Create a good first impression with the right reception furniture

Create a good first impression with the right reception furniture

The reception area or lobby is the face of the business. It gives visitors their first impression of the company and is usually the first thing employees see every day. Therefore, it is important to think carefully about how you furnish this space – everything from colours and inviting soft seating to practical additions like entrance mats. Below are six tips for creating an inviting entrance area.

1. Trap dirt with matting

A good entrance mat serves several purposes. It will collect dirt and moisture from shoes, it reduces wear and tear on the floors and it makes cleaning easier and prevents slippery floors. It also contributes to a giving a good impression, especially during rainy or snowy days. It’s best to have a tough rubber mat, just outside the entrance, that will effectively scrape mud and dirt from shoes as people walk over it. Then a second mat just inside the entrance that has both absorbency and a scrape function. Finally, a third mat that has high absorbency to protect against slipping.
Long curved sofa with coffee tables and pouffes

2. Create inviting seating areas

A comfortable seating area makes the entrance more welcoming and invites people to relax. If you have plenty of room you could afford to get generous sized sofas and armchairs. You could even include a stylish coffee table. If you’re tight for space then two lounge chairs and a café table would be perfectly sufficient.

Browse reception seating

3. Choose a reception desk that fits your needs

A nice reception desk will enhance your entrance. By selecting a desk consisting of separate modules, it is easy to adapt it to different needs. Combine high and low sections so that the receptionist and the visitor can choose between sitting and standing.
Wall mounted coat rack with hanging coats

4. Provide coat and hat storage

It should be convenient for visitors to hang up their outdoor clothing. This is especially important during the winter when many people have a heavy coat, hat, gloves and scarf. A smaller coat stand or a hat shelf with hooks or coat hangers could be sufficient. Sometimes a larger clothes rack or a clothes locker is more suitable. Mobile clothes storage is great if you need to be flexible. Supplement with an umbrella stand and personal protection lockers for expensive items.

5. Think through the colour selection

The colours in the entrance area are important since different colours evoke different feelings and impressions. For example, blue is calming, red is energising and green is harmonious. It can be a good idea to use colours from the business logo or graphic profile to create continuity.
Woman walking through an office recption area  with sofas and coffee table

6. Give it an extra touch with small details

Make the entrance extra inviting with, for example, plants, mats, curtains or mood lamps. It is always nice to offer something to drink with a water dispenser or a coffee machine. Don’t forget a display rack for newspapers, magazines, brochures and catalogues.