Bespoke Reception Desks

What main factors should I be considering for a bespoke reception desk?

1. How many people will be using the desk? You may know this from the offset, but it helps decide on what shape the desk could take. Usually, a straight desk accommodates two people easily, whereas with a curved desk, you have to consider the chair reversing space behind each user.
2. What sort of IT equipment will be supported by the desk? Bespoke reception desks can support a large array of equipment, from computers, scanners, printers, and telephones. Is there enough space to accommodate this, and will the receptionist have sufficient working space if so? Can cables feed up from the floors or walls? Cable management may need to be incorporated under the desktops to keep the cables from trailing or interfering with legs.
3. What sort of storage options need to be factored in? Usually, reception areas can have documents and forms for visitors to sign. You may need to consider if you need easy access to files, or if some files need to be securely locked away by using under desk pedestals or cabinets?
4. The Disability Discriminatory Act (DDA). This Act passed in 2005 gives disabled people important rights of access to everyday services. This means that reasonable provision must be made for access to buildings and within the building. When considering a bespoke reception desk, it should be easily accessible for a wheelchair or disable people. This is usually achieved by having a low section in the middle or to the side of the desk, with a recess allowing a wheelchair user to sit comfortably under the desktop.
5. What materials should be considered?

MFC

Many ‘off the shelf’ and stocked reception desks are made from MFC which stands for ‘melamine faced chipboard’. The vast majority of office furniture is manufactured with this material. The industry standard thickness is 25mm thick, but some budget ranges are 18mm thick. People sometimes consider this material as low grade, as it was used by furniture stores in the 1980’s, but today’s MFC has come on a long way. The wood grain you see on workstations is a print of wood grain, which is repeatedly printed on to a melamine film, then heat processed onto a sheet of chipboard.

Veneer

Veneer takes the form of a thinly sliced piece of wood (usually thinner than 3mm) which is typically glued onto core panels (generally made up of wood, particle board or medium-density fibreboard). Veneer is obtained by either ‘peeling’ the trunk of a tree, or by slicing large rectangular blocks of wood know as flitches. Producing veneers is intensive and only the finest and rarest logs are used by the companies that produce veneer. It is this reason why veneer reception desks are considerably more expensive than standard MFC versions.

Corian

Corian is a brand of solid surface material created by DuPont and invented in 1967 by Donal Slocum. Originally conceived as a kitchen or bath material (only available in a single colour), Corian is now widely used, in many colours, and specified by architects around the world for various applications. Corian is extremely durable, and its smooth surface makes it easy to keep clean and maintain. Corian is also easy to shape, making it an ideal choice for bespoke reception desk requirements. Flexible when heated, Corian can be formed into many shapes, or worked like wood to give perfectly rounded edges. This gives designers the freedom to create innovative solutions for almost any design scenario.

There are many other materials to choose from when considering a bespoke reception desk. Many manufacturers can incorporate blocks or shelves, which are glossed or lacquered, and can be finished in any RAL colour. In addition to this, many reception desks now incorporate LED lights which usually run the length of the plinth or the underside of the countertop. This is an effective use of lighting and really sets off the overall aesthetic.

If you have a specific design in mind, or would like to discuss a potential project, please get in contact and our sales team will be more than happy to assist.