When shopping for a conference table, it is easy to get distracted by the different styles and sizes. While these endless options may appear confusing, picking the best desk for your boardroom is much easier than it seems.
Picking The Right Style: Use Your Company as a Filter
If this is your first time purchasing a table for a conference room, you need to understand that different desk shapes represent various types of companies. Round conference tables have no head, and each participant is viewed as an equal member during all meetings. Companies that use a round table for their conference room will likely have a fluid, team-based structure where each voice carries the same weight as everyone else.
Meanwhile, businesses that use rectangular tables in their conference rooms tend to have a hierarchical structure or use a top-down approach. Every meeting in this type of conference room has a defined leader who sits at the head of the table. On the other hand, boat-shaped tables are in the middle of the spectrum, using a rectangular shape with soft curves around its sides. Companies that prefer this design still have a hierarchical structure but lean heavily on collaboration and communication between different teams.
As a rule of thumb, the more curves a conference table has, the more flexible the structure tends to be. Think of your company, does it have a rigid or fluid structure? The answer should give you a good idea of what type of tables are accepted and what desks you can now cross off the list.
Picking The Right Size: Leave Room For More
Your biggest nightmare should always be picking a conference room table that is too small. Imagine telling an executive or meeting participant no seats are available or squashing multiple people around a small desk. If you don’t want to get caught in this storm, ensure your conference table can seat more people than an average meeting turnout.
Remember, companies grow all the time, and it may not be too long before more people begin attending meetings in your conference room. You must also accurately measure your current space and compare it with your table before purchasing it. If the desk you want is too small or you believe it will be a tight fit, you may have no choice but to find another option.
Narrow Your Search Until One Is Left
Once you are confident about the shape and size of your conference room table, you can begin narrowing your search and crossing off any items that do not fit these criteria. With only a handful of tables left, you can start thinking about other aesthetic choices like the material, wood color, finish, and much more.
You may also want to consider any technological features the conference table has. Modern conference rooms are technology hubs and feature various devices that make virtual calls and meetings. Ensuring that the table you select includes cable management and power features will help ensure high-quality connectivity during calls while keeping all devices charged through each meeting.
