Just as you would expect the right impression from potential job seekers, suppliers, or other professionals that you interact with, your organization's first impression is made at the reception of your office. It is, therefore, extremely important to have a reception table that not only suits your requirement but should also last long.
What makes a reception desk a crucial piece of office furniture?
The reception or front office is the first point of contact to the business. The reception area needs to have adequate seating, a receptionist who knows how to deal with all types of visitors, and a reception table that provides a level of secrecy to the receptionists while also not being that tall that shorter people cannot get their voices heard.
How to choose the right reception desk?
The reception needs to be welcoming and friendly while also giving an authoritative feel. Buying a reception table should be on these lines.
Tone or Style- Its design should match the style of the reception area. A traditional wooden reception desk with old designs would look odd in a modern reception area done up in a contemporary fashion.
Function and practicality- This piece of furniture should be used ONLY for its intended purpose. You cannot expect someone who has an independent desk job to work at the reception table, can you? Moreover, you require a table that is exclusively designed for your front office staff/receptionists.
Comfort and convenience- The reception table should be comfortable and convenient for your staff. It should be tall enough to protect the receptionists' privacy while being comfortable for the receptionist herself. All tools and files should be within arms reach.
Layout- The table should not hinder the movement of people. It should ideally be of the right size as per the contours of the room. It should not look out of place or be in an awkward position in the room.
Points to keep in mind while choosing the right sized reception desk
Measure the exact location in which you would want your reception desk. Do check to ensure enough space is left all around the reception table for ease of access.
Ensure no other architectural-element comes in the way(inward opening doors, windows, wiring, etc.)
Make sure there is at least 60 inches of space behind the reception table for a swivel office chair to comfortably move around.
There should not be any sharp edges around the reception table to avoid any unnecessary accidents.
As a rule of thumb, based on the space available and the number of footfalls received, do check out how many people you need for the reception at present and as per future requirements.
How to furnish the reception area further?
Your reception area is incomplete without couches, office chairs, file storage units, and other furniture. If you are furnishing an office from scratch, these other pieces of furniture shouldn’t be bought as an afterthought.
Office chairs- Your receptionists require office chairs that help them do their work well. For this, you got to purchase good quality office chairs that can be relied upon for years of use.
Sofa- For people visiting a doctor or other professionals, adequate seating arrangements for all visitors should be there. For commercial spaces, you can choose from 3-seater sofas, 4-seater sofas, and modular sofas that can give visitors a place to wait patiently for their turn.
File storage unit- To reduce clutter and organize all files, folders, and other office supplies, a file storage unit is a must in every office. If you need a file storage unit in your reception area, you can choose from various designs and storage options based on your current and future requirements.
Photo frames- Instead of having an empty wall, interior designers recommend using a simple photo frame to complete the aesthetic look. It doesn’t mind if you aren’t much interested in art, the aim is to give the reception area a professional and welcoming look.
If things seem complicated, consult an interior designer or architect
Sometimes things might seem complicated if your requirements do not match with the size of the reception area or if you need more storage in the reception area than what you can get with regular furniture. An interior designer or architect would inspect the area and come up with a complete solution keeping all of your requirements in mind. In fact, if taking the help of a professional interior designer, you should get the entire office designed by them to ensure complete cost efficiencies.
The more experienced ones in the lot would be able to meet all your requirements while also giving the space a cosmopolitan and welcoming look.
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Read More:
Choosing The Right Table and Chair for Your Workstation in 2021
Guide To Build Your Conference Room – Meeting Table and Office Chairs
7 Office Interior Ideas to Improve Workspace Vibe
