When visitors, clients, or even interviewees come into your office, the guest chair plays a vital role in their overall impression. Sitting in a waiting room chair or reception chair may be the first tactile experience they have within your building (other than opening the door). The commonplace interaction of sitting in these chairs, although it may itself go unnoticed, may benefit or harm the overall experience someone has in your office.
The Physical Experience
A comfortable chair, especially when positioned to give an easy view of a window or picture, will encourage a visitor to physically relax, thereby encouraging the visitor to be emotionally at ease. Conversely, an uncomfortable chair may cause a visitor to fidget or stiffen, stirring up a sense of anxiety or apprehension that could have been avoided with more thoughtful design choices.
A Complementary Look
Even before guests interact physically with the furnishings, their initial impressions are formed through visual cues. Guest chairs play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of an office. In office design, all elements of a room should work together harmoniously to reflect the image and values of the company. For example, a law firm might choose rich, somber colors, while a graphic design firm might prefer a fresh, airy atmosphere. For the law office, a plush leather guest chair would be a fitting choice, while the graphic design company might opt for a visually appealing mesh and metal chair. Ultimately, regardless of the type of frame or upholstery selected, the appearance of each chair should enhance its environment rather than simply be a favored design from a catalog.
Practical Considerations
You may notice that while the chairs of office workers and managers may seem a bit involved, reception chairs often seem simple and plain by comparison. This isn’t just a power play. Waiting room chairs are often moved around and carried from room to room depending on what an office’s needs are from moment to moment. In some offices, lobbies are rearranged into meeting rooms, and the furniture needs to be just as versatile. For the sake of practicality, reception chairs should be sturdy but light and take up minimal space. This will also let you set more chairs in a given space to take greater advantage of an area. If space is a concern in your office, the size of your chairs and other office furniture should be taken into consideration when designing the floor plan. However, if you are absolutely sure that a given room will only be used for one purpose, you may have a bit more wiggle room in picking out your guest chairs.
President at Office Chairs Unlimited – I have been in the furniture industry for over 20 years, and I’m an expert (just ask me) on all things furniture. I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.
