So, you have decided to refurbish the office but you’re not sure where to start? The obvious place is reception, as this is the first area that all visitors experience when they arrive at your office. As has often been said, you only get one chance to make a first impression so why not make sure it is a good one.
Reception areas can be used for many reasons other than the obvious meet and greet. Increasingly, companies are creating informal meeting areas and break out areas alongside the reception desk and this can allow a lively community area to be created. Whichever approach you take and whatever the main criteria for your reception it is important that you are clear with your objectives and still the most important consideration is creating a focal point with the reception desk.

Reception desks come in all shapes and sizes and there are many factors that will determine which is the right desk for you. The size of the reception area is the most obvious limitation as this will determine the size of desk that is possible. We speak with many clients who underestimate the area required for the reception desk and other furniture but it is necessary to bear in mind that this is the main thoroughfare into the building and as such you must adhere to Building Control regulations, Health and Safety guidelines and the The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. Indeed these regulations and guidelines will influence not just the size but also the shape of the desk.

At its most basic level a reception desk will be a standard office desk, perhaps with a shelf or counter top added to give it the feel of a reception and to possibly hide the contents of the desk top and keep it neat and tidy. A basic reception desk can cost as little as £250.00 but at this level you will get a simple rectangular desk with a counter top, in a melamine finish, similar to our ML20 reception range. If space allows we can create an L shape desk using corner links and shorter side desks. For this type of desk you will need to allow at least 2m x 1.6m of floor space and bear in mind this does not allow for corridor space and access.

If space is limited but you want to create a bit more of a statement you could consider a reception range such as our Perform or 4D ranges which incorporate steel frames and melamine desk surfaces to provide a contemporary style. As with ML20 these ranges are based on standard desk with the addition of full depth modesty panels and counter tops to create either rectangular desks or L shapes.

A true reception desk will be a product designed specifically for that purpose rather than an adaptation of standard desk. As reception areas are often a compromise between a stylish and informative design statement and practical working area it may be that a bespoke design is the only way to achieve the ultimate solution. However at CH Workspace we have a number of products that are based on modular units that can be used to create visually pleasing reception desks whilst retaining the practicality of a functional desk. Our Edison range comprises both straight and curved sections that can be used to create an infinite number of shapes and sizes and is a truly stunning reception desk. Offered in two finishes from stock, Maple and Cherry and Mahogany finish to order, Edison combines the use of glass and aluminium details to create a contemporary and practical desk.

Our Stratus and Hawk Reception ranges create a more traditional look using real wood veneers and melamine finishes in a panel design. In all of the above ranges we offer lower, DDA compliant sections and with both the Stratus and Hawk ranges we can include wood or glass shelving and various cable management solutions.
For the ultimate reception desk solution there is no substitute for a bespoke design. The advantages are clear as you will be able to dictate your criteria and the designers will have the flexibility to create a design that meets these as closely as possible. With modern manufacturing practices and the wealth of materials available the end result is only limited by the imagination of the designer. CH Workspace have recently installed reception desks with glass, aluminium, laminates, stone and many other materials and have created some truly stunning designs.