Choosing a conference table for your space is one of the most impactful decisions you have to make when furnishing an office. These items are more than just a piece of furniture. Instead, they help shape the direction of the meetings, discussions, and decisions you will make for years to come. While some conference tables help focus on hierarchy and order, others encourage more open discussions and participation.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best type of conference table. In contrast, the best table style will depend on your company’s culture, meeting style, and industry. By choosing a conference table that supports and aligns with your needs instead of opposing them, you can help foster effective discussions and meetings for your company.
Typical Meeting Size
The typical size of your meeting will play an active role in your decision when searching for a conference table. Beyond looking at the shape, the configuration of your boardroom desk is also crucial. Larger companies with more employees will favor bigger desks like a 12 person conference table to ensure that all staff can comfortably attend meetings.
Meanwhile, smaller companies with fewer staff prefer compact configurations like a six-person conference table, as they offer a more intimate setting that helps build collaboration and communication. This also helps to maximize office space as you can easily fit this table in tighter rooms without disrupting your layout.
Think About Your Meeting Style Before Making a Decision
The shape of a conference table plays a subtle but crucial role in how companies conduct their meetings. For instance, it is much harder to have open discussions on a rectangular conference table than a circular one. When choosing a conference table, you should consider the type of discussions you often have in your company and use that information to guide your decision.
Businesses that favor hierarchical meetings, where a lead guides direction and order, will benefit from a rectangular or square conference table. This style helps reinforce a team’s rank, leading to more organized discussions. On the other hand, companies that favor free-flowing meetings with collaboration can use a circular conference table as it encourages everyone to contribute without feeling like they are speaking out of turn.
Office Layout and Available Space
The most crucial factor that should guide your decision when searching for a conference table to purchase is your available floor space. There is no point in buying a massive conference table if you don’t have the space for it. A boardroom should never feel too cramped or tight, as this creates more tension and makes people feel less free, comfortable, and focused during discussions. Instead, your conference room should have an open layout that promotes easy movement and visibility.
To achieve this, you should always measure your current boardroom before purchasing a desk. This simple step should reduce the chances of selecting a conference room table that will not fit into your space. You should also remember other presentation elements when making measurements, like screens, storage units, chairs, and other furniture that may take up space. This thoughtful planning should give you a clearer idea of what conference room table size you should purchase for your office.