How to choose a reception desk

First impressions are a big thing when it comes to your business, and (for those with an optimised layout), the first point of contact in any office should be the reception. It sets the tone for your company’s image, reflects your brand personality, and plays a key role in both aesthetics and functionality – and your reception desk choice is central to this.

Whether you’re designing a sleek corporate space, a warm and welcoming clinic, or a creative studio, picking the right reception desk involves more than just selecting something that looks good. From size and layout to materials and storage needs, our guide is going to help you pick out the right reception desk for your office.

Why does having the right reception desk matter?

A reception desk is the first thing guests, potential clients, and visitors will see when they enter your office space. This will paint an image in their heads of what to expect and what your brand is about. This makes it a very important part of your brand image, as a cluttered and old reception desk could suggest your business is unprofessional and messy.

A good reception desk will help visitors feel welcomed and comfortable, especially if your reception area doubles as a waiting room. To help you pick out the right desk for your space, we’ve compiled a list of all the things you should be considering when choosing the right desk to represent your business.

Things to think about when picking a reception desk

The right reception desk will change from business to business. Some brands like to focus on more of a traditional and professional look, while other brands may prefer a more modern, artsy style. This doesn’t even include the functionality of the desk itself. To find the right one for your business, there are a few things you’ll need to think about first, such as:

Brand image – Think about what would best suit your brand. For example, a creative studio may want something more modern with lots of contrast – maybe even a pop of colour. Whereas a business such as a finance company may want to opt for something more traditional and subdued.

Size – You’ll have to take into account how much space you have and the size of the reception desk you’ll need for this space. You don’t want a desk that takes up too much space or a desk that’s too small and makes a room feel empty.

Material – Material will affect the overall look of your reception desk, for example, wood can feel more traditional, and glass can feel more modern, so it’s important to ensure you pick the right materials to work towards the feel you want for the space.

Shape – Shape can be a stylistic choice, but it can also be a tactical way to use the space. For example, you may find that an L-shaped desk fits perfectly into the corner of the room or that a curved desk fills the space nicely.

Storage – If your receptionists regularly handle paperwork, receive physical materials, or need additional space for personal use, then you may find that having more storage and drawers for them to file things away properly is a great way to keep the reception area clean.

Accessibility – You’ll want to take into consideration an inclusive office desk that has lower-down spaces that are more wheelchair accessible, especially if guests will have to sign in or read documents, as it will help provide them with a surface to write on.

Types of reception desks

No matter what your business, there are many types of reception desks to choose from. With so many options, however, you might find yourself unsure of which is the right one for your office. To help you find the best match, we’ve included a list of some popular reception desk options below.

Modern reception desks

A lot of offices like reception areas to look clean and sleek, which is where the modern look comes in. Clean lines and minimalist forms often characterise modern reception desks and work great in a trendy office or corporate space. For example, this Mona 1 reception desk offers a sharp design and a stunning black panel that creates contrast – perfect for the modern look. This will have a bold impact when guests come in and gives a sense of style and professionalism.

Curved reception desks

Curved reception desks offer a sophisticated and inviting alternative to traditional straight-edged designs. Their flowing lines and smooth contours create a sense of openness and approachability, which can help visitors feel more welcomed as they step into your office space.

A great example of this is the Charli Reception Desk. Not only does it look great for any professional office, but beyond visual appeal, this curved desk is highly functional – designed to optimise your reception space while allowing for better interaction between staff and guests. You can also customise the shape of the curve so it perfectly fits into the space for a seamless, integrated look.

Charli – Reception Desk with DDA Access Unit

Or, if you’re looking for something that feels more personal, then this Daley 1 Curved Reception Desk is much more suitable for a smaller reception area. Despite its modest size, this type of desk offers a graceful, professional look that instantly elevates even the smallest reception areas. The soft, curved design created an approachable look and allows for better interaction between the receptionist and visitor.

Daley 1- Curved Reception Desk

L-shaped reception desks

L-shaped reception desks are a popular and versatile choice for many businesses seeking both functionality and a professional appearance. The distinctive angle design offers two separate work surfaces, providing better organisation and workflow. This dual-surface setup is especially ideal for offices with moderate to high foot traffic.

Take this Daliya Reception Desk, a great example of a modern L-shaped desk. The L-shape fits neatly into corners or against walls, helping to maximise usable floor space while maintaining a clean, structured layout. It comes with storage for ideal organisation and workflow, making it great for high-traffic office reception areas.

Daliya Reception Desk

Another great example of a modern L-shaped desk that will leave a bold impression on your guests and visitors is the Boone – L-Shaped Reception Desk. Giving a modern edge to any office so that from the moment your guests arrive, they feel a sense of professionalism, enjoy a reception desk that offers a practical yet polished look that enhances both the functionality and the visual appeal of your reception area.

Boone – L-Shaped Reception Desk

Wooden reception desks

Wooden reception desks such as the Arc 4 Reception Desk are a classic choice, offering both timeless elegance and natural warmth to any office environment, and making them a favourite for businesses that want to create a welcoming and professional first impression. Wooden reception desks provide a more traditional look, adding character and depth to the reception area. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, wood is a durable and long-lasting material, capable of withstanding daily wear and tear while ageing gracefully over time.

Arc 4 – Reception Desk

Glass reception desks

Glass reception desks, such as the Finley 2 White Reception Desk, are a striking choice for offices that want to project a modern, clean, and high-end image. Known for their sleek aesthetics and contemporary appeal, these desks create an immediate sense of sophistication and professionalism. The clean look adds an airy feel to your reception space, great for opening up small spaces. Glass desks are also surprisingly practical, with the smooth surface being easy to clean and resistant to stains.

Finley 2 – White Reception Desk with Wheelchair Access

Discover the perfect reception desk for your brand with Auraa Design

Choosing the right reception desk for your business is more than just selecting a piece of furniture; it’s about creating an experience. Your reception area is the gateway to your brand, and the desk at its centre plays a pivotal role in shaping how clients, partners, and visitors perceive your company.

To help you make sure you create the perfect reception area for your brand, here at Auraa Design, we supply high-quality, custom furniture so that you can enjoy your dream office. Find your perfect reception desk or complete your reception area and browse our reception chairs to complete your welcoming and comfortable office experience.