Top Tips for Boardroom Furniture

Although it may not be in daily use, the boardroom is one of the most important and powerful spaces in the office. Board members, VIP clients, and new potential clients are usually hosted in the boardroom, as well as many internal company affairs such as annual general meetings. As such, the company boardroom should reflect professionalism and competence, as well as the company brand image. With a well-designed and accommodating boardroom, a company can deliver their reports, sales pitches, and other meeting agendas to a more receptive and charmed audience.

What makes a well-designed boardroom?

An effective boardroom space is defined by two main characteristics: functionality and appearance. The boardroom should be equipped with all the items necessary for the tasks that occur within its walls. The aesthetic qualities of a boardroom will vary according to the brand image of the company, but should always imbue a sense of style and professionalism. Here are our top tips on how to choose the best boardroom furniture for your company.

The boardroom table

The boardroom table is the centerpiece of the boardroom and is usually the first thing that guests will notice. A good boardroom table should command attention in order to maintain the focus of the meeting, without dominating the space too heavily. Traditional boardrooms often feature large, solid tables in a polished dark wood that offers durability as well as a sense of affluence.

The size and shape of the table is also an important consideration. There should always be enough space to move around the table, even when guests are seated. The table should also not be too small, as guests should be able to place their notes or laptops down and sit comfortably without bumping elbows with each other. The shape of the table plays an important role in boardroom dynamics. If your company prefers to offer guests a sense of teamwork and equal worth, a round table may be a better choice than a long, rectangular table that draws attention to the person seated at the head of the table.

Seating

Boardroom meetings can continue for several hours on occasion, so good seating is essential. The overall productivity of a meeting can be ruined by clients or employees focussing more on their discomfort than on the topic of the meeting. Good office chairs should provide comfort and support. They should also match the aesthetics of the table for a cohesive boardroom design.

Another aspect to consider with boardroom chairs is their flexibility. If the boardroom is used for several different purposes or needs to change the layout regularly to host special presentations, furniture that can be easily moved is a good choice. Seating that is lightweight and can be easily stacked or stored when not in use can help contribute to tight space requirements.

Supplementary furniture

Just a table and chairs can make a boardroom feel empty and unused. Unless a company is very pressed for space or favours a strong minimalist theme, a few additional furniture items can add value to the boardroom space. Decorative executive furniture and other items should be understated and serve a purpose, so as not to distract attention away from the meeting or seem ‘cobbled together’.

Decoration could include a small display of the company’s certifications and awards, which can instill a sense of competence and achievement. A small centrepiece can fill empty space on the boardroom table, whether it is a tasteful vase or sculpture or a model of the company’s trademark product. Similarly, a potted plant can fill an unused corner to add style and ambience without overstating the decorative aspect.

Lighting

The lighting is an often-overlooked aspect of the boardroom, but it plays a very important role. If a boardroom lacks windows that allow strong natural light, additional lighting fixtures will be necessary. Good light promotes concentration, productivity and, of course, better visibility for presentations and the like. A boardroom with windows can also add to the style of the room by selecting curtains and blinds that complement the furniture upholstery or the brand colours of the company.

A tasteful selection of boardroom furniture and furnishings that align with the purposes of the room as well as the image a company wants to reflect can go a long way in creating an effective, optimised boardroom space. In a boardroom with good quality, attractive furniture, clients and employees can come together to increase their productivity, close new deals and meet new business goals.

For more information about top of the range office furniture and more, contact All Office today.