Description
The office waiting area is a classic part of any office. Visitors in such a place should feel as comfortable as possible and at the same time get a full idea of the company, so the design of this area is a kind of mini-presentation.
An office waiting area, located in the reception area, is a place where visitors wait for a meeting with a specialist or a company manager. This area may be located a little away from the reception desk. Here visitors can relax and prepare for a business meeting. The comfort and coziness of the waiting area are created by furniture and proper lighting.
The interior design of the reception room is considered to be a continuation of the overall style of the entire office. At the same time, the waiting area is a kind of quintessence, by which one can judge the style of the company, the type of activity, and the prestige. The main thing is not to forget that in addition to comfort, the reception room should have a businesslike atmosphere; therefore, inappropriate or too flashy objects should be excluded here.
A well-organized waiting area in a bank, office or medical center, notary office, car dealership, etc. allows you to solve two main problems:
- create a comfortable environment, increasing customer loyalty and partner trust;
- to form or strengthen the desired image.
At the same time, it is not necessary to invest large amounts of money into the interior. As a rule, expensive armchairs, sofas, and coffee tables can be successfully replaced with cheaper ones that match the style and status of the company.
Front office: reception/waiting area
The reception area is the place where the client begins to get acquainted with the company, and the workspace of the administrators. It is important to arrange it so that it is not only memorable but also as functional and convenient as possible.
What kind of entrance area to make depends on the goals and characteristics of the business. If clients rarely come to the office, you can limit yourself to a small reception area.
If you have regular customers, it is important to place a reception desk, cloakroom, tea and coffee, and branded elements in the entrance area so that visitors can have a pleasant time while waiting for employees and learn more about the company.
But if the office is small, you can limit yourself to the essentials: provide a reception desk, a coffee table, several armchairs or a sofa.
Hotel waiting area interior design
The large reception desk is located in the hotel lobby with comfortable sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables for a comfortable time during visitors’ registration. The lobby furniture arrangement should not interfere with vacationers, work personnel, and newly arrived guests moving around. In this area, there are stands with fresh press so that guests can spend their waiting time usefully. From magazines and newspapers, they will learn useful information about the hotel. The main goal of the hotel reception area is to create all the necessary amenities for hotel guests.
The standard set of functions of any hotel includes:
- Room reservations.
- Meeting and registration of guests.
- Design and placement.
- Personal communication with clients or by phone.
- Help with any questions or problems that may arise while staying in your room.
- Issuing and paying invoices.
- Issuance of keys
- Taxi order
Hotel guests contact the receptionist to resolve any issue; the main thing for the staff is polite communication and assistance in solving any difficulties that arise.
Working hours
The reception is open 24/7 to accommodate guests at any time of the day, even at night. The administrator must be at work all the time, so the hotel rules provide for a shift schedule by the number of hours.
The reception is the quintessence of the hotel. It is where the clients’ rest in the hotel begins and ends. The reception is where the main work of the establishment is focused. Guests will rate the hotel as highly as the reception is organized. The entire staff of the hotel, but especially the administrators, must be responsive, attentive, and friendly with the guests, know the hotel’s work well, and speak foreign languages to solve many problems.
Office waiting area interior design
- The first is minimalism. Several chairs and a table emphasize the fact that this office is not used to making people wait, but there is still a corresponding “just in case” zone. Visitors should be comfortable, this is a must. It is also necessary to add company attributes.
- The second option is shocking (in the best sense of the word). The ideal option for it is large leather chairs, several floor lamps, a refrigerator, a bar, etc. It is also worth getting interesting sounds and this is an additional plus.
A dynamic waiting area is a trend that has become popular in recent years. It involves office furniture with characteristic fast lines that create an overall “light” impression. A plasma monitor with company videos will be a harmonious addition to such an interior.
The design of the waiting area is really important because it shows both the company’s values and its aspirations. The designer’s task is to create an environment that reflects corporate priorities as much as possible. And, naturally, it should be a harmonious part of the microcosm that is any office. It is very important to do everything right.
Seating design in an office waiting area
The seating design in an office waiting area is crucial for creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Here are some key considerations:
Comfort
Choose seating that is both visually appealing and comfortable. Consider factors like padding, armrests, and back support. Opt for materials that are soft to the touch, such as fabric or leather.
Variety
Offer a variety of seating options to cater to different preferences and group sizes. This could include individual chairs, small sofas, and larger couches.
Arrangement
Arrange the seating in a way that promotes conversation and minimizes crowding. Consider creating small seating groups for visitors who may prefer to socialize.
Scale
Ensure that the seating is appropriately scaled for the space. Oversized furniture can make the waiting area feel cramped, while undersized furniture can appear lost.
Aesthetics
The appearance of the seating should complement the overall design of the waiting area. Consider the color, texture, and style of the chairs and sofas.
By carefully selecting and arranging seating in your office waiting area, you can create a space that is both functional and inviting.
When you can’t do without a sofa and which one you should choose
It is advisable to equip the reception area or foyer with a comfortable sofa or a soft corner if the nature of the company’s work suggests that the waiting time for an appointment, preparation of contracts, and other documents may be prolonged.
