10 Essentials To Consider When Buying A Boardroom Table
Purchasing a boardroom table is an important decision for any business. Boardroom tables are normally the focal point of meetings and presentations, so the right table can set the tone for a productive and professional meeting, while a lacklustre choice can ruin the ambience. Plus, your boardroom is often a third party’s first experience of your company and first impressions count.
In this blog post, we will highlight 10 key things to consider when purchasing a boardroom table for your business.
1. The shape of the boardroom table
Boardroom tables come in a variety of shapes to fit your aesthetic and functional needs. These can include rectangular, circular, oval or you could opt for the versatile reconfigurable meeting tables. Reconfigurable tables are a great option to suit multiple meeting sizes and then can be stored away to free up space.
It’s also important to consider the purpose of your meetings when choosing a shape. Rectangular tables are often seen as ideal for formal meetings and presentations, whereas round tables encourage collaboration and open discussion.
2. Size
It’s critical that you choose a table that is proportionate to your boardroom and consider how many people will need to be seated. If the table is too small, meetings may feel cramped and uncomfortable. A boardroom table that is too large, however, may dominate the room and make it difficult for attendees to see and hear one another.
When measuring the size of your room, don’t forget to factor in the space needed for people to move around, pull out their chairs and for any other furniture or equipment that may be within the room.
3. Material
The material of your boardroom table is another element to take into account. There’s a large variety of materials available – popular choices including wood, metal and laminate, but each material has its own pros and cons to consider. Make sure your aesthetic choices are also made with durability and regular use in mind.
For example: wooden tables are traditional and elegant but they can be expensive and M.F.C (melamine faced chipboard) are a scratch resistant alternative being considered by many businesses. You may wish to also consider a nano-tech finish as this is scratch resistant. Glass tables can make a room look larger and more modern; however, they tend to show up marks more than other materials so an opaque or frosted glass may be a better option if you wish to avoid seeing smudges. When purchasing a boardroom table, consider the type of meetings you’ll be hosting as well as your business’s overall look and feel.
4. Table Top Finish
The finish of the table also affects its overall appearance and durability. When shopping around, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from including the table top, to the table edges and the leg finish. Table top options can be coloured, matt, gloss or natural wood grain. You may also like to have a nano-tech coating on the top which provides a scratch resistant surface. A coloured matt finish can add a modern contemporary look to your boardroom, while a natural wood finish provides a more classic and sophisticated look. These decisions should be made with your boardroom’s overall ambience in mind.
5. Leg Finish
Most people tend to focus on the table top finish, but modern tables now have the option to mix the finish and look by using different materials for the top, legs and frame. Table leg finishes are available in wood, chrome, steel and a number of colours and shapes too. When considering the leg frame, it’s important to ensure your chosen seats will fit comfortably under the table and allow for good leg room and that the chair won’t be hindered by the table frame.
6. Power and Data
Today’s world is technology-driven and we often use our laptops or phones when presenting so it’s important to consider power connectivity when choosing your boardroom table.
You can have built-in power outlets and cable management systems which are fitted into the meeting room table top. These built-in beauties hide wires and cables and keep your meeting table looking neat and tidy when these features aren’t required. It’s also useful to think about the type of equipment you will use regularly in your meetings, such as laptops, projectors and audio systems so that you can choose a table that provides the necessary connectivity options.
7. Matching Boardroom Storage
Keeping a clutter-free and organised boardroom helps to create a professional atmosphere in your meeting and this can be achieved with matching sideboard units or credenzas to accommodate cups, glasses, a coffee machine or brochures and documents for your meeting.
8. Comfort
Some meetings are a lot longer than others! A comfortable chair will allow people to concentrate and take on board what the meeting is about. We’ve all been in a meeting where people are moving from side to side and shuffling in their seats and this tends to be because they aren’t in a comfortable chair. For this reason, it’s important to choose chairs that provide comfort and style and compliments your chosen boardroom table. There’s also another great feature not to be overlooked with your boardroom chairs and that’s something called “mind memory”. This feature means that when you get up from your seat it will move back to its original position, meaning that no single person is left tucking in multiple chairs once a meeting has finished. Genius!
9. Budget
Another thing to consider is your budget! A good place to start is to determine how much you’re willing to spend, then look for tables that offer the best value for your money. Well-made high-quality tables can be expensive; however, they’re built to last and can save you money down the track. Budget-friendly tables may lack some of the features and quality that you need, so be sure to weigh your options carefully. Quill Interiors can cater for all budgets.
10. Decor style
It can be difficult to know which decor style is the right fit. Below, are some popular decor styles for boardroom tables to help you choose the right one for your space.
- Traditional: This style is characterised by its use of classic materials and design elements, such as wood and ornate details. Traditional is a timeless option that never goes out of style and can be a great choice for more formal offices.
- Contemporary: Think clean lines, neutral colours and modern materials, such as metal and glass.
- Rustic: For a warm and inviting atmosphere, a rustic table may be a good choice. Rustic design elements may include wood and metal legs and can add a touch of cosiness and texture to your boardroom.
- Industrial: An industrial decor style is characterised by use of raw materials, such as metal and concrete, and a focus on functionality. This decor style is modern and slightly edgy, perfect for trendy urban businesses.
- Eclectic: An eclectic decor style utilises a mix of different materials, textures and patterns. If you’re looking to create a unique and one-of-a-kind atmosphere, an eclectic table may be a good choice. It can add a touch of whimsy and personality to your boardroom.
When deciding on a decor style, it’s important to take into account the atmosphere you are trying to create. You may also want a sense of cohesion between your boardroom and the rest of the business, so factor in the overall office design too.
In conclusion, choosing the right boardroom table is an integral part of creating a professional and productive meeting space. Hopefully, this list gave your business a useful overview of the main things to consider when making your purchasing decision.
Quills Interiors can recommend mid and high-end boardroom tables to suit your budget and a member of the team will be happy to talk through suitable options to suit your needs – simply click here. We can also arrange a showroom visit – click here.
Should you wish to consider a budget friendly option, check out our webstore range here.
