Boardroom Furniture Buying Guide
Boardroom Furniture Buying Guide
A boardroom, also known as a meeting or conference room, serves as a space where crucial decisions are made, ideas are shared, and collaborations are forged. It's a pivotal part of any corporate entity, reflecting the company's identity while fostering communication and productivity. As such, a functional, well-furnished, and visually appealing boardroom is of utmost importance.
Consider How You Will Use Your Boardroom
Before thinking about the design and aesthetic appeal of your boardroom furniture, it's crucial to consider functionality. Understanding how the boardroom will be used daily can guide you towards furniture choices that meet your specific requirements and enhance productivity.
Consider the following:
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What is the average number of people attending the meetings? Is this number consistent, or does it fluctuate significantly?
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Do you have a dedicated space/ room solely for formal meetings that occur infrequently, or do you envision a more flexible office design where the boardroom is also used for various purposes such as additional workspace, storage, private client calls and casual meetings?
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Are you considering a boardroom space that is adaptable in its layout, with movable screens or glass walls?
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Are you planning on company growth?
The answers to these questions will guide your decisions regarding the shape and size of your boardroom table, the type and number of chairs needed, and whether it's more prudent to invest in innovative design options or stick to classic, time-tested ones.
Remember, a boardroom that aligns with your specific needs and uses will not only reflect your company’s identity but also foster an environment conducive to productive discussions and effective decision-making. Now, let's dive into the furniture that you might consider for your boardroom.
What Furniture Do Boardrooms & Meeting Rooms Need?
A well-equipped boardroom comprises several key pieces: a sturdy and spacious boardroom table, comfortable chairs, efficient presentation facilities, and storage units. Each component plays a vital role in facilitating seamless discussions and effective meetings.
Boardroom Tables
Boardroom tables act as the centrepiece of the room. Different types offer various benefits:
Melamine Boardroom Tables
Known for their durability and affordability, melamine boardroom tables resist scratches, heat, and stains, making them a practical choice for high-usage environments.
Wood Veneer Boardroom Tables
These tables add an air of elegance and sophistication to your boardroom. Wood veneer boardroom tables are warm, inviting, and versatile, fitting well in both traditional and modern office spaces.
Glass Boardroom Tables
Sleek and modern, glass boardroom tables can make a room feel spacious and well-lit. They offer a sophisticated aesthetic and are easy to clean.
Compact Boardroom Tables
Perfect for smaller spaces, compact tables ensure that a room remains functional without feeling cluttered. They offer the same benefits as larger counterparts but are more versatile in terms of placement.
Round or Rectangular
Round tables promote equality and collaboration, as everyone sits an equal distance apart. Rectangular tables, on the other hand, have a traditional appeal and can accommodate larger groups.
Adjustable or Folding
These tables offer flexibility. Adjustable tables can be modified to suit varying group sizes, while folding tables can be stored away when not in use, saving valuable space.
Boardroom Table Buying Considerations
How Much Should I Spend on a Boardroom Table?
The cost of a boardroom table can be significantly influenced by the material used, its size and the additional features integrated into it. For instance, options such as melamine, a type of laminate known for its resistance to scratches, heat, and stains, are the most cost-effective. They offer a practical solution for high-usage environments while maintaining a modern and stylish appearance.
On the other hand, wood veneer tables, which feature a layer of real wood applied over a base material, are a step up in both price and quality. They emulate the warmth and elegance of solid wood without the hefty price tag associated with it.
Beyond material, the inclusion of power and data module options can also impact the cost. Fitted power modules can include power sockets, USB fast charge points, HDMI points, and more. While these optional extras increase the overall cost, they can also significantly enhance the functionality of your boardroom table, making everyday use more convenient and productive.
Therefore, when budgeting for your boardroom table, consider not only the upfront cost but also the long-term benefits.
What Type of Layout/ Setup Should I Aim For?
The layout of your boardroom is a key factor in determining how effectively communication and collaboration can take place within it. For instance, the traditional boardroom style layout, characterised by a single, large table that accommodates all delegates, fosters an environment of equality and facilitates open discussions. On the other hand, the U-shape style layout, featuring tables arranged in a U shape with chairs placed around the outside, is beneficial for both group discussions and presentations, as the presenter can engage with all attendees equally.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to choose a layout that caters to your specific meeting styles, space constraints, and company culture. For more detailed information on different layouts and their respective advantages, we recommend reading this comprehensive guide: Meeting and Conference Room Layout Ideas.
What Size Boardroom Table Should I Get?
Choosing the right size for your boardroom table is essential to ensure that all users can sit comfortably, have enough workspace, and effectively communicate with each other. Here are some factors to consider:
Number of Attendees: The size of your table will depend heavily on the number of people you typically have in your meetings. The width of your chairs, as well as whether you want to position chairs at either end of the table will contribute to the number of people you can seat. Read our article What Size Conference Table Do I Need? , which provides a good rule of thumb for calculating the best table size based on the number of people you need to seat.
