Reception Furniture: A Buyer’s Guide
When customers and clients come into your place of business, what do they see? More importantly, what do you want them to see? The best way to make a great first impression is with a comfortable, professional reception area. But what kind of reception furniture do you need to take your business to the next level?
Most reception areas can be divided into two key sections: the reception desk and the waiting area.
The Reception Desk
Napoli Reception Station with Return by Mayline
· Surface Space
· Transaction Counter
· Storage and Security
Before you begin shopping for a reception desk, identify the needs of your receptionist. Depending on the type, style, and volume of your business, the receptionist may be primarily focused on answering the phone and greeting visitors. The receptionist may also be called upon to receive and distribute mail and deliveries, complete payment transactions, schedule appointments, and provide other administrative support. The reception desk should give the receptionist enough surface space to support designated duties. An L-shaped reception desk provides extra work surface, and is an excellent choice for offices where the receptionist may be called suddenly to another task.
If the receptionist receives or issues payment, consider a desk with a transaction counter. The transaction counter is the raised shelf lining the outer edge of the reception desk. It gives customers and clients a place to write a check, examine an invoice, or fill out paperwork. Some reception desks provide a transaction counter that encompasses the entire outer desk edge, and some provide a transaction counter on a single side. The latter may be a better choice for some offices, as a desk surrounded completely by a tall transaction counter can be off-putting to those with a shorter stature or special needs.
Take care that your reception desk offers secured storage. If the receptionist is called away for even a few moments, unsecured files and valuable personal items could be at risk. The reception desk should provide enough secured storage space for at least a day’s worth of paperwork, and space for a personal bag or other item. If your reception desk does not come with security features, consider investing in additional locking storage.
The Waiting Area
Luxurious Brown Leather Reception Set by Office Furniture in a Flash
Important Elements:
· Seating
· Tables
· Comfort Features
A wide variety of reception seating is available, from high-quality leather chairs and sofas appropriate for the executive office to sturdy lounge seating built for survival in high-traffic areas. When choosing waiting area seating, it is important to keep in mind the amount of traffic you expect, and the age and physical capabilities of your guests.
The number of seats you’ll need largely depends upon the volume of people you see per day. If your business is not appointment-driven and may host only small groups for the occasional meeting, four to six seats may be appropriate. Businesses that deal with a larger amount of clients can get a good idea of how many chairs are needed by estimating the numbers of guests that will be seen at peak times and the average time a guest spends waiting. Include extra seats to accommodate accompanied guests.
Le Corbusier Series Reception Sofa by Regency Seating
Waiting areas with a high volume of guests should prioritize durability and sturdiness in their seating. If your guests regularly include children, a kid-friendly area with child-sized chairs, quiet toys, and books may save every ear in your office. While many guests enjoy the comfort of deep couches and chairs, older guests and those with joint issues can have trouble getting in and out of them. Firmer chairs that provide armrests will best accommodate these guests. Larger guests may require armless or bariatric chairs to sit comfortably.
When deciding on seating, factor in the relationships your guests have with each other. Families, friends, and colleagues may prefer to share couches. Those without some sort of existing relationship tend to shy away from sharing personal space. To address a mix of guests, make both shared and individual seating part of your plan.
Communique 3 Seat Guest Chair by La-Z-Boy
Your guests should be able to wait in relaxed, comfortable surroundings. Coordinating accent tables and coffee tables can help you create a reception area with more of a ‘living room’ feel. They are also wonderful places to display reading material. If your guests may be waiting for a few minutes, a selection of tasteful magazines will keep them entertained. A literature rack featuring company information and press releases may help sell new clients and hires before you ever see them.
Titan Mini Literature Rack by Orbus
A few finishing touches and comfort features will make your reception area welcoming and inviting. Carefully chosen art pieces will infuse your reception area with style. Silk plants don’t require upkeep and won’t aggravate allergies. Add a box of facial tissues and a wastebasket for wrappers or other trash to your waiting area; they may not seem like major touches, but the guests who need them will be grateful.
City Club Collection by Dauphin
Remember, your reception area is your chance to show your guests that you appreciate them and value their time. With a little attention, you can make their stay as pleasant as possible with quality reception furniture, and keep them coming back.
