Choosing the right table for your meeting room is an important choice that affects how well your office works and looks. The size and shape of the table determine how many people can sit comfortably and how well they can work together and talk during meetings. The best table should match what your company needs, its style, and the room’s purpose. Whether it is a big corporate meeting or an internal, intimate discussion of the team, the size and shape of the table make all the difference in portraying productivity and engagement.
Optimizing Space with the Right Size
The table size in your conference room is very important for making sure the room works well and feels comfortable. If the table is too big, it could take up too much space, leaving insufficient room for chairs or walking around. Conversely, the room might not feel right or be good for bigger meetings if the table is too small. To pick the right size, you must consider how big the room is and how many people will usually sit at the table.
A common rule of thumb is to have at least 30 inches per person for comfortable seating around the table. Also, there should be enough room between the table and the walls so people can easily walk around, typically at least 48 inches. Choosing a table that best fits the space provided will create harmony, reduce side effects, and increase productivity/ comfort.
Choosing the Right Shape for Functionality
The physical shape of a conference room table immensely affects how people interact in meetings. For instance, a long, straight table is usually chosen for serious meetings or in boardrooms where hierarchy is key because it clearly sets a main seat at one end. On the other hand, circular or egg-shaped tables promote a friendlier and more equal environment by not showing who is more important and allowing everyone to sit equally.
What type of meetings do you hold? If brainstorming sessions or collaborative projects are the norm, your best bet may be a round or oval table. But suppose your meetings are generally presentation-heavy or just highly structured discussions; in that case, you might want to look into rectangle or square tables. Because the shape can set the tone for the meeting, you want to pick a table that fits your discussions’ goals and makes for good communication among your team.
Enhancing Productivity and Collaboration
Conference Room Tables are designed in various shapes and sizes; however, if the size isn’t appropriate, that can reduce productivity and collaboration within your meetings. A table too large makes communication among team members poor; it could result in a disadvantage when having more personal discussions. On the other hand, if the table is too small, the attendees may experience a lack of space, which might affect their creativity and contribution to the discussion.
A well-fitting table serving the purpose of the meeting is essential. For instance, a round table allows equal say for all participants and might be useful for team-based projects. On the other hand, a very long table would suit formal presentations where the presenters can keep their focus but at the same time be able to communicate with the audience. Ensuring you pick the right size/shape sets your meetings up for success.
