Use Office Reception Furniture to Set Your Business Apart

Office reception furniture is one of the first aspects of your business that customers and visitors will experience. It follows that what you choose matters. We’ll go over some of the important questions to ask when selecting office reception furniture and how to find the right pieces for your business.

Set the scene with office reception furniture

According to Forbes, your business has only 7 seconds to make a first impression.¹ Most likely, your furniture is one of the first things they’ll see in those 7 seconds. How do you want customers to feel when they walk into your reception area? What assumptions do you want them to draw from the furniture you choose in your lobby? If you’re on a tight budget, pick one or two things to prioritize. Choose wisely — first impressions are one of your best assets when it comes to customer services.

Reception chairs

Reception seating includes a huge range of styles, from tub chairs to more modular designs. Choosing the right visitor chairs depends on your budget, style, and space. Many designers of reception areas decide to line the walls with chairs. This can create a very cold, impersonal feel but gives visitors a sense of personal space and privacy. You often see this in doctor’s offices.

Are you looking to create a warmer atmosphere with your office reception seating? Use chairs with softer materials, cushions, armrests, and perhaps a gentle recline. Choose colours, patterns, and materials that reflect your brand. Modular seating is a popular choice for modern businesses, especially for its practicality and portability. Your furniture sends a message. In the case of modular furniture, it expresses a certain level of adaptability, modernity, and functionality.

Reception couches

Couches are an excellent choice for office reception furniture, especially if you have a smaller area. They have the potential to make guests feel comfortable and relaxed. But they also provide an opportunity for you to express your brand’s style. If you add couches to your office reception, ensure they’re large enough to accommodate all your guests. No one wants to sit knee-to-knee with strangers in a reception area.

Coffee tables

Coffee tables certainly aren’t a requirement when it comes to office furniture in the reception area. But they can be a helpful addition, especially for smaller businesses. You can display pamphlets or information about your business on a coffee table. It can also be a place for industry-related publications and magazines. Doctors’ and dentists’ offices often display entertainment-based magazines, likely to distract patients from anxiety. Businesses expecting children in the waiting room often have lower tables with kid-friendly magazines or colouring books.

If you choose to include a coffee table, make sure it matches your corporate style. It should be clean and neat without impeding any walkways. Reception tables also come in handy if you offer refreshments in the reception area — even if it’s just water. Tables give potential customers a place to set down their beverages or snacks while waiting.

The receptionist

While it’s easy to focus on the customer, don’t forget the importance of a well-crafted space for a receptionist. This is the first person interacting with customers, clients, and visitors. Providing the receptionist with comfortable, ergonomic furniture has value beyond aesthetics. It will help boost their mood, improve their physical comfort and health, and set the scene for positive interactions.

This concept doesn’t just apply to the receptionist’s seating but also the reception desk. As you walk into the room, the reception desk is likely the first thing you see. What does its’ setup and design say about your company? Is it sleek, made of glass, and free from clutter with the latest Mac desktop computer? Is it made of solid oak and filled with knick-knacks, small plants, and personal photos? Should the reception counter be placed higher up to create a physical barrier between the receptionist and visitors? Consider what these different setups for reception desks communicate about the company and its employees. Most importantly, consider how they may make people in the reception area feel.

Choose a creative piece

Office reception furniture doesn’t have to be boring. By using a creative, show-stopping piece, you may leave a great first impression that sets you apart. For example, an orthodontist’s office I recently visited included a lobby area with an arcade-style game for kids to use. This was especially helpful for siblings of patients in the waiting area with their parents. Some reception areas have televisions to keep guests entertained. You don’t have to opt for something this expensive to make a good impression. You could choose something as simple as a water feature, a large plant, an art piece, or a unique lamp.

Use office reception furniture to set the scene of our company’s story

If you’re looking for a wide range of reception furniture to choose from, browse the modern, stylish, and ergonomic designs from Sedus. Whether you need new office chairs or an entirely new set of reception area chairs, Sedus has a vast array of options to suit every need. Contact them today to find out how to use quality furniture to tell your company’s story.

1 You And Your Business Have 7 Seconds To Make A First Impression: Here’s How To Succeed