The Importance of a Welcoming Lobby Design

An office lobby is the first thing customers see when they enter a place of business. What kind of first impression is yours making? It can be helpful to think of your lobby not just as a holding space, where people go to wait, but as a window into your business ideals and company culture. Creating a comfortable, welcoming lobby design can give you the opportunity to make a statement to your customers, as well as making them feel at home. The initial impression your customers get from the time they spend in your lobby can set the tone for their entire interaction with your company. How will you improve this experience? The right lobby design can not only welcome visitors but also boost employee morale and inspire productivity.

The Lobby and the Office Visitor Experience

How can an entry point to your business accomplish all of that? It starts by reflecting your business aesthetic. Think about a customer, client, or employee walking through the door of your business and into the lobby. What is the mood that you want them to encounter as soon as they enter? A lobby should have a vibrant energy, to make people want to come in and stay for a while. Consider every aspect of your lobby’s atmosphere, from furniture to lighting to music, and make sure it is conveying the message you want to send. Do you want a high energy space, buzzing with activity? Choose bright colors and flood the lobby with natural light. Do you prefer an intimate setting, where people can relax and concentrate? Consider soft, neutral colors, low lighting, and calming music. Don’t be afraid to be creative and innovative! One trend many businesses are embracing is that of creating a visually stimulating lobby that invites selfies. Think about unique art installations, displays that make interesting backdrops, and scenes designed to stimulate the imagination and draw attention, while also expressing your brand values. Especially if you are building a brand, the exposure from social media posts can help attract attention, as well as creating a memorable experience for people visiting your lobby.

Comfortable Lobby Essentials

What is truly essential in a business lobby? The reception desk is often the focal point, inviting visitors to come and find the information they need. Make yours into a statement piece that gives people entering the lobby a true picture of your company culture. Beyond that, what is essential for the comfort and functionality of your guests, clients, customers, and employees?

• Start with comfortable seating. Comfort should be a priority, but you should never sacrifice style. Look for seating that can accommodate different needs, including armchairs, ergonomic chairs, loveseats, and sofas. Choose furniture that fits the style of your business, while offering comfort and flexibility. This can make a positive and memorable impression on guests.
• Provide functional surfaces. Coffee tables, side tables, and end tables can be useful, as can adjustable accent tables that can be used for working while sitting on a couch or armchair. If you have the space, it is also a good idea to have a table and chairs, for gathering or working.
• Stock bookshelves or racks with up-to-date literature. In beautiful bookshelves or elegant racks or stands, display industry journals and magazines, or company-focused literature. Having up to date industry information available in your lobby subtly showcases your brand’s position as a thought leader.
• Consider needs like soundproofing. If the lobby is particularly busy, consider installing sound-absorbing panels and partitions, to make the space more work-friendly. Another innovative idea in office furnishings is the use of soundproof pods, to add a layer of privacy and efficiency. A pod or two in the lobby gives an option for people who need a little bit more peace and quiet, in a semi-private space.
• Make a statement with art and décor. The right pieces can add character to the lobby and help communicate your brand values and company culture. You can use art to tell a story, reflect your mission, or add visual interest and make the lobby more interactive and appealing, especially if you include a selfie spot for the social media savvy crowd.
• Integrate technology. In a modern office, tech-friendly features are a must. Features like charging stations and Wi-Fi access reflect a forward-thinking approach to doing business, and are very appealing to customers.
• Go modular for optimal flexibility. Modular furniture is uniquely suited for a flexible lobby space, because it allows people to arrange their space however it works for them. Whether coworkers are having a meeting, or visitors are having a chat, the ability to shift the furniture is invaluable.
• Carefully choose your pieces. Every piece should be a reflection of your brand identity, and you should choose furniture that is durable as well as stylish. Be mindful of the foot traffic through your space, and optimize the square footage you have, taking care not to overcrowd the lobby or leave it too sparse. It cannot be stated enough how important it is for lobby furniture arrangement to be flexible and easily shifted to maximize functionality.
• Bring in some natural elements. Plants can liven an office space, whether on a desk or in the lobby. Live plants are good for the indoor air quality, as well as being an attractive accessory. Additionally, plants can have a calming effect, making people feel more grounded to nature. Any natural elements you can incorporate into your space will create a better atmosphere, whether plants, wooden furniture, natural stone, or a water feature.

Lobby Design in the Post-Pandemic Office

As businesses find their footing in the new corporate world, many are using less office space. Remote employees and hybrid working models mean offices can be smaller, and making these spaces more efficient has taken priority. More and more, companies are taking a cue from the hospitality industry, making their lobbies not just comfortable lounge spaces but also productive working environments. This kind of cross-functionality makes sense because it makes for a more agile workspace and creates a more inviting and inspirational atmosphere for encouraging employees to come back to the office. Many businesses are utilizing elements like modular furniture to make the lobby space a more functional place, where everything from meetings to client welcomes to creative brainstorming can happen. In a small office, using the office in this way greatly expands the workable space. A flexible arrangement in the lobby also offers workers the opportunity to create distance between work areas, an important consideration in the post pandemic world. Remember, too, to create a cleaning schedule, to maintain a hygienic workspace where your employees feel safe and comfortable.

Find Comfortable Lobby Essentials at Office Furniture Expo

Are you ready to boost your employees’ productivity and provide a more warm and welcoming experience for your clients and customers? You will find everything you need for a lobby the truly reflects your business aesthetic, in the Metro Atlanta area and beyond, at Office Furniture Expo. Serving the Metro Atlanta area and beyond, we offer chairs, tables, desks, bookcases, panel systems, accessories, and anything else you require. Even if you are not sure what you are looking for, our helpful sales professionals are happy to help you find exactly what you need. For superior office furniture and excellent customer service, as well as delivery, setup, and repairs, call 770-455-0440 or contact us through our website.