5 Conference Room Design Tips For A Functional Space

 

Meeting time is not always a highlight of someone’s day… some meetings could be boring, some could be stressful and some others might turn out to be fruitful and fun.

No matter what the meeting is about, it must always give a sense of positivity and productivity to the attendees.

Employees or directors may not spend a lot of time inside the conference rooms, but this time should, ideally, encourage efficiency. Here are some design tips and ideas to make sure the meeting room is designed for an ultimate work space.

 

1- pick a neutral color and add shades

Don’t underestimate the color of the walls of a conference room. A bright color, like red or burgundy, is too exciting for the eyes. It easily distracts an attendee. They would end up contemplating the walls, as plain as they are.

White color, the typical classic, is not the best option either. Too dull, too conventional, it reflects a boring work-space.

Ideally? Neutral light colors; relaxing to the eyes, soothing without being gloomy… opt for a light gray or a very light blue, a bright beige would do the job too.

Once walls colors are set, check the windows. A good lighting is essential for the room especially to avoid anyone dozing off during a boring conference. However, shades on the windows must be very dark and light-blocking to ensure obscurity during a presentation involving screen projection.

 

2- invest in light but durable furniture

Different persons use the conference room often and frequently. Attendees don’t spend much time in there but it’s the ongoing swap of people that makes this room recurrently occupied.

The furniture, such as chairs, tables and desks will be used by many. Making sure it’s durable and hard-wearing will sure lessen the costs of replacements in short times.

However, durable must go hand in hand with light-weight. Chairs specifically, are moved around a million times during a single meeting. The easiness of getting them from a seat to another is essential. No one wants to - or even can - carry a heavy chair!

3- add greens and a fresh décor

Who said meetings and conferences must always be boring? The content’s subject might not be interesting but the overall space could vibe positively. A green plant – that could be artificial- would add a touch of cuteness. Cute room ideas are way more essential than you think. They make the attendees comfortable and reflect an overall sense of cooperation. 

Whether it’s an indoor plant in a classy vase or a bonsai in the middle of the conference table, a decorative item enhances the room’s atmosphere.

4- study the seating

Round or rectangle tables, study the seating well before setting the entire room.

Always make sure to place chairs spaced apart, for an ultimate personal space – COVID wise and privacy wise too.

No one should be ‘left behind’, literally. Every single person/chair must be overlooking all others; and particularly if a presentation setup is in use, all attendees should have it in sight.

If the room is large enough, a high side table for refreshments or notepads could come in handy. Not only does it break the serious setup with a cute room décor, it would also be useful for a quick chat or a side meeting.    

 

 

5- reflect the brand

Nothing is more important than the company’s identity. It reflects the values of the place and its people. It’s what employees work for and what foreign guests see and relate to.

It doesn’t have to be banner rollups everywhere, but the overall look of the room could be enhanced by some promotional material. That would serve as a ‘reminder’ to the actual employees of the existing products/services and a marketing material for the guests.

If the walls are wide enough, an idea would be to write the company’s mission in an artistic way for instance. It doesn’t have to be calligraphy; a big poster would even do the job.

A mission reflects a positive statement; having it there could be just the motivation the people –especially salespeople- need.

 

 

Conference rooms and meeting rooms are amongst the most professional meeting spaces. Despite reflecting an attitude of seriousness, they could be just the right place for collaboration and productivity… With nothing but simple decor changes and twists, a dull room would end up being the ultimate area for efficient work!