The modern conference room is a place where you communicate with your team, negotiate with vendors, argue points of contention, make proposals to clients and sometimes just go to relax. Many people make mistakes when designing their conference rooms.
Choosing the wrong size conference table
If you have a small conference room, you don’t want a table that is too big. This will make your room look even smaller—and cramped. Conversely, a table that’s too small will not allow the proper amount of seating space for your attendees. Balancing size and function is the key to good conference room design.
Going by first impression when selecting a conference table
Buying conference room furniture online has become the way most people get it done. When buying a conference room table, however, you don’t want to buy it strictly according to the way it looks. You want to sit down and virtually place the table in the room on your computer screen (or on paper) to make sure it fits properly. You need to know ahead of time if there is enough chair space and room to walk around.
Choosing dark conference furniture with low ceilings
Pairing dark furniture with a low ceiling will make your room appear space-restrictive. It’s often a better solution to select neutral tones. Visually, this will make the conference room appear less crowded.
Not focusing on the center of the room
When designing a modern conference room, it’s important to choose a focal point, one that attracts your eye when entering the room. You can focus on artwork or ceiling design, but in most cases, people work with the design of their conference room table.
Not acquiring the proper communication tools
People often overlook the way they will communicate during meetings. If it’s a very large meeting space, microphones might be an option. If attendees show up with laptops, the ability to power or charge up could be important. If you will be using a TV monitor in the space, HDMI might be a useful tool. Being prepared with the right tools is crucial to successful meetings.
Putting the tv monitor in the wrong place
The best place to put a TV monitor is on a blank wall, visible to all in attendance. Avoid placing it near a window; the glare will make it difficult to see the screen.
Not getting proper room measurements first
It’s true, doing the legwork first is a pain—but without it, you are leaving the door open for mistakes. You need to know if your furniture will fit in the elevator, down the hallway, or even into your space.
Choosing improper lighting
Overhead lighting will certainly work in your conference room. However, you may not want that to be your only light source. At times, you may find a mood change appropriate, possibly to something softer.
Using old-fashioned materials
For years, it’s been common to have a big wood boardroom table. In modern times, however, people are opting for different materials. Colored glass, cool and unique laminates, exotic veneers, and interesting stones are just a few of the materials you can use to modernize your meeting space.
Not preparing in advance for the activities that will take place in the conference room
Not deciding in advance how you will use your conference room will set you at a disadvantage. Using a conference room for light entertaining is often a way to make visitors feel comfortable. A credenza, with storage for glassware, utensils, and cold refreshments, can come in handy.
Not scaling the furniture to the room
Failing to consider the fact that a conference table has more than one dimension is a common mistake. People often consider table length as the only factor, but this can make a wide room look out of scale with a standard-sized table. A wider conference table (5, 6, 7, or 8 feet) could suit your space better than the standard marketed sizes.
When designing your conference room, think about these mistakes, and avoid them. In doing so, you will see that you’ll have a more inviting space and more appreciative guests. When your design work has been completed, your team, vendors, and customers will remember their meeting experience with your company in a positive way.
