First impressions are formed within seconds. Even before a client comes into contact with your company, talks with your receptionist, or holds meetings in the conference room, they will have formed an opinion on your office based on what they saw when they opened your front door. This is why the importance of your reception area cannot be overstated.
A reception space is essentially the face of any company, whether it be a corporate office, a law firm, a healthcare facility, a financial organization, an educational institution, or any creative agency. To show professionalism and create a good environment, it is necessary to furnish your reception area in a comfortable manner.
The first step to achieving this result is choosing the right reception area furniture.
Reception Area Furniture
The furniture used in office receptions consists of all the pieces found in the entrance to the offices, waiting rooms, or lobbies of a building. Such furniture is intended to create a comfortable and organized space for the visitors, clients, vendors, and employees of the company to wait before the meetings or appointments.
The main difference between modern office furniture and reception furniture is that the latter should be aesthetically pleasing and functional despite being used very frequently.
A complete reception area usually includes:
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Reception desks
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Reception area seating
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Lounge chairs
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Sofas
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Coffee tables
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Side tables
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Accents and accessories
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Literature displays
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Storage cabinets
Why Does Reception Furniture Matter?
Many businesses tend to focus on conference rooms and executive offices. However, the reception area plays a greater role because it is the place where visitors first come in contact with your company.
Imagine two offices. In one, there are old and uncomfortable chairs, outdated furniture, poor lighting, and a cluttered space. In the other, there is comfortable seating and furniture, coordinated color palette, and everything else organized in order.
Which company do you think looks more professional?
A carefully chosen reception area furniture creates a certain perception of the company and conveys the feeling of professionalism, attention to detail, and care for customers.
Moreover, it can help your company:
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Reduce visitor anxiety
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Increase customer satisfaction
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Increase employee productivity
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Communicate brand image
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Encourage return business
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Create a great first impression
Features of Quality Office Reception Furniture
The reception area furniture should not only look good. It should provide maximum comfort and be functional as well.
Comfortable Reception Area Seating
Visitors may stay in your reception area for several minutes or even longer. A comfortable seating makes the waiting process more pleasant and reduces the stress of the visitors.
Some of the most popular seating types include:
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Lounge chairs
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Modular seating
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Upholstered benches
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Sofas
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Club chairs
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Guest seating
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Loveseats
Ergonomic design of the furniture is what makes it more comfortable and attractive.
Durable Commercial Construction
Since reception area furniture sees much more usage than regular residential furniture, it should be able to withstand heavy wear and tear.
Some of the features of good quality construction include:
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Reinforced frames
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Heavy-duty upholstery
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Scratch-resistant finish
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High-density foam cushions
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Metal or hardwood frame
Such construction guarantees that the furniture will last long and keep its aesthetic look for many years.
Various Design Options
In today's world, you can choose from a vast array of designs to make the reception area look stylish and elegant.
Some of the design types include:
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Contemporary
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Modern
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Transitional
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Minimalist
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Industrial
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Scandinavian
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Traditional
By selecting the furniture that fits your brand image, you can create a cohesive design.
Benefits of Choosing Modern Reception Area Furniture
The purchase of quality reception area furniture can bring a lot of benefits to your company.
Helps Create a Strong First Impression
Reception area is the first thing that visitors notice. A clean and coordinated furniture helps establish the credibility of the company even before any conversation begins.
Increases Visitor Comfort
Comfortable waiting areas reduce stress and make appointments more pleasant.
Helps Improve Your Company's Image
Furniture can say a lot about your company. For example:
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law firms usually choose elegant wood finishes;
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tech companies prefer sleek and modern furniture;
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medical offices care about the comfort of their visitors and easy cleaning of the furniture;
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creative agencies like bold colors and unusual seating arrangements.
The furniture becomes a part of the brand identity of your company.
Optimizes the Space Usage
Modern office reception area furniture is specially designed in order to optimally use the space.
Use modular seating, small tables, and multifunctional furniture to increase the seating capacity and make traffic flow smoother.
Long-Term Value
Though the purchase of premium commercial furniture requires investment, such furniture tends to last much longer.
The advantages include:
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Low cost of replacement
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Easy maintenance
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High durability
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Consistent look
Uses and Applications of Reception Area Furniture
There are a lot of industries that use reception area furniture.
Corporate Offices
Corporate reception area is a place where professionalism is emphasized.