It is important to understand that not all upholstered furniture is suitable for public places, either in terms of its hygienic or operational characteristics.
First of all, this applies to upholstery materials:
- In most cases, office sofas are upholstered with leatherette, which is easy to wash and can be treated with disinfectants.
- Furniture with fabric upholstery is not suitable for a waiting area with high traffic, even if the fabric is easy to clean and has water-repellent properties.
- A sofa or a soft corner with genuine leather upholstery will be suitable for furnishing a room intended for receiving VIP clients and partners. Such furniture requires special care, but the costs are justified.
Lighting the office waiting area
Proper lighting is essential for creating a welcoming and functional office waiting area. Here are some key considerations:
Natural light
Maximize natural light by using large windows or skylights. Natural light can help to create a more cheerful and inviting atmosphere.
Artificial lighting
Supplement natural light with artificial lighting to ensure adequate illumination throughout the day. Consider using a combination of overhead fixtures, table lamps, and floor lamps.
Layers of light
Create layers of light by using a variety of lighting sources. This will help to create a more dynamic and interesting atmosphere.
Warm tones
Use warm-toned light bulbs to create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Avoid using harsh, fluorescent lighting, which can be harsh on the eyes.
Task lighting
Provide task lighting for reading or working. This could include table lamps or wall sconces near seating areas.
Accent lighting
Use accent lighting to highlight specific features of the waiting area, such as artwork or plants. This can add interest and visual appeal.
Dimming controls
Consider using dimming controls to adjust the lighting levels as needed throughout the day. This can help to create a more relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a well-lit office waiting area that is both functional and inviting.
Color palette
In the color scheme of the reception design, specialists prefer calm and soothing tones, carefully giving preference to bright and active shades of red, orange, etc. It is also important to ensure proper lighting of the waiting area. This can be a different type of arrangement of lamps. Do not forget about greenery – flowers in pots or tubs.
Furnishing the office waiting area
The comfort and coziness of the office waiting area are created by furniture – soft sofas, armchairs or chairs, and coffee tables. It is advisable to place information materials about the company’s activities, vases with flowers, sets of pens, pencils, and paper here. While waiting for the reception, visitors can drink a cup of coffee or tea, so it is worth taking care of this too.
The waiting area should have a hanger for visitors’ outerwear, an umbrella stand, and other furniture elements that fit organically into the design concept of the room. It would not be superfluous to install a TV panel that shows commercials about the products manufactured by the company.
As additional equipment for the waiting area, you can choose a cooler with cold water so that visitors can quench their thirst if they wish. You can also install a coffee or vending machine.
Décor
Artwork
Hang artwork that reflects your company’s culture or values. Consider abstract pieces, nature-inspired prints, or corporate logos.
Plants
Add greenery to the space with live plants or artificial foliage. Plants can help to improve air quality and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Magazines and books
Provide reading material to keep visitors entertained and informed.
Technology integration in office waiting areas
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it can also enhance the experience of visitors to an office waiting area. Here are some ways to integrate technology into your office waiting area design:
Wi-Fi
Offer free Wi-Fi so visitors can stay connected and productive. This is especially important for business travelers or those who need to work while waiting.
Charging stations
Provide charging stations for laptops, phones, and tablets. This will ensure that visitors can keep their devices powered up and ready to use.
Digital signage
Use digital signage displays to provide information, entertainment, or advertising content. This can be a great way to keep visitors engaged and informed.
Interactive kiosks
Install interactive kiosks that allow visitors to access company information, make appointments, or provide feedback. This can streamline the visitor experience and reduce the need for human interaction.
Virtual assistants
Implement virtual assistants or chatbots that can answer visitor questions and provide assistance. This can help to improve customer service and reduce wait times.
Smart lighting
Use smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely. This allows you to adjust the lighting levels to create different moods or optimize energy consumption.
Air quality monitoring
Install air quality monitoring systems to ensure that the waiting area is healthy and comfortable. This can be particularly important in areas with poor air quality.
Security systems
Implement security systems, such as surveillance cameras or access control systems, to ensure the safety of visitors and employees.
By integrating technology into your office waiting area design, you can create a more modern, efficient, and welcoming space for visitors.
Acoustics of an office waiting area
A well-designed office waiting area should not only be visually appealing but also acoustically comfortable. Poor acoustics can lead to stress, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, making it an unpleasant experience for visitors.
Key considerations for acoustics in a waiting area:
Noise reduction
Minimize external noise from hallways, traffic, or other nearby areas using sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels, carpets, or curtains.
Reverberation control
Avoid excessive echo by using sound-absorbing surfaces on walls, ceilings, and floors. This will help to create a more pleasant and focused environment.
Privacy
Ensure that conversations in the waiting area do not disturb others. Consider using partitions or sound-absorbing dividers to create more private spaces.
Background noise
Provide a subtle background noise, like soft music or nature sounds, to mask unwanted sounds and create a more relaxing atmosphere.
By addressing these acoustic factors, you can create a welcoming and comfortable waiting area that promotes relaxation and productivity.
Would you like to see some visual examples of office waiting room design? Call us.