The reception area is the first part of your office space that people will interact with. It is also the first opportunity for you to make an impact on them. A good receptionist is always a necessity because they help people form their first, and hopefully positive, opinion about your office. However, do not forget about the humble reception desk in your mad search for the receptionist! It is an important piece of hardware that you should not skimp out on.

As the first impression of your company, the reception area should be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Finding the perfect reception desk requires careful consideration of both design and layout. The height of a reception desk and the reception desk size; everything plays into the image. In this article, we will tell you the considerations you need to make to pick the best reception desk.

The Right Size

Should you get a tall reception desk? Does reception desk height matter? Yes, it does, along with a bunch of other things. Determining the available square footage is the first order of business. Carefully measure and sketch out your space before ordering a reception desk to avoid having it arrive and not fit.

One should keep in mind that size isn’t necessarily an advantage. Just because you can fit a big desk in there doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your employees. Most receptionist tasks can be accomplished efficiently at a small or medium-sized desk.

You need to consider more than just the desk size. Chairs, shelving, and other furnishings should all be factored in as well. For the receptionist’s convenience, an additional clearance of at least 150 centimeters is recommended.

The Right Shape

Choosing the ideal reception desk can be challenging due to the wide variety of options available. U-shaped, straight, L-shaped, and spherical are four of the most common. Here, we will discuss all of them.

Spherical

In the event that there is no dedicated reception area in your workplace, a spherical (or round) reception desk is a great alternative. Even if a large reception desk isn’t practical in an open office layout, a receptionist’s workspace is still required.

Straight

This classic style is great for more intimate waiting areas. Many different types of workplaces, from corporate offices to hair and nail salons to restaurants, benefit from the clean lines and functionality of straight desks.

U-Shaped

U-shaped reception desks are often the best option for larger waiting areas where multiple receptionists need to work together. These desks, which can have either a gently curved design or straight edges, are great for getting a lot of work done.

L-Shaped

As one of the most common types of reception desks, this kind of desk provides both a main work surface and a separate area for the receptionist to do her or his job. This layout promotes fluidity of movement between workstations, thereby increasing productivity.

Match the Design Aesthetic

As we’ve already established, the first impression of your office is shaped by the staff at the reception desk. You want the reception area to feel welcoming, so make sure the design of the desk reflects the receptionists’ friendly demeanor and the information they provide. For a salon or spa, for instance, a reception desk should have a warm appearance to match the atmosphere, so you might pick one made of wood or lacquer. Glass reception desks are an option for a more modern, minimalist aesthetic that conveys an image of trustworthiness and openness on the part of the company.

Ultimately, you need to think about how the style of your desk will mesh with the rest of your office and the nature of your business when making your purchase. Hotels and banks, to give two examples, tend to decorate with grand and opulent furnishings.

Functionality Also Matters

Making sure the front desk can be used by both the receptionist and the customer is a top priority. Consider how you want your reception desk to function, as this is important because different businesses use them in different ways. Consider the tasks required of receptionists and how customers will interact with the desk. The following are some practical considerations:

• Storage: There should be shelves and lockable drawers on the side of the desk that the receptionist uses. This is where the reception desk depth comes into play. In fields where a client or patient’s file must be retrieved at check-in, such as in the medical and legal fields, having quick and easy access at the reception desk is of the utmost importance. Pick a desk with sufficient drawers and shelves.
• Ergonomics: Think about how the receptionists will feel sitting at the desk. Office chairs play a significant role in this, but other factors, such as the standing reception desk height, can also affect the comfort levels of workers. Make sure the desk you choose has the right height, shape, and layout to accommodate the needs of your receptionists and your guests.
• Space: The ideal reception desk will provide ample space for both the receptionist and the people who come to see them. Make sure the reception area is spacious enough for guests to interact with the receptionist without having to squeeze past signs, advertisements, or decorative pieces.

Depending on what you want your desk to do, these are some helpful things you should keep in mind.

The Right Material

It’s important to think about the materials used to build the reception desk, as that’s the first thing customers will see when they walk into your business. Having a desk that is well-maintained and simple to clean will go a long way toward making a good impression on visitors. Reception desks also come in a variety of colors and finishes to help you incorporate your company’s identity into the overall aesthetic of your workplace.

Here are some choices that will get you inspired:

• Laminate: Having a laminate reception desk is a great choice because it is long-lasting and simple to maintain. You can find the one that best suits your company’s aesthetic needs among the many different colors and designs available. In addition, you can get a high-quality desk without breaking the bank.
• Metal: There is a wide selection of metal reception desks available, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. They are also an excellent purchase because of their longevity and toughness. Reception desks made of stainless steel are popular because the material is long-lasting and simple to maintain. Its contemporary style makes it a great addition to any interior. Since it is lightweight and inexpensive, aluminum is another popular choice. A reception area outfitted in brass is sure to impress guests.
• Wood: A reception desk made of wood with a stunning grain pattern can really set the tone for your business. Models featuring intricate carvings or inlaid ornamentation are also readily available. To achieve a more understated effect, a plain wooden desk will do the trick. A reception desk made of wood, in any design, makes a warm and welcoming first impression on visitors.
• Engineered Wood: Engineered wood is made from several different kinds of wood that are glued and pressed together to form a single slab. The resulting desk is sturdy and long-lasting, with the added bonus of being aesthetically pleasing. Reception desks made of engineered wood are particularly common in medical facilities and other businesses that value durability and aesthetics.

There are other materials like marble and glass that you can look into, as well!

Stick to a Budget

If you want your project to get off to a good start, you need to have a firm grasp of the financial and time constraints involved. It can be tricky to pin down exactly how much of a budget has been set aside for the reception desk, especially if it’s just one part of a larger reception area renovation, but this is information that needs to be established from the get-go.

If you set a spending limit before heading out to the store, you can avoid overspending without sacrificing your personal style. Some projects will naturally require a one-off bespoke solution where finances and time allow for it. However, if time is of the essence and funds are limited, a stock product may be worth investigating as an alternative to a custom-built desk.

While it’s a good idea to find modern office furniture that stands out and reflects your company’s character, you should be wary of paying too much for bespoke pieces when there are so many inexpensive customization options available that will achieve the same result.

Conclusion

If you want to make a good impression on visitors, it’s crucial that you pick the right desk for the lobby. Keep in mind that the reception desk is just one piece of the puzzle and that the plants, lighting, wall art, and colors will all contribute to the room’s ambiance. Call us today to make sure you get the best desk for your purposes!