Furniture for this kind of reception area may include:
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Executive reception desks
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Leather seating
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Coffee tables
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Digital sign-in stations
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Accent lighting
Medical Offices
Healthcare facilities need furniture that is comfortable, hygienic, and easy to clean.
The furniture for medical offices may include:
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Vinyl seating
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Modular waiting chairs
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Pediatric seating options
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Accessible furniture
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Durable side tables
Law Firms
Law clients usually have to wait before the consultation. The comfortable furniture will help to make this period more relaxing.
Some of the furniture used by law firms is:
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Plush lounge seating
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Wooden reception desks
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End tables
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Reading materials
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Elegant decoration
Educational Institutions
Educational facilities use reception furniture to welcome students, parents, and visitors while providing functionality.
Hotels and Hospitality Industry
Hotel lobbies tend to be luxurious and cozy. Reception furniture may include large sectionals, decorative tables, and premium finish.
Reception Desks: The Centerpiece of Every Lobby
Though the seating furniture is important, the reception desk plays an equally important role.
It serves several purposes:
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Welcoming the visitors
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Handling appointments
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Receiving deliveries
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Informing the clients
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Administrative work
There are lots of different types of reception desks including:
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Straight desks
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Curved desks
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U-shaped desks
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L-shaped desks
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ADA-compliant desks
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Custom reception counters
Choosing the reception desk for your company, you should think not only of its look, but also of its usefulness and workspace efficiency.
Choosing the Right Reception Area Seating
Comfort and aesthetics should go hand-in-hand when selecting the reception area seating.
Consider the following:
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Visitor wait times
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Floor space
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Type of business
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Cleaning requirements
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Accessibility
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Traffic volume
A mix of seating furniture may include:
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Guest chairs for individual seating
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Sofas for groups or families
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Lounge seating for executive environments
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Modular seating
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Bariatric seating where necessary
This way you can create a versatile waiting area that will accommodate various situations and still look professional.
Why You Should Choose Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Direct)?
Choosing the right furniture supplier is almost as important as choosing the furniture itself. A reputable partner will help you get the most out of your investment by recommending the best products for your specific space and business.
At Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Direct), you can find top-quality commercial furniture that is both durable and stylish.
Wide Product Range
Every office has its specific needs. Be it a small reception area or a large corporate lobby, we have solutions for any industry.
Our product list includes:
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Reception desks
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Lounge seating
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Guest chairs
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Modular seating
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Coffee and end tables
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Storage solutions
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Collaboration furniture
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Privacy panels
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Office accessories
Commercial-Grade Quality
In contrast with residential furniture, commercial furniture is made to handle a lot of traffic. Our furniture is manufactured using high-quality materials that ensure durability and good appearance.
Professional Design Assistance
Designing a reception area involves more than just finding furniture that will look good. There are other important aspects, including space planning, traffic flow, accessibility, and brand consistency.
We will help you choose the furniture that will be both comfortable and aesthetic.
Custom Solutions
There are no two identical reception areas. We offer customization of:
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Upholstery colors
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Wood finishes
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Laminate selection
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Table shapes
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Seating configuration
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Reception desk styles
This way you can create a unique reception area that will perfectly represent your company.
How to Design a Reception Area That Leaves a Lasting Impression
A welcoming reception area doesn't just appear out of thin air. Each choice in the design affects the perception of your business.
Layout First
Make sure to evaluate how visitors go through the space before purchasing furniture.
Questions to ask yourself:
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Where will they enter the space?
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Where should they register their presence?
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How much seating is needed?
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Are all walkways free?
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Is it accessible for everyone?
Balance Comfort and Professionality
Reception area must be welcoming but not cluttered.
Leave some empty space instead of filling the entire space with furniture.
Comfortable seating, proper lighting, and finishes help you create the professional and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can rest while waiting.
Materials
Reception furniture is one of the most often used in the office space.
Choose materials such as:
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Commercial-grade vinyl
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Performance fabrics
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Real or faux leather
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Powder-coated steel
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High-pressure laminates
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Solid wood accents
Colors in Reception Area
The psychology of color influences the feeling of visitors when they enter your office.
For example:
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Blue symbolizes trust and professionality.
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Gray creates the atmosphere of sophistication.
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Green brings calmness.
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White symbolizes purity and simplicity.
