The waiting room of your office is the first impression clients and customers have of your company. As a result, it is critical that the design of your waiting area sends the clearest message possible!
The type of office you have will influence the furniture and design choices you make. For example, if you anticipate a large number of visitors, you will need more chairs. If your receptionists require greater privacy, a higher reception desk barrier is required.
However, there are some basic concepts that apply to all waiting rooms. Here are some pointers and tricks to help you arrange your reception area effectively:
Seating
When picking seating for your reception area, we recommend you think about 3 key factors: Comfort, Quantity and Style.
Comfort
Visitors must be able to sit comfortably in their chairs. The comfort of clients and customers heavily influences the way they feel at your office. Choose chairs with cushioning or soft seating alternatives such as lounges or armchairs. It is also critical that you evaluate the chairs’ hygiene. Be careful to choose seating that is easy to clean.
Quantity
When planning your waiting room, keep the overall seating demand in mind. If you have a large number of visitors, you should always have enough seating. If your office requires less seating, concentrate on fewer seats that complement the space. You should also consider the size of your available area. You don’t want your reception area to be overwhelmed with seating. Similarly, large vacant gaps should be avoided.
Style
When designing your waiting room, it is important to consider the theme of your office. This includes the colour schemes, style and atmosphere. Generally, simple and neutral colours are best for waiting room seating. However, if your branding includes bright pops of colour, choose seating that highlights this without clashing. If your brand is centred on luxury, your furniture should reflect that.
When designing your reception area, make sure you prioritise comfortable and attractive furniture that fits your space.
Reception Desk
The centre point of your waiting room will be your reception desk. When selecting a reception desk, keep both workers and visitors in mind. Your employees must be able to work productively at their desks. Meanwhile, the desk must be easily accessible and attractive to guests. We suggest that you choose a reception desk that maximises your space while remaining aesthetically engaging. Visitors should not be able to see the desk space if the front of the desk is high enough. This is done to protect privacy and confidentiality while also preventing visitors from noticing any clutter.
Tables and Accessories
Small tables and accessories are required to connect your waiting room together. Coffee or side tables can be used to store client bags or drinks or to display periodicals, books, or brochures. Tables contribute to the sleek and professional feel of your welcome area.
Adding plants to your office will brighten it up. Flowers on the reception desk, potted plants on a side table, or even a green wall can make a big difference in how visitors see your establishment. Planter boxes are the ideal answer. To maximise your space, they integrate storage with plants. You’ll find the perfect fit in a variety of colours, finishes, and sizes.
Finally, the design of your waiting room will leave an impact on your clients and consumers. When planning your space, you should take great care to consider the functionality, appearance, and comfort of all your elements.
Workstations can assist you with the entire design and implementation process for your office. Contact us here if you are ready to enhance your welcome area.