In all business, it is incredibly important to make a good first impression on your visitors. A receptionist is the first person your visitors will see and meeting with them can be a determining factor of whether or not they want to do business with you. A professional and comfortable reception chair is integral to providing a good impression.
The design and feel of the reception chair should reflect that which your company wants to portray. If you are looking for a more traditional look, formal leather chairs may be an option; if you want something more contemporary, consider steel or aluminum chairs. The most important thing about choosing any office furniture is making sure it fits the space it will occupy as well as possible. There is nothing worse than picking out what looks like a great choice only to find there is no room for it in the new building. Many organizations are choosing to select furniture in their initial building stage rather than selecting it after the fact.
One thing that needs to be considered when purchasing office furniture is how it will go with any other furniture that is already there. In many cases, a renovation of an office means working within limited parameters of what can be moved away from walls and what must remain where it is. This can limit choices but allow creativity to come into play as an advantage instead of a detriment.
With so many models out there, how do you choose the right one?
Size
First of all, the size of the chair’s seat should be appropriate for various body types. An office should be accomodating to many different people.
In terms of the actual size of the chair, they should be able to fit in small office spaces while still providing a comfortable sitting space for your visitors.
Your reception chair’s dimensions will depend on what kind of aesthetic you want to achieve and how much space you have. Traditional armless styles can be placed against a wall while modern lounge chairs typically take up some floor space. Think about the room where it will go and any potential obstacles like staircases and tight corners.
Individuals should also take into the size and shape of their rooms. If the room is small, it might be a good idea for them to invest in fewer bulky chairs. If the room is large, on the other hand, people can afford to purchase larger and bulkier chairs.
Material/durability
Most reception chairs are made up of either a leather or mesh material that allows them to stay comfortable through many years of daily use.
When you’re choosing between chairs with mesh or leather seats, it’s important to remember that even though leather chairs are often more comfortable, the material of the seat itself is not as durable.
While some people opt for new materials like metal or plastic, others prefer more classic styles such as wood. Chairs with wide seats and backs may give more comfort than other types of seating arrangements. These chairs also tend to be on the bulkier side, able to host larger individuals without showing signs of wear and tear.
Shape/contour
Reception chairs come in many different shapes and contours. The right shape for your office should feel intuitive to people who visit your space regularly. Some reception chair features include armrests (with or without), armless (transitioning easily into the surrounding wall or desk), and a curved backrest or one that sits straight across.
Make sure there’s a cutout area for leg comfort so your visitors can cross their legs during long interviews.
Plenty of choices for fabrics and colors
With so many fabric options, it’s easy to find the perfect shade or pattern for your office. You’ll probably want something durable that can handle wear-and-tear for years without showing too many flaws, but also make sure the fabric is comfortable enough for people to sit in (especially if they’re waiting).
Other important things to consider are cushion thickness and density. Soft, spongy cushions may be inviting, but they can also cause a safety hazard if a person falls asleep in the chair or gets up suddenly from it because the cushion isn’t firm enough to support them.
Choose the quality that lasts
In general, sturdy construction will last longer than flimsy pieces that need replacing often. Some cheaper chairs have plastic components that can break down over time. Be wary of these models when you’re shopping around for new office seating.
Keep your visitor’s comfortable
It’s worth spending a few extra dollars on lounge chairs for waiting rooms because they make a huge difference to people’s experiences when they come in to see you. When customers are comfortable and relaxed, their overall impression is much more positive. That can only be good for your business, and you might even find that they spend a little extra time in your waiting areas, which builds up the impression of reliability and professionalism over time.
Many people don’t like waiting in doctors’ offices and other places where they’re not welcome guests. They would rather get on with whatever it is they need to do, but you make them wait because you want them to see how busy or important you are.
Custom-made
Some people say that the highest quality reception chairs are custom made. There’s some truth to this, but it doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars; there are plenty of affordable options available to anyone and everyone.
As long as there is a balance between style and comfort, any type of chair can be a good choice.