It is important that the reception is a functional part of the office that creates the right impression of the company. Choosing the right reception desk or counter is vital to achieve the desired look and feel of the reception space. However, the reception desk also needs to be functional for greeting your visitors and provide a workspace for one or several members of staff.

This article will guide you through some of the options and considerations available when choosing a reception desk or counter. Perhaps the first decision you need to make is whether a lower desk or high counter is the right choice for your reception.

Reception desks and counters

A reception desk is a normal height desk with a glass or wood privacy board or shelf. A lower reception desk feels more informal but offers less privacy than a high counter. However, most counters would now include a lower end to accommodate for wheelchair users.

Apart from various heights, purpose built reception desks and counters are available in many different sizes, in real wood veneers or laminate finishes, as L shape, straight or curved - making them easy to fit into small or large reception areas. For more flexibility choose a modular option that gives you the freedom to customise your desk more or less exactly to your space and needs.

Contemporary Design

Furthermore, consider the amount of storage required for your reception desk, many desks offer built in storage and cable access ports to keep a neat and tidy surface. Think about what impression you would like to make as people enter the reception area - consider customers as well as your own employees. After all the employees will pass by this area every day so make them feel welcome! You probably know if you want to create a designer, minimalist or a traditional look but remember to keep the reception design in the same style as the rest of the office.

Contemporary reception desks often mix wood veneers with metallic, glass or acrylic features. With under desk lighting and an integrated company board or logo - the reception desk can become the natural focal point of the reception area.