Reception Area Design Ideas

The reception area is your company’s first impression. As such, you have only one chance to make it a great one. The psychological effects of the reception area, however, do not typically cease with a single first impression. In fact, for those such as clients, employees or partners who come and go regularly, the entry space will continue to set the tone of the business experience each time they lay eyes on it. So, whether your business resides in a massive well lit space capable of accommodating a massive welcome desk as its looming centerpiece or a tiny hole in the wall that fits only a small reception counter, your office’s reception area should be functional, inviting, professional, clean and pleasing to the eye. Notice the calming blue colors and natural woods at HomeAway’s spacious Austin, Texas office in the photo below.

Large Modern Reception Desk With Counter at HomeAway Office in Texas – via GlassDoor.com

Based on research into the psychology of color, people tend to be more productive when working in blue rooms. Blue evokes feelings of calmness, tranquility and serenity, while suppressing appetite and providing a sense of honesty and trustworthiness. It’s use as an accent in HomeAway’s reception area is thus likely a calculated design element targeted at eliciting the best mix of business conducive responses from everyone who enters the space.

What does your reception area convey?

Wood Reception Area Desk at Twitter Offices – via GlassDoor.com

Consider the impression you want to make, both with your business overall and your reception room.  If your business is of a close, personal nature between professional and client (such as the office above), you should consider warm colors, soft light, and comfortable, relaxing furniture.  If your business is more formal, like that of an attorney, or financial professional, consider clean lines and professional color tones as well as stylish but functional furniture.

Leo Burnett Office Reception Desk via GlassDoor.com

The reception desk or reception counter should be the focal point, so that people immediately know where to go when they enter your business.  Twitter’s receptionist desk above, for instance, is big, bold, and naturally commanding of the room in which it sits. The receptionist is the person who will help office arrivals find whoever or whatever they need, and that person needs to be accessible.  Facing the desk toward the entry is key to creating an open and inviting atmosphere; people should feel comfortable approaching the desk to sign in or ask questions.

Large Modern L Shaped Reception Desk at Autodesk Office via GlassDoor.com

A Functional Reception Area

A reception area is your business’s first impression, so it should be inviting and comfortable for guests.

U Shaped Reception Desk by Global Furniture

Eliminate all clutter by installing shelving, drawers, racks, etc. so that all paperwork and supplies can be put in their place.  A cluttered reception area is distracting and, on a very basic level, makes people more stressed and uncomfortable.

The receptionist desk should face the door but not be directly in front of it – this would create a sense of being barred from entrance.  Invite clients to enter and be comfortable by placing the reception desk to one side.  The receptionist’s chair should be able to face guests to greet them as they enter.  A swiveling desk chair allows the receptionist to easily transition from working at a computer or project on the desk to greeting a guest.

Small Reception Desk with Counter by Mayline Office Furniture

An overcrowded reception area can also be stressful for clients, if they have to maneuver around large or bulky furniture.  Be realistic about the space available for client waiting room seating – if you have little space, buy only as many chairs as you need and opt for a more simple chair instead of large plush armchairs for your seating area.  If you have a large reception space, you can take advantage of more seating (if you need it for a large guest volume) and more plush options for seats that will take up a bit more space.

Use small tables for clients to set a coffee cup, handbag, or laptop while they wait.  You can also display magazines for clients to browse.  Explore our selection of coffee tables and end tables of all shapes and sizes.  See our selection of office accessories including coat racks, trash cans and wall art – all great for your office reception area.

Furnish the space you have available – do not overstuff the reception area with too many chairs or too big a desk.

There are many styles of reception desks available at Furniture Wholesalers, from small reception stations and counters to L-shaped desks with built-in storage. Shop for quality office reception desks and chairs.

Reception Area Decorating Tips

Reception Area Design at AOL Office via GlassDoor.com

Décor is important, as it will help tie the reception area together with a common style. Décor begins with the design of your office – a glass desk, metal desk, or wooden desk sets the tone for the room’s style. With a glass or metal desk, you could easily decorate with a modern theme, using clean, crisp lines and geometric shapes, and accessorizing with glass or metal shelving and tables. A wooden desk is more relaxed and comfortable, and it can be brought together with wooden accessory furniture, upholstery and walls in warm colors and patterns, etc. As seen in the above photo, you can also mix and match – earthy brick with a modern metal-accented desk makes for a contemporary and unique reception area or waiting room.

Plants are a great way to spruce up a reception area and add freshness and energy to a room, but take care to not overpower the room with plants – it can be easy to get carried away and outfit a jungle in your reception area. A few tall plants in corners or along a wall can create a lovely focal point in a reception area, and small plants can be featured on waiting room tables. Be sure not to block any exits, hallways, or views with large plants. Clients should be able to see the receptionist, the doors, and any important signs without having to crane around a ficus. You can also take advantage of bright or neutral tones from branch and berry arrangements, faux grasses, or other foliage.

Color schemes are one of the first things you will need to decide in your office reception area design plans. Bright colors (think neon) are very distracting, so more subtle shades are appropriate for an office area. Neutral tones, such as off-white, beige, brown, etc., are excellent choices because they can be accessorized with a variety of complementary colors. Any color can be used in your office reception area design if it fits with your overall image, theme, and tone you want your reception area to convey. See this color chart to learn more about the psychological effects of different colors.

Putting It All Together

Be sure to put your business’s best food forward by designing an office reception area that is open, inviting, and functional.  To recap, follow these tips:

1. Allow the reception desk to face the door, so guests are greeted upon entering
2. Avoid clutter by installing shelves and storage space
3. Furnish the space you have – select chairs, tables, and desks that are not too big or too small
4. Use subtle, muted tones for walls and flooring, and accent with accents such as plants and art in brighter colors

We offer a multitude of options for furnishing your office reception area.  Start designing your new reception area today.

Please Share

If you found this article on reception area design helpful, please share on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin.