Meeting & Boardroom Tables

Presentation plays a significant role in a company's identity, and a boardroom setting should communicate on an appropriate level. Ideally, it should be efficient but attractive, professional yet welcoming. Before deciding on office desks, conference tables and other features, it's important to consider several different factors.

Rectangular conference tables are the most typical choice, both stylish and functional, suitable for many purposes. Its basic, straight geometry allows for more units to be joined together for more flexibility of use.

Oval conference tables are chic and attractive, with rounded edges and sleek lines, available in a variety of sizes and finishes. While slightly less functional than rectangle models, they carry a lot of points in style. Their alternative is so-called boat conference tables, with a milder curve and tapered ends and sometimes sport rounded corners. 

A round conference table is suitable for smaller and square-shaped rooms. It also promotes a friendly atmosphere and a feeling of equality. 

Octagonal conference tables appear in both rectangular and round basic form. While the round model is compact and suitable for smaller rooms, a rectangular table provides an impressive focal point. 

• The panel or slab base: This base gets its name from two or more slabs or panels that support the table on each side, providing good balance and stability. Designed versions include more elaborate versions, such as curved and split curved slab base.
• A trestle base: Recognized by T-shaped uprights, this version can bear the table's weight either in the centre or at each end. It can feature a solid panel or several slats attached to the base. 
• A post base: Traditional legs mark this type, either in a standard square shape or as thin cylinder pedestals, often in metal finishing. 
• A pedestal base: Square, drum, single, double, or multiple carriers offers plenty of leg space, ideal for smaller tables and rooms. 

Characterized by medium to dark finishes and often featuring details such as carving and moulding, these collaboration tables boast a specific flair. They communicate tradition, longevity and reliability. 

For those who like the initial style but prefer less decoration, transitional tables are a good solution. They mix the best of both traditional and contemporary styles, simplified but solid and warm, in a combination of straight and tapered lines.

The contemporary style features more clean and geometric lines and shapes that can fit many office interiors. These tables can be found in a variety of materials and finishes, sometimes embellished with curved lines or textured detailing.

Modern conference tables are minimalistic, polished, and rigidly geometrical. They are defined by sharp contrasts and sometimes asymmetrical forms, focused on functionality rather than decoration. A metal and glass conference table are typical materials for this style; however, acrylic and other compounds can be found, too.  

• Genuine wood such as maple, mahogany, and an oak boardroom table is a staple of luxurious office furniture designs. It's also the most durable and appealing material for desks and tables, often unique, with the price tag to match. 
• Engineered woods such as particle boards and medium density fiberboards are a more affordable alternative to natural wood. They can resemble its look and texture while being only slightly less durable. 
• Wood veneers are a popular choice for office furniture construction due to their flexibility. Veneer provides texture and appearance similar to solid wood, for a fraction of the price. 
• Laminate sheets are a finishing that applies to the surface of a conference table. They are durable and robust, easy to maintain and replace if needed. 

For a timber boardroom table, check whether the top is solid wood or veneer over an engineered wood substrate.

The size of the boardroom table is primarily determined by the number of people it should regularly host; and the spacing between them. The most common are 12 seater and 8 seater boardroom tables.

Since the primary purpose of a conference room is interaction and collaboration, an ideal conference room table shape should promote it. While a round or round-octagonal meeting table allows the best contact, it might not also be the best solution for large rooms and many seats. Spacious rectangular or boat-shaped boardroom tables can host a large number of people in an average conference room. 

Since video conferences and various visual presentations are a norm today, it's good to look for a table with a built-in cable management panel and assets like communication modules. When specifying a conference table with outlets for a New Zealand office, check that the sockets suit local plugs and that cables can reach the room's power supply.

Finally, the size of a conference table should have sufficient clearance between walls, office partitions, and other barriers to allow free movement and easy navigation.

If you need assistance to select the ideal boardroom and meeting tables for your office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.