Office reception area guide for businesses
Office reception areas are the first impression for many of your clients and a well-designed reception area should be an essential part of your brand awareness and your sales pitch.
We are able to design reception areas using 3D planning technology so that you can see the furniture in situ and adapt as necessary on-screen before making final decisions.
However there are a number of options you need to consider before choosing the furniture you would like to see in a 3D plan.
Customer experience
Your reception area reflects company values and culture, and many of your visitors and clients will form their opinions about your business just minutes after they head through the door.
The experience visitors and customers have in a company’s physical environment can be as important as the products/services offered so it is important to have a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing reception.
So, what can you do in your reception area to meet the needs of your visitors and reflect your company and its values and offerings?
Reception desk:
It is important to choose the right desk for your business – from brand identity and comfort to functionality, sizing and durability.
- Determine how the desk will be used – will it be used primarily to greet visitors or to handle paperwork and manage phone calls?
- How many people will be sitting behind the desk? Just one, or are there busy times when there may be two or three?
- Ensure it complies with the Equality Act in terms of accessibility.
- Choose materials and colours that align with your brand image.
- Measure the area and ensure the desk fits without making the space feel cramped or too sparse – Chrisbeon can design and fit bespoke desks to fit in a specific area.
- If used for customers or visitors to check in or complete paperwork, consider built-in features to accommodate this.
- Include cable-management systems to ensure a clean appearance and to keep workstations tidy.
- Opt for durable materials that are easy to clean if your reception area will be busy and in constant use.
- Invest in a high-quality desk to save money on replacements or repairs, and look for products with warranties to ensure long-term investment protection.
- Think about where the power is coming from…utilise technology to include power outlets, USB ports and charging areas and think about cable management options to ensure safety and a positive appearance.
Seating solutions:
There are a variety of options available when it comes to seating in reception areas – and a number of things to consider.
- Opt for seating that supports good posture and sufficient cushioning – chairs with armrests and lumbar support can enhance comfort if visitors are likely to have a long wait time.
- Ensure you have allocated seating that is accessible to those with disabilities and leave enough room between seating for wheelchair users.
- Choose materials and colours that align with your brand image – modern and sleek, warm and inviting or bold and artistic?
- For healthcare settings, you should consider specialist materials that are easy to clean, can be sanitised regularly and meet the needs of patients.
- Consider modular seating options if you will need to adapt to changing needs or layouts.
- Cater to your target market – there should be child-appropriate seating if your visitors are families, and you may want to consider separate areas for different types of visitors ie in veterinary surgeries, it can be helpful to have a separate area for those who are saying goodbye to their animals rather than attended a regular appointment.
- Consider adding functional features such as side tables, USB ports and coat hooks or racks.
- Test seating before you buy – sit in the chairs and sofas before buying to assess comfort, quality, and durability.
Storage solutions:
Storage solutions in reception areas ensure a tidy, organised and professional environment.
- Choose storage that aligns with reception tasks – locking cabinets for confidential files or open shelves for frequently-accessed items.
- Consider combining storage with other items like the reception desk – utilise the area beneath the desk for drawers or small cabinets.
- Choose storage that fits in the space without overcrowding or creating an unnecessary obstruction – vertical storage works well for smaller spaces.
- Select materials that are easy to wipe down on a regular basis.
- Consider security and have locked storage options if your reception area handles cash or sensitive data.
- Opt for movable storage units, like mobile drawer units.
- Use multi-purpose furniture, such as benches with built-in storage for visitor use.
- Combine open shelving for display items (eg brochures, awards) with closed cabinets for hidden storage.
- Think about incoming and outgoing post – a rack for mail that can be built-in and a suitable space for a franking machine.
Decor, branding and biophilic design:
Consider incorporating logos, colours, and art to reflect your company’s identity – we can put logos and specific branding on your reception furniture. Many businesses create history plaques or timelines as part of their reception areas to inform visitors and potential customers about the business and its past.
Biophilic design is often incorporated into reception areas to help visitors feel at ease.
We recently met with Innerspace Cheshire to talk about biophilic design. Their team uses authentic, easy-to-use materials for internal design – including plants and foliage that have been preserved (excluding the need for continuous maintenance!).You can find out more about biophilia in our recent blog.