Considerations When Planning A Reception Area

First impressions are important and with the reception area being the front window to your business, it should be attractive, yet functional. Practical design and space planning plays an important role when it comes to designing your reception area.

In this post we will look at some major benefits of a good reception area, and what things you should consider if you are in the process of furnishing one.

Considerations When Planning A Reception Area

1. Space 

The size and layout of your office will have a big impact on how much space you want to dedicate to your reception area. No one wants to sit in an uncomfortable, cramped space so make sure your reception area doesn’t leave your guests and receptionist feeling claustrophobic.

A tip to make sure your reception area has enough open space before you purchase; take a normal office chair, mark the size of the reception desk, and place the chair behind it. When you sit in the area yourself you can judge whether or not it would make you feel welcome if you were waiting to meet with someone in a similar space once the furniture is in place.

1. Reception Desk 

Once you have figured how much space you are working with, you should consider which reception desk you need! A reception desk has the ability to set the ultimate tone of your business. It is probably the first and the last chance of making an impression on your clients, so you should make it count! An elegant, classic and well-designed reception desk with friendly staff can set the tone for how you conduct business. 

When you are purchasing a reception desk, the main thing to consider is the shape required. Fortunately there are a number of different shapes that reception desks often come in, so you have many options. Rectangle reception desks are most common, however u-shaped reception desks and curved reception desks are also very common and look great! 

1. Seating

Seating is a fundamental part of a reception space, and just like the reception desk, it speaks volumes about what your brand is all about. You have two things to consider: seating for your receptionist, and seating for your visitors & guests. 

As your receptionist will likely be working behind their desk for long hours, it is a good idea to consider ergonomic seating. This will increase overall productivity and employee satisfaction.

For your visitors, there are many options to choose from. As long as it is comfortable and ties in well with the rest of the reception area, you can’t go far wrong. Consider having some form of entertainment in your reception space. Magazines, TV and/or music are all good options. 

1. Initial Cost & Expenses

Be mindful of the cost implications of furnishing a reception area before jumping straight in. You should aim for a balance between cost and quality. Ultimately a reception area welcomes people who directly or indirectly can affect the success of the business. That is why it is important to include important considerations to make your company’s reception area functional and, at the same time, aesthetically appealing.

If in doubt, it might be better to hire a professional designer to take your insights and refine them. This way, you save time and money in the long run. 

This is something we can help with! We can help you visualise your space using 3D drawings before you commit to anything. You will already know what your space is going to look like and how much it is going to cost before you spend a cent! Get in touch on our contact page.