When it comes to an office fit-out, the devil is in the detail. You can spend weeks picking the perfect chairs or agonising over whether the meeting room should have a glass wall, but the wood and metal finishes you choose will quietly set the whole tone of the space. They’re the background characters that set the scene.

Light makes all the difference

Finishes don’t exist in a vacuum. How your office is lit - natural light, warm LEDs, cool overheads - will completely change how wood grains or textured metalworks look. A dark wood might feel cosy and rich under warm lighting, but throw in cold, bright strips and it could look heavy and dated. On the flip side, lighter woods can look washed out unless they’re paired with the right glow. Always test samples in your actual space before committing.

Evolution Bench Desk in Concrete and Chestnut

Keep tones talking to each other

Think of your finishes as a conversation. Woods with warmer tones such as our Halifax Oak, Dijon Walnut or Modern Oak MFC shades play nicely with Black or Anodic Bronze metals. Cooler tones such as our White Oak, Classic Ash or Anthracite MFC shades sit well with chrome or brushed aluminium.

Grid Storage Unit in Halifax Oak and Black

Colour schemes tie it together

If your brand palette leans bold (vibrant greens, deep blues or bright accents) keep the finishes simple and understated so they don’t compete. Neutral, natural woods such as Swiss Elm paired with clean metal details give your colours room to shine. If your brand vibe is more muted and minimal, you can afford to let finishes do the heavy lifting - rich dark wood, raw steel or coloured metals such as Deep Teal can help to bring depth and interest.

Apex Goalpost Bench Desk in White Oak and Deep Teal

Brand identity in the details

This is where it gets fun. The right finishes can subtly nod to your brand without plastering your logo everywhere. Sleek polished metals can scream innovation and precision for a tech company, while warm timbers paired with aged brass might feel more human, grounded and creative. Industrial black steel says bold, whereas soft oak and white metal are clean and approachable.

Don’t treat finishes like an afterthought. They set the mood, connect your brand identity to the physical space, and make everything feel intentional. Keep lighting, tone and colour in mind, and you’ll create an office that not only looks sharp but feels like an extension of your brand. Get in touch with the team today and let us advise you on choosing the right finishes.