Reception Table Design Ideas & Examples in 2024

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is a cliché for a reason. We form conscious and subconscious opinions the moment we step into a new space, and a business’s reception area is often a visitor’s first stop. An effective reception desk design is both welcoming and comforting and can set the tone for how guests respond to your organization.

You’ve put a lot of thought into how your company expresses its mission and culture, especially when it comes to messaging and marketing. Let’s apply that same strategy to your reception design. Your reception desk should reflect your brand aesthetic. What words come to mind: elegant, sleek, warm, rustic, classic?

Your reception area, in addition to looking fantastic, might be a welcome desk, a customer service hub or an administrative center, and it should be designed accordingly. A marriage of form and utility enables your front office staff to carry out multiple tasks by both supporting workflows and making that workflow seem effortless to your guests.

Depending on the nature of your business, your reception staff might be welcoming visitors, taking calls, booking appointments, processing payments, offering customer support or performing other administrative tasks. Maybe your reception area flows into your business space, and the desk also serves as a workstation.

Your reception gives outsiders their first glimpse of your corporate culture. When choosing your furniture, consider alternatives to a traditional desk and chair. Counters with stools for a sleeker feel, clusters of high-top tables for mobile reception workers, or a comfortable couch for a casual welcome.

Not every reception design trend will work for every business, nor will every trend give your space evergreen appeal, but there’s nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from what’s in style at the moment. Here are 5 trends we’re seeing for 2024 and beyond:

1. Sustainability

It’s easy to incorporate plants, greenery and water features into your reception area design to bring a bit of the outside indoors. In addition to bringing a natural element to an area, plants help keep the air fresh and clean and provide a calming ambiance.

To reduce paper, limit reading material such as brochures and business cards if possible. Consider using QR codes and offering web links to access important information. Wall graphics or LED screens can provide wayfinding information and entertainment for those who must wait. If you must have paper materials, try to source recycled materials or other green options.

High-efficiency tech like LED lighting and displays are energy efficient and offer a broad range of options for any reception desk design. They are both energy efficient and help cut down on energy costs.

2. Natural light

Choose translucent decorative glass films for privacy on exterior glass without sacrificing natural light. As an added bonus, natural light makes spaces feel larger and more open. In fully enclosed spaces, consider light sources which mimic natural light. This can have added benefits for your team.

3. Incorporate color

Bold colors and prints draw the eye and capture guests’ attention. Did you know that colors elicit different emotions? Explore what colors typically spark the kind of feelings you want your guests to experience. For example, warm colors can elicit feelings of happiness and energy, while cooler colors encourage a calm, soothing environment.

You can play around with colors, shapes and textures. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Use color in furnishings and accessories; these can subtly tell guests a lot about your company culture. Use your brand colors. Many design tools can help you build a nuanced color palette from your basic brand colors. This step can elevate a basic reception area design into a branded, comprehensive area.

4. Use visitor-facing technology

Wireless charging tabletops for guests offer comfort and convenience.

An LED wall or display behind the reception desk can welcome guests, offer directions, provide infotainment, and convey corporate messaging.

5. Create comfortable and inviting spaces

Show visitors your organization values them by creating a unique and pleasant reception area. Make your guests feel at home with fabrics and upholstery that welcome them. It’s important to keep accessibility in mind and create a layout that caters to everyone’s needs.

​​Healthcare

Waiting room time is one of the biggest guest complaints, especially in healthcare settings. Redecorating or even making small design changes to your reception area can help you make your waiting area fresh and welcoming. If you frequently have children in your waiting room area, it may be beneficial to have a toy or play area to entertain the kids while they wait.

Commercial Office

Whether traditional or open concept, reception desk designs should reflect the business beyond.

Hotel/Hospitality

Hospitality reception desk areas are a critical hub for guest activity. A unique and thoughtful reception area design can dramatically improve a guest’s experience and sets the tone for their stay.

Government/Municipality

Like a commercial office reception area, a government office — whether local, state, or federal — should reflect the office you’re visiting. These reception areas often host important visitors and must, by nature, provide a lot of information to constituents.

• Add plants (but be intentional). Think about the kind of plants your reception desk design can support. Is your reception desk area sunny? Is there someone who can water the plants frequently?
• Put yourself in a visitor’s shoes — and seat! Comfort can have a huge impact. What kind of reception area experience would you want to have? What kind of atmosphere would make you feel most comfortable?
• Be realistic (but don’t limit yourself). It can be easy to get carried away, but a dramatic impact can come from a few carefully considered, creative changes.
• Determine your budget and timeline — and stick to them! The right partner can help you bring your vision to life on a budget.

A unique, brand-enhancing reception desk area not only welcomes visitors, but it also gives guests a preview of your business. Your well-appointed reception desk area begins with a vision; the right professional partnerships will bring that vision to life. For your communication needs, from environmental graphic design to AV installations — and all the necessary support products and services those installations require — the DGI team is here to support you.