First impressions count—including first impressions of your office. You want your waiting room to set the right tone. You can display your professionalism and a hint of personality with these tips on how to create an impressive reception area.
Illustrate Your Brand
Call it what you want: your corporate image, branding, values, vibe. The reception area is a key opportunity to show guests what you’re all about. No design template will fit your business’s identity perfectly. You have to create that atmosphere yourself. You can start by defining the energy you want in the waiting area. Are you trying to convey traditional authority? A glamorous style? Something dynamic, playful, or comforting? There are endless ways to achieve that. Pay attention to lighting, greenery, color, and furniture.
Offer Amenities
Guests should never have to wait too long in the reception area, but while they’re there, they shouldn’t just be staring at the clock. Provide a few niceties to make them feel welcome, like:
- Water and tea
- An unobtrusive television screen on low volume
- Details on how to access the wi-fi and where to find restrooms
- Up-to-date company literature, industry periodicals, and coffee-table books
- Business cards and branded materials they can take home
Include a Conversation Piece
You want to stand out from the competition, so don’t be afraid to have a point of view—and to show it. Adding a focal piece can create an impressive reception area that guests will remember. It’s also a natural conversation starter. Depending on your taste, it could be anything, and it needn’t be lavish or gaudy. A few ideas:
- A modern art sculpture
- An aquarium with exotic fish
- Furniture made with interesting materials
- Natural elements like fountains and crystals
- A large, bold painting
- A souvenir from your travels
A waiting area shouldn’t feel like purgatory. It’s a chance for you to advertise your business and how you approach it. But if you really want to create a sense of goodwill, remember this: don’t make them wait too long.
