Give Your Clients The Right Impression With These Law Office Reception Area Design Tips

When meeting with new clients, it is important to make a good first impression. This not only includes dressing in your best clothing but also making sure that your law office looks its best. People usually make snap judgments based on appearances. This is as true for the places that they visit as it is for the people that they come in contact with.

When someone walks into your office for the first time, the reception area is the first thing that greets them. That is why it is so important to make sure that it reflects well on your business. At the same time, it also needs to be practical - both for your employees and for clients who are waiting to be seen. There are a number of factors that need to be taken into account during the design phase. Here are some tips that you can use to begin designing a reception area that leaves a positive impression on everyone who walks through your door:

Choose Stylish, Comfortable Chairs

Oftentimes, a client, employee, or business associate will have to wait in the reception area before being seen. It is important to provide them with a comfortable place to sit. The last thing that you want is to force people to stand while they wait for their appointment or to make them sit in uncomfortable chairs that leave them feeling sore, stiff, and miserable. This is particularly important if people are going to be waiting in the reception area for longer than five minutes at a time.

Ideally, you should add comfortable seating to your reception area so that anyone who visits your office has a pleasant experience while they wait. Consider adding plush chairs that provide plenty of cushioning while at the same time offering adequate support. A comfortable sofa may also be a good addition to your reception area.

Don't forget to provide visitors with tools for passing the time. If you want to go with a traditional option, you can leave magazines on a table for them to read. Some modern offices have even started installing television screens so that clients can watch the news or other relevant programming. To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider setting up a drink station. This doesn't have to be anything elaborate. A basic water cooler and a pot of fresh coffee can go a long way toward leaving clients feeling satisfied.

Choose An Eye-Catching Reception Desk

The reception desk is one of the largest pieces of furniture in the reception area. It is also the first thing that people notice when they walk in the door. Make sure that it is large enough to easily identify. You should also choose an eye-catching design that accurately represents the image that you are trying to portray for your company. For instance, if you are going for a high-end look, you may want to choose a desk that is made of natural stone such as granite.

Don't get so caught up in how the desk looks that you forget about how it functions, however. It is important to make it as practical as possible for both employees and clients. There should be plenty of storage space so that the desk doesn't become cluttered. A desk that is covered with papers or other types of clutter can make the wrong impression on clients.

Make Your Reception Area A Reflection Of Your Business

It is important to make sure that your reception area clearly reflects your business. A great example of this can be seen with the company Valve - one of today's leading developers in the video game industry. The company created an industrial look that matches their corporate image, even going so far as to incorporate their company colors into the design. They took things one step further by putting a large valve right in the middle of the room, helping to reinforce the idea that you are visiting their business. Outdoor fountains can add curb appeal and also work inside too. The artwork that they hung on the walls is taken directly from the video games that the company developed.

Although it isn't entirely necessary, you may want to think about incorporating your company colors into your reception area. Alternatively, you can choose colors based on the overall mood that they evoke. For instance, if you are going for a professional look, you may want to opt for earth-toned colors and natural finishes. On the other hand, if you want to portray an image that is a bit more creative, choosing bright, saturated colors is a better option.

The walls in the reception area are a great way to showcase important achievements that have been realized by your business. If you have received any awards, consider framing them and hanging them on the wall. This is also a great place to hang up photos of employees. Another great idea is to showcase photographs or news clippings that are related to some of your past work.

Select Materials That Are Designed To Last

Most reception areas get a lot of use - both from visitors and from employees. That is why it is extremely important to choose materials that will last for a long time and that won't easily show signs of wear. The more durable the materials are, the longer your reception area will state looking great.

An excellent example of a good material for a reception area is granite. Not only is it beautiful to look at but it is also extremely durable. That makes it a wonderful choice for busy reception areas. It can be used on the floor or on the surface of the desk. It is a far better choice for flooring than carpeting, which has a tendency to show signs of wear quickly.

In terms of furniture, most experts recommend going with leather. It is durable and will last for a long time as long as it is properly cared for. It also does a good job of resisting stains - an important consideration in a reception area where spills or accidents may occur.

No matter where your business is located, it is important to create a welcoming reception area that makes the right first impression on your clients. By putting the tips above into action, you can design a space that accurately reflects your company's image.