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Multi-use conference rooms can sometimes be a bit of a challenge when you consider how to best furnish the space. Often, a brief priority checklist can help you select the best conference chairs and conference tables for this important room. Consider ranking and evaluating the following issues.
There are four primary styles of conference tables. At times, you might see some more “exotic” designs, like U-shaped, V-shaped, or horseshoe-shaped tables, but these are rare. The prevalent types of conference room furniture are round, oval, rectangular, and boat-shaped.
Many business change experts, management theorists, operations consultants, and executive psychologists recommend using a round conference table when possible. It is sometimes inconvenient, if not impossible to use this style of meeting room furniture because of room dimensions and architecture. A longer, narrow conference room may prohibit the effective use of a round conference table.
The reason so many knowledgeable people recommend – whether discussing a small or large conference table – the round style: Because there is no “head” or “foot”. This can be important psychologically. Rectangular tables, by definition, have smaller ends than their sides. These naturally form a “head of the table” position, implying superiority in one form or another. Those that want to create this environment should use rectangular or boat-shaped conference tables.
Those wanting to create a more team-oriented atmosphere, allowing equals to work together to achieve goals and objectives should strongly consider using a round conference table. The shape forms a unified “circle” of peers, subconsciously creating a stronger feeling of working together to reach success.
Most experts recommend Board of Director “ideal” numbers at around seven to eleven members. Yet, many companies have much larger Boards for reasons of necessity or tradition. Obviously, in these instances you need a large conference table (and an even larger conference room). Regardless of your affinity for an “every Board Member is created equal” philosophy, few rooms are large enough to accommodate a large round conference table comfortably seating a Board of Directors.
However, you have some excellent choices to seat a large Board or Committee.
Your options of executive conference tables are many. You should, however, consider a number of factors to use your conference room furniture to its most appealing and effective limits.
Aluminum, whether in a brushed or polished finish, is a popular component of contemporary meeting room furniture. You can find all varieties of aluminum chairs in quality levels from inexpensive to very expensive. Your choice of luxury conference chairs and tables usually depends on personal or company preference.
For example, if your style tends toward ultra-contemporary, you can find aluminum conference chairs in 22nd century designs, some of which are stack chairs, too. The only other consideration with these styles is comfort. If your prime consideration is luxury “look” and not comfort, you'll find a number of good choices. Should the comfort factor also be important, you'll need to be a bit more discerning to find those aluminum-based chairs that are sufficiently padded to deliver a soft seating experience.
You can also find luxury rolling conference chairs in combinations of aluminum, leather, fabric, and mesh materials. Should your conference room often involve training sessions, board or committee meetings of long duration, or audio/visual presentations, rolling, more portable chairs tend to be more comfortable and useful. Check with conference room furniture experts, like BizChair.com, to see wonderful selections of styles and aluminum combinations. You can often match executive conference tables with aluminum accents to your preferred conference chairs to create a luxury meeting room.
Effective conference room furniture is typically appealing and tasteful. While one style of executive conference table will not appeal to everyone, there are many options for design and quality of meeting room furniture. Because meeting rooms, by definition, typically have “transient” users, some important features help make conference tables, conference chairs, and other elements both appealing and effective for a meeting room.
While there are many – some might contend that there are too many, at times – wonderful choices for meeting room furniture, it is important to understand the type of room you have and the type of occupants you will attract. These two components will often indicate, if not almost dictate, the type of conference room furniture you choose. Additionally, you have to be more diligent if your conference room must perform more than one function.
For example, you need to have a breakfast meeting in the morning, a training seminar in the afternoon, and a professional Board meeting in the evening. You will want conference room furniture that is not only versatile, but also tasteful, comfortable, and professional. Whether the breakfast meeting is with the mailroom staff or a U.S. Senator, your meeting room furniture should be tasteful and comfortable. Whether your training seminar involves newly hired staff or senior management, you want your conference tables to be utilitarian and work-friendly. As your space morphs into a Boardroom, your executive conference table must exude professionalism and elegance.
The style of your meeting room furniture is not typically a critical issue; the ability to accomplish the goal of management with the room is paramount. Conference room furniture style might have importance if your company has a program regarding consistency of style (traditional, contemporary, classic, etc.). Better furniture experts, like BizChair.com, can help you select the quality, flexibility, and design for your meeting room furniture that has the “personality” you need to have a successful conference room.
Guru Spotlight |
Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. |