A conference table is one of the most underrated office furniture pieces. While it might seem insignificant initially, the right piece can show clients and employees that a company takes its values seriously.
A great conference table should look fantastic while also offering supreme functionality. The best ones do both of these things.
Enhanced Productivity
Whether a college library needs long tables for students to sit together on project assignments or a law firm hosts monthly meetings with clients, conference rooms are crucial spaces to foster teamwork and collaboration. A conference table is the focal point of these gatherings, and the right design can make or break the meeting experience.
Choosing the best conference table requires considering room size, how you want your meeting dynamics to look, and what style matches your office decor. Some companies prefer simple, clean lines of modern techniques. Others like the refined details of transitional designs. Other companies may appreciate the rich aesthetic of a traditional conference table.
The shape of a conference table can also make a big difference. A round table is a great choice, as it helps facilitate eye contact and allows everyone to have an equal seat. In addition, it minimizes distraction by enabling participants to focus on their work.
Other table shapes include a boat-shaped table that is wider in the middle than on either end or an ellipse, which provides a more open atmosphere. Some conference tables feature an integrated flip-it monitor display, perfect for HD video conferencing. These displays can be angled to help visualize visual data and recessed into the table so that faces and camera sight lines are not obscured.
Aesthetics
There are plenty of theories about how a conference table is arranged in your meeting room impacts the unspoken power dynamic and sets the mood for a session. It can also have a big impact on the success of a project or meeting, so choosing an aesthetic that is consistent with your brand and culture is important.
If you have clients or potential clients visiting your office, your conference table is where they will most likely interact with your team and establish a first impression of your business. Therefore, choosing a design that conveys professionalism and attention to detail is important.
Custom conference tables have many advantages over commercially available furniture pieces. They can be designed with unique shapes and sizes that maximize the use of space in a room. A boat-shaped conference table, for example, is wider in the middle than at each end and allows participants to sit closer together, creating a more collaborative feel.
Custom conference tables can be built with durable, long-lasting materials and can be designed to incorporate USB hubs, hidden wiring and power outlets. This helps to eliminate unsightly cords that can distract from the overall look of a room while maintaining access to the technology needed for meetings and collaboration. The right builder will know how to incorporate these features into a custom conference table to meet your needs while still looking beautiful.
Durability
The conference table is an office’s most visible and important piece. It’s where critical decisions are made that impact the success of a business. Most major decisions are discussed at the conference table, from budgeting to hiring, organizational planning and making important transactions with clients and customers.
With this in mind, choosing a table that reflects your company’s aesthetic and culture while being durable enough for frequent use is important. There are many different conference table materials, including laminate and veneer. Both options provide durability, but it is important to consider your desired look and expected usage when choosing the right material for your custom conference table.
For example, a boat-shaped conference table is ideal if your company is known for its underwater film production. This shape allows for a clear leader to be seen by everyone in the room and reinforces management hierarchy.
Planning for technology integration with your conference table design project is also crucial. With our society’s deepening reliance on video communication, ensuring your table has built-in wires for HDMI, USB and data ports is important. This will allow HD video teleconferencing, remote meetings and collaborative brainstorming without a tangled mess of cords on the floor.
Flexibility
There are numerous design considerations when it comes to conference tables. Not only do they need to be the right size, shape and style for the room they’re in, but they also have to fit with the company culture, encourage collaboration and support a variety of meeting styles.
Most people think of a standard rectangular-shaped conference table when they hear “conference table.” However, many shapes can be more functional for specific meetings and company goals. For instance, a U-shaped conference table will draw attention to the front of the room and is great for presentations. Alternatively, a round conference table encourages equal team participation and is ideal for collaborative brainstorming sessions. Other options include a capsule, wedge and a cap-shape conference table.
Additionally, the type of wood a conference table is made from is another major factor to consider. Oak is popular because of its durability, grain pattern and exceptional texture. However, not all types of wood are suitable for a conference table. Some are too soft, and others can be easily scratched or damaged. Finding a builder that works with various materials and can recommend the best option for your project is important.
Finally, how a conference table is designed can impact the unspoken power dynamic within the room. For example, an unequal width: length ratio can indicate that those at the head of the table hold more power than their peers.
Leave a Reply