6 Design Tips for Contemporary Reception Areas

Designing a contemporary reception area – with a seamless blend of functionality, aesthetics, and comfort – is surely a must for any business. Remember, nothing counts more than first impressions. Your reception area is going to be the first area visitors see and will have a huge influence on the perception of your brand and company culture. From choosing office reception furniture to achieving the right aesthetics, here are six design tips to create an inviting and modern reception space.

Modern Aesthetics

Simplicity and clean lines should be part of any contemporary design. Choose minimalist reception furniture in neutral colours for a calm and relaxed environment, with the addition of bold accents to create a sophisticated look.

Your office reception desk will be a main focal point when it comes to overall aesthetics, so make sure to give this area especial consideration. There are many types of reception desk to choose from – you certainly won’t be limited for options – but we recommend a minimalist design and colour scheme that confirms with the rest of your office environment.

Functional Layout

Layout and spatial planning are fundamental aspects of designing a welcoming reception area, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Pathways should be clear for the easy movement of visitors including those with mobility challenges. Likewise, avoid placing furniture in high-traffic areas that could create congestion.

Back to the all-important reception desk, this is the most important piece of reception area furniture here. It should be positioned correctly so that receptionists can appropriately greet visitors, make them feel at ease, and handle them professionally.

The rest of your office reception area furniture – your sofas, chairs, coffee tables, and so on – should also be arranged in a way that promotes social interaction whilst maintaining privacy when needed. Privacy within an office reception are often overlooked, yet these spaces can be essential for providing a quiet environment for sensitive conversations away from the main reception area

Balance Between Comfort and Practicality

Your office reception furniture should be comfortable for staff and visitors alike. The simplest way to achieve this is with ergonomic seating that provides plenty of support.

On that note, it’s also important to have enough reception chairs for everyone, as there’s nothing worse than having to stand awkwardly in a reception space because all the seats have been taken. Choose soft seating that is comfortable for visitors without compromising style. Sofas, armchairs, beam seating, and modular seating are all great options for reception area furniture.

Remember that office reception furniture should be high quality and flexible so as to cater for a variety of seating arrangements. Your reception area should send the message that your company is professional and well established, so align the furniture style with your brand identity and the overall design aesthetic of the office.

Incorporate Technology

Modern technology is a must in reception areas these days. Examples of this include charging stations for electronic devices, check-in systems, and interactive information displays. These eye-catching displays in particular can be strategically placed to capture visitors’ attention and convey important messages effectively. What’s more, by incorporating interactive touch-screen interfaces and other devices with your reception area furniture, you can help streamline processes and improve the overall visitor experience.

Acoustic Zoning

Acoustic zoning is crucial when designing a reception area. The space needs to be acoustically balanced to be able to provide a comfortable welcome for visitors and staff.

Before beginning the design process, an assessment of current noise levels and identification of possible sources of disruption is recommended. Choose materials with sound absorption properties, such as acoustic ceiling tiles, wall panels, suspended acoustic panels, and acoustic plants. There is also a variety of acoustic reception furniture to consider, such as high-backed sofas and reception chairs.

Enhance with Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of an effective, modern reception area. Utilise a mix of natural light, ambient lighting, and task lighting to create a warm and welcoming environment.

Natural light in particular creates a sense of openness and vitality, making the space feel more inviting and cheerful. You can then supplement this natural light with artificial lighting to ensure consistent illumination throughout the day and evening.

Consider incorporating LED lighting into your office reception furniture for energy efficiency and flexibility in design. Ensure there are no dark corners so that your clients will feel relaxed and welcome no matter where they sit. Incorporate task lighting at reception desks, seating areas, and workstations to provide focused illumination for reading, writing, or working on electronic devices. Use accent lighting to highlight architectural features, artwork, or branding elements within the reception area.

Office Reception Furniture and Space Planning at BT Office Furniture

At BT Office, we can transform a simple reception area into a memorable experience. Our specialists have years of expertise in office space planning and know exactly how to achieve an effective, impactful area that leaves a positive impression on guests. All our reception area furniture is of the highest quality and is available in a broad range of materials and colours, ensuring there’s a style to fit any brand.

Browse our full range online, or get in touch to discuss how we can help you create or renovate a modern reception area for your office. You can reach us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0800 298 7033.