The reception area is the place where everyone, including students, parents, teachers, and other staff, enters the educational facility. As such, it should reflect the institution’s principles, professionalism, and mood, and set the tone for the entire building. The right furniture can greatly help in this task, making this area feel more welcoming and convenient. Also, it will make a good impression on anyone who enters, so there is no doubt that furniture has a strong influence on the institution’s image. Let’s check out some of the main pieces of furniture every educational facility’s reception area should have.
The desk
Of course, there is no reception area without a good desk. It is where the school staff welcomes people, answers their questions, and shares valuable information. A reception desk should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, as it will most often leave the first impression for everyone who comes to the facility for the first time. The right desk is an important piece of school reception furniture where the receptionist should have enough space to do administrative duties effectively. It needs to be organized while still fitting all the essentials, including phones and office supplies. Some important storage solutions that come with the desk are drawers, shelves, and cabinets, and these will make the space clutter-free. Ergonomics should also be the major deciding factor when looking for the right reception desk. It should be suitable for all heights, and those who are working there should feel no pressure or strain. Accessibility is another crucial element, as all students and other people in the facility should be able to use the front desk, no matter the mobility issues. Also, the desk should be in tune with the overall design and style of the institution, and it should be made from durable materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear without losing its professional and welcoming appearance.
Comfortable waiting furniture
Every school needs to have quality furniture for when people come to it for whatever reason. This furniture should be in the reception area because there, people can ask for appointments with the principal or some other high staff member. The furniture that is used in this case needs to be comfortable because the guests need to feel comfortable when they wait to be called in. Many types of furniture can be used for the waiting area, and depending on the school’s needs, it will need to pick something out. Usually, schools choose chairs because they do not take up a lot of space and many of them can be put inside a room if there is a need for them. If there are not too many visitors at the school, getting a few couches may be the right way to go. They are much more comfortable than chairs and they can be organized to look better and more appealing.
Tables
Coffee tables and side tables are an important piece of furniture that has many practical and aesthetic functions in the reception area. While they wait, guests can take a seat and use these tables to get their bags down, fill out paperwork, or do anything else that they need at the moment. These tables are perfect for letting people relax and rest while they wait, which will help the reception area run smoothly. Also, coffee tables can serve many aesthetic purposes, as they can be in a modern, traditional, or minimalistic style and make the entire building seem more inviting. They can also be used to showcase some ornamental items, which will further improve the look of the space. When choosing such tables, durability and ease of maintenance should be among the top priorities. Long-lasting and easy-to-clean materials will make sure these tables stay in top condition for a long time, even after being frequently used. Also, they should be the proper size and positioning to maximize their usability and traffic flow in the space.
Display board
Every school should have a display board where they will present all the notifications for their staff, students, and other people. This table should fit in with the style of the whole reception area, and it should not stick out at all. The size of the board should depend on how much you will use it. Most schools have daily notifications that they need to share so it would be best if a bigger one were installed. There are many different types of boards out there, so you should pick one that best suits your budget and needs. It would be best if you picked up an interactive one because they are the most useful.
Storage
Storage solutions are a must-have in every school’s reception area, as they will help keep things organized and running smoothly. Some of the best options include cabinets, shelves, and file systems, where everyone can keep documents, supplies, and other necessities protected from unauthorized access. Shelves are perfect for instructional material, ornamental things, or other items that can represent the institution’s personality. Moreover, the filling system is important to keep the reception area clean and well-organized, and staff can quickly find any records and documents they need in these files. The storage solutions should be accessible for everyone, secure, and aesthetically pleasing, meaning that they should be in harmony with the place’s design scheme. Also, it should be easy to maintain and long-lasting, making the whole place look more tidy, functional, and polished.
Think about decoration
The decorative elements can improve the atmosphere and aesthetic appeal of the educational facility, and these elements include plants, artwork, branded furnishings, and others. Plants, for example, will bring a touch of nature into the room and create a more relaxing atmosphere, while artwork will show some of the basic principles and achievements of students. Every piece of decoration should be in line with the overall design of the place, and it should make it feel like home.
There are many different furniture pieces that you have to consider when someone wants their reception area to be the best it can be. The more you plan out how you want it to look, the better it will turn out. The needs of the school and the people that go to it must always be prioritized because they are the reason the whole school exists.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.