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It's early in the morning, and your receptionist arrives to the office. What sort of reception desk will they sit down at? A cold, stark, avant-garde mélange of glass and metal with no storage or privacy? Or perhaps something a bit more welcoming. One with an ample work surface and plenty of storage; perhaps with a place for them to hang their jacket? That’s exactly what your receptionist can expect with the L-desk from our exclusive NBF Signature Series Tower collection.

The Tower reception desk is aptly named, with three sturdy pillars and cross-panels that give it an almost medieval look. Arresting and bold, it will capture the attention of clients and visitors the moment they walk through your doors. Designed specifically for our exclusive NBF Signature Series line, every aspect of this L-desk was inspired by the needs and desires of those entryway office guardians we appreciate so much.

nbf signature series tower collection

Both end towers are packed to the brim with storage, with the purpose of creating a knee space unencumbered by file pedestals and large handbags. Looking inside the reception station, the right-hand tower boasts a storage cabinet with two adjustable shelves as well as one file drawer that can accommodate both letter- and legal-sized hanging files. Meanwhile, the left-hand tower will proudly hold a jacket or cardigan on its built-in hanger rod, and can easily guard a purse, man-bag, emergency heels or mid-day snack on the adjustable height shelf nestled inside.


nbf signature series tower collection nbf signature series tower collection

Ever-conscious of tripping hazards, the Tower reception desk also has integrated desktop and center tower cable management holes so that computer cords, space heater cables and other technology can be routed away from moving limbs.

 
nbf signature series tower collection

Indeed, the Tower desk oozes permanence, and the gorgeous Mahogany and Silver Gray laminates effortlessly blend traditional and modern styling for a camouflaged look that won't be out of place in most contemporary office settings.

 
nbf signature series tower collection

We certainly seem to love our Mahogany reception desks here at NBF! For similar colors and styles, take a look at our Esquire collection – a line of three reception desks that we've designed to also incorporate sleek glass elements and one or two gentle curves for a sophisticated look.

 

 

More From NBF

How to Brand Your Waiting Room

Your reception area is the first point of contact that most people have with your physical office location. Whether it’s employees, investors, or customers, everyone should know exactly where they are when they step into your business, and your office design should give a positive impression. Here are a few techniques you can use to achieve brand recognition and shine the right light on your company via the design of your reception area.

Display Your Business Name

First and foremost, your company’s name should have a place of pride at the front and center of your reception area. Common places to display a company name or logo include behind the reception desk and on the front door, but the location will vary depending on the layout of your waiting room.

Incorporate Your Brand’s Colors 

Your company probably uses color in your logo or on your website. While you may consider painting the walls in your brand colors, there are plenty of other ways to bring in a splash of your signature style. Try incorporating your company colors via the chairs in your waiting room, or pull in pops of color in the artwork or décor in the space. Remember that less is more, so be careful to add just the right touches without going overboard.

Add Items That Reflect Your Company Culture and Values

If your company emphasizes fun, reflect that by using bright colors and funky furnishings. If you’re strictly business, keep your reception area polished and pristine. You can even take a literal outlook on this technique by posting your company values or tagline on a board for all to see. This may also be a great opportunity to show your passion for the city in which your company operates.

Use Existing Features 

You could cover up cement flooring with carpeting, but maybe you could work with it to create a unique look while saving a little money. Other great ideas include creating reading nooks in small, awkward spaces and using large blank walls to display branded artwork. Working with your waiting room’s existing architecture will create better visual flow and differentiate your space from competitors.

Remember that your waiting room branding serves multiple groups of people. Not only does it need to leave guests with a lasting, positive impression of your business, but it also needs to inspire employees every day when they come to work.

 

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How to Design a Modern Waiting Room

Designing a modern waiting room can be daunting, no matter how small or large your space may be. After all, your reception area is often the first image guests will have of your organization, so making a positive impression in this room is vital. Here’s what you should add to your space if you want to achieve a truly modern look in your lobby.

Sleek and Simple Guest Seating

Make sure that your guest chairs aren’t too big or bulky. Traditional sofas and lounge chairs take up a lot of space in a room—instead, go with chairs with seats raised from the floor. This will give off a more modern appearance and even help make your waiting room appear larger. You can kick the style up a notch by choosing chairs with a metal framework.

Occasional Tables That Match Your Guest Seating

Match your tables to your guest chairs for a collected, well-coordinated appeal. Glass top tables give off an especially sleek and simple look, delivering the functionality of coffee and end tables without the bulky design elements that many traditional options tend to feature.

Statement Reception Desk

Because it’s likely the first thing visitors see when they enter your office, the reception desk should be the statement piece of your waiting room. Choose something large enough for staff to work comfortably, but make sure it’s proportionately sized to fit the space in your lobby. Additionally, you should select a desk with a transaction counter that will make it easy for guests to fill out paperwork while standing. You may also want to consider reception desks with ADA-compliant surfaces that can accommodate users in wheelchairs.

A Comfortable yet Stylish Receptionist Chair

It is far more important for your receptionists to be comfortable while they work than for you to equip them with chairs that look good, but it’s usually not too difficult to find task seating that accomplishes both of these feats. Select an ergonomic chair with multiple adjustments that can be easily switched up to accommodate different employees as shifts change throughout the day. This ensures your staff is comfortable while working since you can’t expect good work from uncomfortable employees. When it comes to the style factor, you may want to choose an ergonomic chair in sleek mesh or leather upholstery. Additionally, a chair with a white or chrome framework will be much more visually exciting than a chair that’s basic black.

Simple Artwork

Blank walls don’t make much of an impression, so dress them up in just the right way. Remember, less is more. You’ll want to make sure not to go overboard with your décor choices. Try adding framed or canvas artwork in a neutral or minimal color palette.

Functional but Interesting Coat Racks

You’ll need a place for guests to hang their coats and hats when they enter, so why not make that area just as stylish as the rest of the room? Coat racks in a modern style look great whether they’re being used or not.

An Elegant Floor Lamp

Even the most beautiful room is nothing without good lighting. Illuminate your reception area with a chrome or satin nickel floor lamp to light up the space. You can even use matching table lamps in the room for a well-coordinated look.

Cozy Accent Pillows

Adding pillows to the space will make your reception area feel a little more like home, which is often a welcoming feature for guests. This is also an excellent opportunity to bring in some color, which you may want to match to your wall art if possible.

 

How to Keep Guests Connected in Your Waiting Room

Sitting in a reception area for a long period of time while waiting for an appointment usually isn’t any fun for most people. While offering reading materials and refreshments is a great way to keep guests comfortable while they wait, the majority of visitors would probably prefer to pass the time by using their mobile devices for reading articles, surfing social media and playing games. Here are some ways you can facilitate smart phone and tablet usage in your office’s waiting area.

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Nicole Groshek

Nicole Groshek is the social media and content coordinator for National Business Furniture. She helps employees discover the true joy in loving what they do, from working in an inspiring office to having a little fun on the job.