Room Size: You should also take into consideration the size of your boardroom. The table should be proportionate to the room - not so large that it overwhelms the space or inhibits movement, and not so small that it looks insignificant or doesn't utilise the room effectively. A common guideline is to leave a minimum of 1200mm of space around the table to allow for easy chair movement and comfortable access and exit paths.
Table Shape: The shape of the table can also influence its size. For instance, rectangular and oval tables tend to accommodate more people than round or square tables of a similar size.
Boardroom Chairs
Just as the table is the centrepiece of your boardroom, chairs are the foundational elements that ensure comfort, promote productivity, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the room. The right chairs not only need to be comfortable for prolonged sitting, but they also need to be functional, aligning with the specific needs of your meetings, and stylish, reflecting your company's brand and values.
Comfort is paramount when selecting boardroom chairs, as meetings can sometimes be lengthy, and discomfort can lead to a lack of focus and reduced productivity. Look for features such as lumbar support, adjustable height and armrests, and cushioning that maintains its shape over time.
Style is another key factor. Boardroom chairs contribute significantly to the first impression your company makes on clients, partners, and prospective employees who enter the space. A chair that matches the table and the overall decor of the room will create a harmonious and professional image.
In the following sections, we'll delve into the different types of boardroom chairs and the specific benefits each can bring to your meeting environment.
Types of Boardroom Chairs:
In order to meet diverse comfort and style needs, boardroom chairs come in a variety of types. Here are some common types you might consider:
Fabric Boardroom Chairs
Fabric boardroom chairs offer a wide range of colour and pattern choices, allowing you to easily match them with your brand colours or room decor. They're typically padded and can provide ample comfort for long meetings. However, they may be more susceptible to stains and wear than other materials.
Mesh Boardroom Chairs
Mesh boardroom chairs are known for their breathability, which can be particularly beneficial in warmer climates or during long meetings. They often feature a modern design and are available in various colours to complement your decor.
Leather Boardroom Chairs
Leather boardroom chairs, whether real or faux, can add a touch of luxury and professionalism to your boardroom. They're typically comfortable, durable, and easy to clean, but may come with a higher price tag.
Boardroom Chair Buying Considerations
When buying boardroom chairs, there are a few factors you should consider:
Number of Seats
Most boardroom chairs have a width of 500-600mm. Some may be wider. Taking into consideration the size of your table, you should consider how close you want people to sit. The number of chairs you need may affect the style and type you choose.
Design & Colour
The design and colour of your chairs should complement the boardroom table and the overall room aesthetics. There's a wide array of fabric colours to choose from, to suit any office style or branding. Vibrant blues, greens and reds can energise a room, while more subdued greys, blacks and navy blues offer a classic, sophisticated feel. Think about how the chairs align with your company's brand image.
Foldable Chairs
If your boardroom doubles as a multi-purpose space or if you frequently need to make room for larger groups, foldable chairs can be a great option. These chairs provide the flexibility to quickly reconfigure the room or store chairs away when not in use. When choosing foldable chairs, look for models that offer good comfort and stability, even if they might be used less frequently.
Budget
The cost of boardroom chairs can vary widely based on material, design, and additional features like adjustability or foldability. High-quality materials like leather are likely to cost more, but they also offer greater durability and can contribute to a more upscale aesthetic. On the other hand, more affordable materials like fabric, mesh, or faux leather can still provide a good level of comfort and a modern appearance. Aim to strike a balance between quality, comfort, and cost.
Storage Options & Presentation Facilities
Beyond furniture, it's important to consider additional items that make a boardroom functional. For instance, office cupboards can keep essential meeting materials close at hand yet out of sight to maintain a clean and organised space. Presentation facilities like a projector or large screen TV, a whiteboard, or a flip chart stand can facilitate communication and collaboration.
Traditional Vs Modern Boardroom Furniture
When choosing your boardroom furniture, think about the style that best matches your business's brand. Traditional furniture styles, often characterised by wood finishes and classic designs, can convey a sense of stability and professionalism. Modern styles, on the other hand, tend to favour clean lines, minimalistic designs, and innovative materials, projecting a forward-thinking, dynamic image.
Consider Your Space
Lastly, always consider the dimensions and layout of your office when buying boardroom furniture. Ensure there's enough room for all furniture pieces and for employees to move around easily. If you don't have a separate room for the boardroom, you might think about creating a dedicated space using meeting pods or booths, which can provide privacy and noise reduction in an open-plan office.
Why Choose Southern Office Furniture?
At Southern Office Furniture, we understand that selecting the right boardroom furniture is not just about style and comfort, but also about creating a space that works for your specific needs.
We offer an extensive selection of high-quality boardroom furniture, from tables and chairs to storage solutions and presentation facilities, all designed with the modern office in mind. Our range includes a variety of materials, styles, and price points, ensuring you can find the right fit for your space, brand, and budget.
Moreover, our knowledgeable team is always ready to provide expert advice and guidance, from layout considerations to selecting the right size, material, and design. Whether you are setting up a new office or updating your current boardroom, we are here to help make the process easy, efficient, and successful.