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Wood adds warmth and comfort.
Use colors that fit the branding of your company instead of the trendy palette.
Reception Area Furniture Trends
Design of the office space changes constantly due to increasing importance of employee health and customer experience.
The most popular trends in the reception area right now are:
Modular Seating
Flexibility of modular furniture is a great solution to the changing office space needs.
Benefits of modular furniture are:
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Easy reconfiguration
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Effective use of space
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Collaborative setups
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Sleek look
Sustainable Furniture
Many businesses prefer environmentally friendly materials and production processes now.
Multi-functional pieces
Furniture pieces that have more than one use became a popular solution in the reception area.
Examples:
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Bench with storage
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Table with charging ports
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Reception desk with the technology features
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Mobile furniture
Residential Look
Many companies decide to change their cold corporate environment to the warmer and more welcoming reception area inspired by hospitality industry.
This can be achieved by using soft seating, fabrics, wood, and decorative lighting.
Common Mistakes
Even high-quality furniture can ruin the impression of your office space because of poor design.
To avoid these mistakes:
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Don't buy furniture that is too large for the space
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Overcrowd the reception area
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Forget about accessibility requirements
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Buy uncomfortable seats
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Mix too many different styles of design
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Choose the furniture of low quality for the reception area
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Forget about the storage possibilities
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Neglect the importance of lighting and decor
Good design will help you to create a professional yet welcoming space.
Advice on Choosing the Best Reception Area Furniture
In order to choose the best office reception furniture and seats you should think not only of current needs but about the future too.
Here are a few useful tips:
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Measure the area of your reception area
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Calculate the number of average visitors
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Go for commercial-grade products
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Comfort comes before style
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Pick up the finishes that suit your branding
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Buy timeless pieces instead of trendy products
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Think of the future changes in your business
These thoughtful decisions can help you save money and keep your reception area professional for a long time.
Maintenance of Your Furniture
Correct maintenance helps your furniture stay beautiful for a long time.
Here are a few simple recommendations for furniture care:
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Vacuum upholstery regularly
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Clean the furniture with the recommended cleaning agents
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Deal with spills as soon as possible
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Inspect furniture and tighten hardware
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If needed rotate the cushions
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Change glides or furniture legs
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Have your upholstered furniture cleaned professionally periodically
It will help to keep the welcoming atmosphere of your reception area.
Call Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Direct) at (973) 442-1577 to find out how to get reception furniture for your office space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reception area furniture?
Reception area furniture includes reception desks, seating, tables and other accessories for office entrances, waiting rooms and lobbies.
Why is reception area furniture important?
Reception area furniture creates a good impression, improves visitor experience and shows the professionalism of your business.
What furniture should every reception area have?
There are several standard pieces of furniture in almost each reception area including reception desks, comfortable seating, coffee tables, side tables and storage.
What is the best seating for reception area?
Lounge chairs, sofas, modular seating, and upholstered guest chairs are the most popular seating choices for the reception area.
How to choose office reception furniture?
Consider the available space, number of visitors, your company image, comfort and durability.
What materials are best for commercial reception furniture?
The best choices are commercial grade vinyl, leather, performance fabrics, laminates and powder-coated steel.
How long does commercial reception furniture last?
It depends on the conditions of use, but quality commercial furniture can last for many years with correct maintenance and usage.
Can reception furniture improve customer experience?
Yes. Comfortable and stylish furniture helps to create the feeling of welcome and improves perception of your business.
Is modular reception seating a good investment?
Absolutely. It is flexible and can be adjusted to any change of your office space.
How much seating should a reception area have?
It depends on the number of your visitors and floor space. It is best to have enough seating but not to overcrowd the space.
What colors work best in reception areas?
Neutral colors like gray, white, beige and wood colors create a professional look, while brand colors can be used as accents.
How often should reception furniture be replaced?
It depends on the conditions of usage, but quality commercial furniture is made to last with proper maintenance.
What is the difference between residential and commercial reception furniture?
Commercial furniture is created to be stronger, safer and more durable than residential furniture.
Can reception furniture be customized?
Yes. Many manufacturers offer customizing options for their furniture – fabrics, finishes, colors and configurations.
Where can I purchase reception area furniture?
Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Direct) can provide you with a wide variety of high-quality reception area furniture. Call us at (973) 442-1577 to find out more.