Conference tables are important elements for successful meetings and the main piece of furniture in a conference room. A conference table should primarily be functional, but it should also look good and its design must naturally match the rest of the meeting room's furnishings. It's also possible to create a deliberate contrast to the technical-cool style of a conference room with a conference table. Solid wood tables with live edges, which symbolize naturalness, robustness, and strength, are good options for this.
A good choice for conference tables, at least for smaller meetings, are large dining tables, preferably with a U-shaped table base. Such a table with a length of 240 – 350 cm is sufficient for up to 10-14 people and, thanks to its solid base, is also absolutely wobble-free.
Generally, the following factors should be considered when furnishing a conference area with a conference room table:
- Size: Choose a size that corresponds to the number of participants in the meetings. A table that is too small can feel cramped, and a table that is too large takes up unnecessarily much space and quickly makes a meeting feel impersonal. Tables with extension leaves may help here to expand the table surface as needed.
- Shape: Round or rectangular? Round tables encourage intensive discussion and meeting participants can all look at each other without problems. Rectangular tables allow for a better visual allocation of table space, more writing surface, and better placement options for chairs and technical equipment like projectors, laptops, etc.
- Material: Wood, glass, or plastic are the most common materials for conference tables. Wood provides a warm and professional atmosphere, and massive live-edge tables, in particular, bring that "certain something." Glass offers a modern look, and plastic-coated tables are easy to clean and more resistant to water or coffee stains.
- Functionality: Should the conference table offer additional features? For example, built-in power outlets, USB ports, cable management for power cords, or additional table tops are possible.
- Style: A conference table should match the rest of the room's interior or create a deliberate contrast, becoming an eye-catcher as a result.
A well-chosen conference table is an important and long-lasting investment for any office. A high-quality conference table, taking into account the various selection factors, can help make meetings more productive and efficient and ensure that participants feel comfortable during the meeting.
