How to Plan Your Office Panel Layout
From open collaboration to private workstations
Office panels transform open floor plans into organized, productive workspaces. Whether you need full cubicle systems, desk-mounted privacy screens, or freestanding room dividers, the right panel solution balances privacy with collaboration. This guide helps you plan a layout that works for your team.
In This Guide
1Choosing the Right Panel Height
Panel height is the biggest factor in how your office feels. It determines privacy, noise control, and the overall atmosphere.
- 42" panels — Provide seated privacy while maintaining openness. You can see over the panel when standing. Best for collaborative, modern offices
- 53"-54" panels — The most popular choice. Provides visual privacy when seated but allows standing interaction. A good balance between privacy and openness
- 65"-66" panels — Near-full privacy. Creates more enclosed workstations. Good for roles that require concentration (accounting, legal, writing)
- 80"+ panels — Full height, creating enclosed rooms without permanent walls. Best for offices that need reconfigurable private offices
2Panel Materials and Acoustics
The panel surface material affects both aesthetics and sound absorption in your workspace.
- Fabric panels — Best for noise absorption. Tackable surface for pinning notes. Available in hundreds of colors. The most common choice
- Glass panels — Let light pass through while creating visual separation. Frosted glass provides privacy. Great for a modern, open feel
- Acrylic/Clear panels — Similar to glass but lighter and more affordable. Popular for safety shields and light partitions
- Combination — Many systems allow mixing materials. A common setup: fabric on the bottom 2/3 for acoustics and tackability, glass on the top 1/3 for light
3Power and Data Integration
Modern panel systems can route power and data cables through the panels themselves, keeping workstations clean and connected.
- Powered panels have built-in raceways for running electrical and data cables invisibly
- Duplex outlets can be placed at intervals along the panel for easy access at each workstation
- Consider future needs — running new cables through powered panels is much easier than running them along floors or ceilings
- Always hire a licensed electrician for hardwired panel power connections
4Common Cubicle Configurations
How you arrange panels determines your cubicle layout. Here are the most common configurations:
- Inline — Desks side by side separated by panels. Space-efficient for rows of workstations
- L-shaped cubicles — Each workstation gets two panels forming an L. Provides corner workspace with good privacy
- U-shaped cubicles — Three panels surround the workstation. Maximum privacy. Common in call centers and focused-work environments
- Benching with low screens — Shared desks with 12"-18" desk-mounted dividers. Maximizes density for collaborative teams
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- Determined panel height based on privacy needs and office culture
- Selected panel material (fabric, glass, acrylic, or combination)
- Planned for power and data needs at each workstation
- Chosen cubicle configuration (inline, L-shaped, U-shaped, benching)
- Measured the floor space and mapped out the layout
- Verified fire code and egress requirements for your layout
Ready to Shop?
Browse our full selection with wholesale pricing up to 57% off list. Free shipping on everything.
More Buying Guides
How to Choose an Executive Desk
How to choose the right executive desk — size, shape, storage & finish. Our buying guide covers everything for your perfect office desk.
Read GuideHow to Choose an Office Chair
Find the perfect office chair — ergonomics, adjustments, materials & comfort for 8+ hours of sitting. A complete buying guide.
Read GuideHow to Choose a Conference Table
Choose the right conference table — size, shape, seating capacity, power integration & finish options for every meeting room and budget.
Read GuideStanding Desk Buying Guide
Standing desk buying guide — electric vs. manual, height ranges, motor quality & how to set up your sit-stand workspace for comfort.
Read GuideFile Cabinet Buying Guide
File cabinet buying guide — lateral vs. vertical, drawer count, locking mechanisms & sizing to organize your office storage smartly.
Read Guide