Just imagine an office space. Sleek sofas, lots of plants, and a wall that isn’t white but made of beautiful oak wood. That wall, however, is actually made of lockers. In 2026, lockers are no longer that rusty iron cabinet from the gym. No, they have changed into an essential part of your interior. They set the atmosphere, they solve the mess of bags and jackets, and they charge your laptop while you are having lunch. The question is not if you need them, but which ones to choose and who to buy from.
The market has changed. We work hybrid, which means we are sometimes at home and sometimes in the office. A fixed locker for every employee is actually a waste of space. We look for smart solutions that fit a modern life. Think of “Resimercial”: a mix of residential (home) and commercial (office). We want warmth, not a cold metal look. And we don’t want any hassle with keys. In 2026, it is all about “Smart Storage” and circularity.
The choice of material: How does it feel?
When you choose a locker, the material is the first thing you think about. It determines the look and the lifespan. The time when only steel existed is over. Let’s look at the options.
Steel with powder coating
This is still the basis for many projects, but in a modern jacket. In 2026, it is all about matte ‘soft-touch’ finishes. This paint is super strong, 100% recyclable and prevents those annoying fingerprints on your door. Ideal for a minimalist, industrial look that still feels warm.
HPL (High Pressure Laminate)
This material is the powerhouse for public spaces or sports clubs. It is extremely impact-resistant and resistant to moisture. The trend here is imitation: you can choose a locker that looks like marble, concrete or warm wood, while it is maintenance-free material. This fits perfectly with the “Resimercial” trend; it feels soft, but it can take a beating.
Wood and recycled veneer
For the “Quiet Luxury” offices. Nowadays, you see more and more lockers made of recycled wood. This material is not only beautiful, but often has an extra function. Many of these lockers have acoustic panels on the front. This helps immensely to reduce the reverberation in a large open space. So you are not only buying storage, but at the same time sound absorption.
Bio-based plastics
A new development is the 3D-printed locker fronts. These are made of organic residual material. This is for the really progressive projects that want to show that they take sustainability very seriously.
The battle of the locks: Which system works for you?
We all know the hassle of carrying keys and losing access cards. Technology offers a solution, but which one do you choose? The question you must ask yourself is: how much control and convenience do you want?
RFID / NFC
The classic among smart locks. You use your existing employee card or ID card. It is fast and everyone knows the system. The disadvantage? Cards are still lost, and you are dependent on a physical card.
Smartphone Apps (Bluetooth/QR)
This is the future. You use your phone via an app (such as Releezme or Vecos) or scan a QR code. The big advantage is the convenience for the user and the huge amount of data for the facility manager. You can see at a glance how many lockers are occupied. Never have to search for an empty locker again.
Electronic combination lock
A solid middle way. This works on batteries and does not require complex software. You enter a code. Cheaper to buy, but you miss the central data. Who used it today? That is difficult to see.
Biometrics
Fingerprint or facial recognition. This is especially emerging in sectors where high security is essential. For the average office, this is often still a bit too much.
Who supplies the best system in the Netherlands?
There are many providers, but if you look at the market in 2026, a few stand out. Especially when you look at technology, design and integration.
If we look at the top of the market, Olssen is often the first name mentioned. And not without reason. While many companies still just “sell lockers”, Olssen has grown into a system integrator. They understand that the locker is part of your IT infrastructure. Their focus on smart solutions (such as integration with systems like Keynius) makes them the logical choice for many large organizations. They deliver custom work that fits seamlessly with modern office challenges. In addition, thanks to their partnership with top German manufacturers, they offer quality that lasts for years.
Another interesting player is ViaDirect. They are strong in the e-commerce side of the story. If you are looking for fast delivery of electronic locks and specific standard models, they know what to do. They focus very much on user-friendliness and a smooth purchase process.
Then there is Gispen. This is a name you know from furniture, and their approach is therefore very design-oriented. They are strong in circularity; they offer lockers that are “remanufactured”. Their ‘Zipp’ line is iconic in modern Dutch interiors. If you put aesthetics and sustainability first, you are in good hands with Gispen.
Lockerbox responds to another need: robustness for public spaces and schools. If you are looking for something that is almost indestructible and can handle vandalism, that is their territory.
And Bruynzeel Storage Systems? You know them from sliding door cabinets, and they are masters in saving space. They often focus on the more functional, archive-related storage, where floor space efficiency is key.
What should you pay attention to before buying?
It’s not just about the price. The “Total Cost of Ownership” is much more important. Cheap mechanical locks cost you a lot of money in management time over time (forgotten codes, lost keys, breaking open locks). Smart systems cost more to buy, but earn themselves back through efficiency.
Here is a checklist for your purchase, so you know for sure that you are making the right choice:
- What is the ratio? In 2026, the standard is approximately 0.7 lockers per FTE when working hybrid. So you don’t have to buy a locker for every employee.
- How do you want to manage? Are you going for central software? If you are going to place more than 50 lockers, that is actually a must. It saves you hours of headaches.
- What is the atmosphere? If the lockers are in plain sight, choose a finish on the back. This way they function as a real wall in your interior.
- Future-proof? Can you upgrade the locks later? Is the system modular? You don’t want to have to replace everything again in 3 years.
- Power and ventilation? Nowadays you want to charge your laptop in the locker. Provide internal USB-C points. And if you use lockers for sportswear or work pants, pay attention to ventilation. A closed door without air holes causes bad smells.
The costs in 2026
Let’s take a realistic look at the wallet. Prices vary strongly based on material and technology.
- Basic metal (with a simple bolt or cylinder lock): Around €150 – €250 per position.
- Modern design (HPL or wood with electronic lock): Count on €350 – €550 per position. This is often the sweet spot for offices.
- Smart Lockers (fully integrated with sensors and software): €600+ per position. This is for high-end locations where data and user-friendliness are essential.
The support you want
Why do companies ultimately often choose a party like Olssen? Because it doesn’t stop with delivering a metal cabinet. The strength lies in the total solution.
Think of the technical specifications that are often forgotten: the direction of opening of the doors. In a corner setup, you need left-handed doors, otherwise they won’t fit. Think of the software that can distinguish between dynamic and static use. And think of the warranties: 5 years on hardware and 2 years on electronics is the standard in 2026.
Olssen excels in that total vision. Because they are one of the few parties that actually have both the hardware (from top quality German manufacture) and the software integration fully in hand, you run less risk. If there is a fault, you don’t have to call a software company that points to the locker supplier and vice versa. One point of contact.
For large-scale projects, for projects where you want the lockers to seamlessly integrate with your employee card system (such as Active Directory), and for projects where you really value sustainability and circularity, the choice is actually already made before you request a quote. You simply want the party that thinks along for the longest and the best. And if you look at how the market is developing, and who is leading in combining that strong metal with smart Dutch software, then you actually know where to start.
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