First Impressions: Making a Statement with your Reception Area

When you enter an office, the first space you encounter is the reception area. Nothing conveys more about your company than the structure and design of the reception area. It should always make the right statement about your company and portray the vision it represents.

Plain, uninspired reception spaces tend to make visitors feel less welcome and less at ease. A dull, thoughtlessly arranged space doesn't represent any successful company's mission or values. The type of furniture and the style you incorporate into a reception area says so much, whether it is intended or not, so make sure the statement is a memorable one.

Discussed below are some ways  you can create a statement with your reception area and make a lasting first impression on anyone who walks in your door.

[caption id="attachment_2844" align="aligncenter" width="338"] OFS Element Desk in Client's Space

Atmosphere

The first step is to decide what kind of atmosphere you want to promote in the reception room. You can choose from a vast array: professional, dominating, radiant, artistic, or warm (to name a few) depending on the function or purpose of your business. From here, you will decide on color swatches for paint and fabrics according to what atmosphere you have chosen to promote, as well as types of windows and light fixtures.

The Reception Desk

The front desk is the main attraction of the reception room. This is where your visitors will go initially to get information. The reception desk should be obvious and clearly identified as a place for information. As a rule of thumb, the front desk should always face the entrance. While this area should appear modern and stylish, it should be efficient and organized too. A lot of paperwork and documentation is completed here, which can cause big, messy problems if not sorted and organized systematically. As a solution to this problem, many counter desks these days come with an advanced built-in filing system.

Bold, bright colors, and geometrical curves and lines will make a reception desk stand out to anyone entering the building. You can also accessorize with little trinkets and ornaments to make it more personalized and appear more welcoming. The material is also important; a wooden reception desk comes off as warm and welcoming, while a glass desktop, for instance, usually feels more sophisticated and professional.

Sitting Area

The seating area for waiting visitors should be compelling and comfortable in equal measure. Make sure there is enough seating to accommodate your usual number of visitors at one time, and have at least one clock to show those waiting that your business keeps track of time and knows how valuable it is. Some reception areas also have televisions, usually kept on a news channel or other neutral programming. Offering coffee and water in the reception area further gives an impression of concern and attentiveness for whoever walks in the door.

The reception space says a lot about your business; make sure it portrays your business goals and intrigues visitors to want to learn more about your company. The reception area sets your visitors' expectations and will attract the right prospective clients and employees to your business when thoughtfully designed.

 
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About Jasmin

Jasmin handles Internet sales and digital marketing here at Creative Office Furniture. She's been a valuable member of the Creative team since March 2014.[/author_info] [/author]