Choosing a Conference Table

A conference table is a quintessential piece of office furniture that provides the foundation for any meeting. Whether the meetings are for staff, planning or greeting vendors, the table is where crucial business decisions take place. The conference table is also a great spot for the group to work together on projects, collaborate with each other, and build a team spirit in your company.

When choosing a conference table, it’s important to consider form, function and fit. Form refers to the shape of the table (round, U-shaped, rectangular or racetrack) and its ability to accommodate the number of people you need to seat. Consider the size of your company as well as how many times per week you use a conference room. Choose a table that can grow with your company and won’t quickly become obsolete.

The function of the conference table should be able to meet your needs in terms of collaboration, interaction and presentations. For example, if you are using the conference room for video collaborations, then make sure your table is equipped with a video bar that can be mounted to the wall or to the table and features a 5 mic array and 120deg field of view webcam. Similarly, if you’re relying on the conference table for brainstorming sessions with colleagues, consider opting for a round or elliptical conference table that offers each person a personal surface area for notepads and laptops.

Another consideration is the material used to construct the conference table. Laminates are a popular choice as they’re durable and affordable. They also offer a wide variety of color and style options. Solid wood tables are available as well and can be designed to suit any décor. They typically require more assembly and have a higher shipping cost, but they add a classic feel to any meeting space.

A good conference table should complement the ambiance and unique character of your boardroom. Choose a table that reflects the culture of your company and is compatible with other fixtures, such as a lectern, credenza, presentation easel or projection screen. It’s also a good idea to select a table that can be configured with ganging hardware to allow you to expand the table in the future as your company grows.

There are many different styles of conference tables to choose from, including trestle and post base designs. The trestle base is comprised of a series of T-shaped uprights that run the length of the conference table. Post base conference tables have posts that resemble standard table legs or thin cylinder pedestals. These styles are more traditional and can be designed with a range of finishes.

Other styles include standing height or adjustable conference tables, which can be a healthy alternative to sitting for eight to 10 hours at a time during meetings. These tables are also easy to integrate with power and data modules.