, we'll give you down-to-earth, expert advice. Give us a call today on 01903 765366.
