Ten "Must–Haves" for Your Reception Area

Because your reception area is the first part of your office that visitors will see, you need to make sure that it's comfortable, attractive, and tidy. The following items will help you create a restful spot for welcoming clients and visitors.

Coat racks and hangers

Don't force your guests to hold onto their hats or drape their coats over reception–area furniture — make sure you have a coat rack and hangers available available to store their outerwear. Not only will this make your guests feel welcome, but your reception area will be kept free from clutter.

Seating and tables

Reception seating

After they've hung up their coats, your visitors will be looking for a comfortable place to sit. Invest in attractive and durable seating. Choose a chair style that matches the look of your office. Modular furniture is popular for reception areas because the chairs can be linked together, arranged in various ways, or stacked for convenient storage.

All reception areas need coffee and end tables for lamps, reading materials, floral arrangements or plants, and telephones. Reception area tables come in various styles to match any office décor, from Queen Anne to modern. Many come with heavy–duty coated tops for moisture protection and durability.

Phone

Put a phone on one of the tables for your visitors' use. They'll be grateful for the convenience of being able to check their voicemail while they wait. Your receptionist will appreciate not being asked to use his or her phone continually. To prevent phone abuse, restrict the phone line so that it's for local calls only (clients can use a calling card if they're making long distance calls). Be sure to put phone books and a phone instruction sheet nearby the phone, if needed.

Literature racks

Keep magazines and other reading materials neat, yet prominently displayed in a literature rack. Choose from free–standing, wall–mounted, or table–top models in plastic or metal in a variety of sizes. Fill the racks with promotional literature about your company; guests who are waiting are a captive audience.

Reading lamps

Office audio

Make sure that guests are able to peruse the reading material you've provided with adequate lighting. Floor and table–top lamps are essential for any reception area, even if yours is usually flooded with sunlight. A few well–placed lamps can help out on cloudy days, or soften the natural light, creating a relaxing effect.

Music

Having music playing softly throughout your reception area creates a soothing environment for your visitors. Micro stereo systems have CD and cassette players, AM/FM receivers, and are often wall mountable for unobtrusive placement. Many of these compact models are programmable for ease of use and can be controlled with a remote.

Snacks and beverages

Keep goodies like pretzels, candy, popcorn, and cookies on hand for customers to munch on. Set up a beverage station as well and stock it with coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and soft drinks. Your office visitors will enjoy your thoughtfulness.

Trash bins

If you're offering your guests food and beverages, make sure you have adequate waste receptacles placed strategically around your reception area to keep it orderly and presentable.

Office art

Greet your clients and other visitors with colorful and inspirational artwork. Choose from a variety of framed motivational prints that will brighten your reception–area walls and put your visitors in a positive mood.

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The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.