So, you have an important meeting with your boss at the head office. The polite receptionist buzzes you through and leads you into a super modern and plush waiting room which looks overwhelmingly impressive. You’re early and the receptionist marches off to get you a cup of coffee, while you sit and wait for your boss to arrive – but something is not quite right? You just can’t get comfy. You squirm and move on the seat, but your back is against the hard angle of the chair and your feet just aren’t falling right.
Fifteen minutes later you’re desperate for the boss to call you in, but the coffee hasn’t even arrived. You find it hard to mask your disappointment with this. When you finally get into the boardroom, the chairs are even worse. You’re vaguely sure that your boss is telling you good news, but you can’t concentrate enough to hear him and are just desperate to return to your comfortable desk in peace.
Now imagine that you’re not an employee, but actually a very important client. You’re waiting to visit the office with the intention they’ll manage you as a client, and you’re looking forward to seeing what they can do. However the uncomfortable chair you’re currently occupying is an indication that you may struggle to listen to a word of what is being said during your meeting.
The importance of a reception area’s comfort and design is so important. A balance between the two could make or break the impression made on a new client, and your reception area is your front of house. Visitors walking into a untidy reception can give an immediate negative impression that your staff have to turn around, whereas walking into a beautiful and stylish reception gives a feeling of a successful and dynamic workplace.
Not everyone can afford to have their office receptions completely redesigned by professionals, so hear are a few little tips:
- Colour coordinate but don’t over-match or you will run the risk of turning the waiting area or the office into a cheap hotel reception!
A good example of when co-ordination goes to far
- Be subtle with themes and colours, as a modest office with minimal furnishings looks sleek and orderly.
- Choose your furniture very carefully! Guests being comfortable while they wait, as well as within the meeting room, is very important for productivity and concentration.
A comfortable place to wait - the Chicago Sofa
- Go through the sequence of events that a potential client will go through as they attend a meeting in your office. Have you thought of everything so they don’t have to? Do you have a coat rack; materials for people to read; a place to put their bag; a place to put hot drinks; and a water machine.
We provide beautiful ergonomic interior design furniture for stylish reception and visitor areas. Contact us for more details or please leave a comment if you have any tips to add!
Tags: inspirational receptions, office interiors, office sofas, reception areas
