An office meeting table is much more than just a table for people to sit around to discuss business matters. It’s a piece of furniture that can make a statement and provide practical support to enhance the meeting experience, boosting productivity and collaboration in the process.
If you are thinking of investing in a new one, here we look at the important factors involved in choosing the right table for your meeting room.
The main factors to consider when choosing a meeting table are:
The first thing to consider with an office meeting table is the room it will be used in. Measure the width and length of the room to calculate the available square meterage you have to work with, and you can use this to find a table with the right dimensions. You should ensure that there is enough space and check the doors and windows in the room, as well as other functions in the space, such as audio and visual equipment and other pieces of furniture.
Complementing the existing design and aesthetics of the space is also an important consideration. When shopping around for a meeting table for office spaces, finding the right shape will also make a difference. For example, round/oval tables work well in compact meeting rooms, whilst a large office meeting table is generally more suited to bigger workspaces.
Consider how many employees work in the office and the number of guests that are typically involved in a meeting. Ideally, your business will continue to grow over the next few years, so the number of people you can accommodate with your office meeting table and chairs will likely increase as you expand.
If possible, try to take this into account during the planning process, so you can host and conduct larger meetings without having to invest in too much additional furniture and equipment.
The key is to invest in a meeting table that offers functionality as well as adaptability to give you options to use it based on changing circumstances and requirements.
Buying a modular meeting table allows you to make the necessary changes to accommodate more people, change seating arrangements or support activities taking place for a particular meeting. It gives the people hosting the meeting more control over events and can also help lower costs because you do not have to buy additional equipment that has specific uses.
Wooden meeting tables are the most common type used in offices. Maple, walnut and oak tend to be popular, although there are lots of timber finishes available. The material offers a professional look for a meeting room and is extremely durable, so it can withstand long-term heavy usage.
Glass offers several advantages as a table in your meeting as it is stylish and complements a host of other materials. It is also easy to clean and maintain and comes in a variety of different shapes and unlike wood, it won’t warp over time due to high humidity levels.
Metal tables are strong and robust and look great in contemporary environments. The material doesn’t absorb liquids and is easy to clean and serves as a great long-term investment due to its durability.
Opting for a laminate table could be a more cost-effective choice if you are working to a particular budget. This is a good fit for tables that experience a lot of use, as it is scratch and impact resistant. Whilst the material is engineered it can look identical to wood and be.
Meeting tables tend to fall into three categories: traditional, contemporary and minimalist. Wood is a solid option for traditional spaces as it presents a feeling of grandeur and professionalism. Glass and metal look smoother and cleaner and suit modern aesthetics, whilst a minimalist design can work in both traditional and contemporary setups.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right table that looks and feels right in your workspace. How does it fit in with the overall office culture? Or could it be the centrepiece of an office refresh, allowing you to change the mood and ambiance?
If projectors and monitors are a requirement for your meeting room, support features can also be built into your table. Monitor and projector mounts save on space and other equipment in the room, which is particularly helpful for smaller spaces. Microphone and speaker integration is also a possibility if the table is to be used in a very large space that holds more people.
A good meeting table should also offer technical support to enhance your communication and presentation options in the room.
For example, a table with added power outlets (typically hidden inside) or cable management features make it easier for people to charge laptops, phones, tablets and any other technology needed for the meeting.
Tables with wireless charging capabilities are also becoming increasingly common, as it means fewer leads and plugs are trailing around the room, helping it look cleaner and also safer for users.
You will likely be working to a budget, so once you have established how much you can afford, try to stick to it and don’t be swayed into buying a table that is too expensive for your needs.
When setting a budget, it’s important to find a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality. A lower price offers a good deal, but it may not provide the longevity you need. Factor in how much use the table will receive and the type of activities it will be exposed to, and how valuable the meeting room is to your company overall.
There is no shortage of meeting table suppliers, but narrowing down your options can prove tricky. Look at the product warranties they can offer (Spaceist provides a 5-year warranty as standard) and the level of customer support they can provide before and after your purchase.
Also look at customer reviews and ratings online to get an initial idea of the quality of products and services they have provided to other businesses, as this usually offers a good indication of what to expect.
From setting a budget and choosing a supplier to looking at the aesthetics and functionality of the table, there is a lot to consider when investing in your meeting room. Take your time to assess all of the points we have mentioned above and consider how your ideal table could benefit your business. The Spaceist team is always available to help, so take a look at our website or come and visit us at our 2,500 sq. ft. showroom. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.
