WELCOME! Office Furnishings Create a Great First Impression

Why your reception area is the most important part of your office

The first thing a new client, guest or prospective employee sees when they enter your office is your reception area.  It's where they get their first, lasting impression of your business.  Make it work for you by creating a space that's inviting and also reflects your company's business style and culture - whether it's contemporary or traditional, relaxed or more formal.

Make it relaxing. Choose chairs that provide comfortable seating.  Make sure lighting feels warm and natural.  Plants and soft music can be calming and enjoyable, as well.  If guests will likely be waiting for a few minutes, offer them coffee, bottled water or a soft drink while they wait.  If a restroom isn't visible from the waiting area post a sign with directional arrows, so guests don't have to ask.

Tell your story. Provide reading materials for visitors that are related to your company and it's business.  Display our corporate newsletters, annual report, brochures and catalogs in magazine racks or on tables, so that your guests can learn a little about what you do while they wait.  You can also run corporate videos or photo collages on a monitor set on "endless loop", but provide headphones or mute the sound , so it doesn't compete wit conversations or background music.

Make the space functional for people who prefer to work while they're waiting. Provide tables they can use for a laptop.  Make sure power outlets are in sight and easy to access, so visitors can charge a phone or plug in a laptop without having to move furniture or look under chairs.  If your company offers WiFi for guests, either post the password in the waiting area or make sure your receptionist offers it to those who may need it.

Looking to update your reception area?  Our furniture specialists can create the welcome you are looking for.