Your waiting room area is the first and last thing your client or visitor sees in your office, and it has a significant effect on whether or not they return. Therefore, it is crucial to give this area some serious thought. The area should be a reflection of what you and your company represent, while also welcoming visitors to comfortably sit in your space. Your reception and waiting area should give your visitors a lasting impression, and make them want to return over and over again. To ensure that you have clients or visitors returning to your office, make sure you plan your waiting room area with these elements in mind:
- Add Modern and Supportive Seating:
When it comes to waiting rooms, the seating furniture is the most important. Not only does it showcase your brand but it also impacts your visitor’s comfortability. Therefore you should choose a substantial amount of furniture that will look professional while also catering to your visitor’s needs. Go for chairs that are cushioned rather than plastic or wood options, as they can be uncomfortable to sit on for a long period. It’s also a good idea to try to vary the chairs in the waiting room, so then you can cater to every visitor that comes into your business. - Make Your Reception Desk The Focus:
The reception desk is going to be the largest piece of furniture in your waiting room and is usually the first thing visitors notice when they enter. So it’s important to make it the focal point of your waiting room. Solid wood and veneer desks look amazing, but you don’t need to spend all that extra money for a stylish counter. Go for a laminate one instead, they look almost the same, last years and cost a whole lot less. - Make it Comfortable and Convenient:
Customers and visitors all have different needs while they wait, so it’s essential to make the space comfortable and welcoming to all. To ensure all are welcome, make sure that there is ample seating available so that everyone can wait comfortably. Most importantly, make sure there is clear signage, so people know where to go. It’s also a good idea to have a variety of spaces such as a spot where children can play, and charging stations for those who want to work while they wait. - Add tables and storage:
incorporating the right type of storage and tables will elevate your visitor’s overall experience, and make for a more welcoming waiting area. Consider placing coat racks and storage cabinents near the door, as it will make it easy for visitors to leave their coats, umbrellas and other belongings when they enter. With tables, you can place them around the room and even display some of your business information on them. You can leave magazines, brochures and more so visitors can browse while they are waiting. - Choose The Right Colours:
The colours of your walls, fixtures and furniture can affect the way your visitors feel. Therefore it’s important to choose colours that best represent your business and welcome your visitors. If you are designing a waiting room for a doctors office then having furniture that’s green or blue will set a calming tone. As for other waiting areas, such as salons, having furniture that is a pink shade will let your clients know they are there to be pampered. - Set The Mood With Lighting:
A simple change in lighting can enhance the comfort of your visitors and alter the entire mood of your waiting room. If you have windows, then it’s important to clear the way and let in as much natural light as possible. Natural daylight is a lot less harsh than artificial light and can make the area more welcoming. If that isn’t an option, then go towards low, warm lights, as they create a calm, ‘homey’ feeling to the area. Lastly, try to stay away from fluorescent bulbs that give off an artificial, unwelcoming look.
Choosing furniture for your waiting room can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Let us, at Adept Office furniture, help you create the perfect waiting room that will be a comfortable, welcoming space where people look forward to returning. Our expert furniture consultants in Melbourne can assist you with seating solutions and custom reception counters that will best represent your business and make your area inviting.
Want to make a lasting first impression? Call us today on (03) 9484 0766 and discover a wide range of office furniture in Melbourne.