What are the best reception desks for any office

The best office reception desk

A reception desk isn’t just any old desk. It plays a fundamental role in the experience of someone arriving at your business and helps you to present the right image so you can make a good impression. A good reception desk should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also provide the right type of functionality needed for staff to perform their duties.

However, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the wealth of commercial desks for business options offered online, so to give you a good place to start, we’ve put together a guide on the top reception desks for any business.

What to look for when buying a reception desk

Modern reception desks come in all shapes and sizes and there are a few things to consider before spending your money to buy reception desk. This includes accounting for the dimensions of the area, along with the flow of the space, functionality, colour schemes and more. Below are a few tips on what to look out for when buying a reception desk.

Take the measurements

As with all modern office furniture, the first thing to do is to get the tape measure out to see how much space you have to work with. You want to avoid buying a small reception desk for a space that can accommodate more, while the opposite is just as true.

Decide where to position the reception desk

The position of the desk is just as important, as a white reception desk will serve as the first point of contact for everyone that comes into your business. So, it needs good positioning to present the right image and to support functional use. Will the desk sit opposite a window, lift, stairway or office door? Is there a reception waiting area sitting next to the desk and how will you ensure it doesn’t interfere with the flow of people walking in and out of your premises?

Choose the right shape

The shape of the reception is something that should be considered in tandem with the size. There are lots of different styles available, so whether you go for a corner reception desk or a curved reception desk, it needs to fit into the surroundings and complement the design. For example, L-shaped reception desk designs help you make more out of corner spaces, which can be beneficial in smaller environments.

What are the different types of reception desks?

Here we cover some of the most common types of reception desks and how they could be beneficial for different types of spaces.

Curved reception desks

Curved reception desks can save on space and help you make the most of the available room, which can be particularly useful in tight areas. The design also lets you be a little more creative and even have more than one receptionist behind the desk, if needed. And because the reception desk has a different role to anyone else in the business, this is also the reason why it is usually a different shape to all the others.

Corner reception desks

A corner reception desk, or L-shaped reception desk, could be a good idea if you are tight on space. Smaller businesses tend to benefit from this type of design as they often operate in smaller premises. Even if you are not restricted on space, the layout could be awkwardly shaped, so to avoid interrupting the walkthrough flow, using a corner desk allows you to make the most of the dead space that would not otherwise be utilised.

Small reception desks

A smaller, compact reception desk could be a good fit for tighter spaces or smaller environments. Placing a large reception desk in a small space would impact the overall aesthetics, so it makes sense to keep things in proportion. Or if you do not receive a lot of visitors, you may not want to invest too heavily in a reception desk, so one with smaller dimensions could be the ideal solution.

Wood reception desks

Reception desks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, including those made from different types of materials, although a wood business reception desk continues to have an enduring appeal for most businesses. The material offers a timeless aesthetic that can adapt to a variety of environments, while being tough and durable and low maintenance. Even if you are changing the décor, wood desks are usually able to adapt to a new colour scheme without forcing you to buy a whole new set.

Modular reception desk

An increasingly popular option for businesses in recent years is the modular reception desk. This is because you have more control over the finished design and the way it is used and fits into the reception space. A modular reception desk will allow you to change the configuration to find your preferred counter shape, so it can be adapted to support various uses when needed. You can add in CPU holders, monitor arms and cable management systems if this is a requirement, helping to improve organisation and presentation on the front desk.

Standing reception desk

A standing reception desk offers benefits for both staff and guests arriving at your business. Studies have shown that regular standing can improve blood flow and reduce muscular problems, so giving staff the option can reduce any concerns about health. For guests, it means they can be met at the same level, rather than having to look down at someone on their desk. It demonstrates a level of professionalism and care for the guest that their needs are being attended to in the right way.

How do I choose a reception desk?

1. Measure your reception area and decide what size desk will fit.
2. Each person should have at least 120 cm of desk space.
3. Allow at least 100 cm between the desk and the wall behind.
4. There should be a 150 cm walkway around the desk for visitors.
5. Decide what style of reception desk you like and what is within budget.
6. Choose a bespoke desk size if needed.
7. Think about the cable management you need.
8. Select matching integrated or free-standing office storage options.

What makes a good reception desk?

A good reception desk should match the current style of your reception area, be practical for the user and be easy to clean and maintain. It should also have integrated or matching storage options and a range of cable management options.

What size of reception desk should I get?

You need to allow 120 cm of space per user. This is enough space for a desk chair and under-desk storage if required.

How thick should a reception desk be?

The thickness or depth of most reception desks is around 110-120 cm in depth. The depth of the work surface needs to be at least 70 cm this is enough room for a monitor and space to work. The counter top or front of the desk needs to be added to this measurement.

Where to buy a reception desk?

Buying a reception desk is an important investment for your company, so it’s important to make the right receptionist desk ideas when it comes to the supplier you purchase from. Avoid basing your decision solely on price, as you need to ensure the desk is made from quality materials so it can withstand daily usage. In this respect, a warranty is critical, and the longer it is the better. At Spaceist, all our office furniture comes with a 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment has the cover it needs.

How high is a reception desk?

Most reception desks tend to be anywhere from 30” to 42” inches high, although larger sizes are available, depending on your needs. When considering the height, you need to account for the type of chair being used with the desk and the surrounding space, ensuring it is easy to get in and out of the desk area without unnecessary blockages.

How big is a reception desk?

The size of a reception desk can vary greatly, as much depends on your requirements for the space. Most reception desks tend to have a depth of around 14”. In general terms, lengths range between 60” and 72”, although you can buy much larger sizes that go up to 90”. The best thing to do if you have a specific size requirement is to speak with the supplier who can offer advice on the right one for your environment.

How to find your perfect reception desk

Spaceist is an established furniture supplier that works with businesses across a wide range of sectors Whether you are refurbishing an existing space or moving into new premises, we can help you find the ideal reception desk ideas for small spaces to suit your design ideas. 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.