/Designing Meeting Rooms for More Productive Meetings

Designing Meeting Rooms for More Productive Meetings

The design of a meeting room can have a significant impact on productivity and creativity during meetings. The arrangement of tables and chairs plays a crucial role in creating an environment that is conducive to discussion, collaboration, and participant focus. Here are five meeting room layout ideas that can effectively accommodate your meeting objectives:

Boardroom Style
The boardroom style is one of the most common meeting room designs. A rectangular or oval table is typically placed in the center of the room with chairs surrounding it. This setup is ideal for meetings that require direct interaction between participants and presentations.

Table examples:

  • Long tables with elegant designs and solid wood materials
  • Oval tables with laminate finishes offer a modern, professional look.
  • Rectangular tables with metal accents on the sides have a modern feel.

Chair examples:

  • Leather executive chairs with high backs and height adjustments.
  • Chairs with low backs and ergonomic designs for comfort.
  • Minimalist wooden chairs with soft cushions provide long-lasting comfort.

U-Shape
A U-shaped meeting room design has a long table in the center and two open sides, giving space to interact. This design is suitable for discussions involving presentations and Q&A sessions.

Table examples:

  • U-shaped tables made of wood create a professional atmosphere.
  • Modular tables can be customized to suit your needs.
  • A U-shaped table with a glass top creates a more modern look.

Chair examples:

  • An ergonomic chair with back support and wheels for mobility.
  • A chair with a low back and sleek design is suitable for meeting rooms with large tables.
  • An armchair provides comfort during long meetings.

Herringbone
The herringbone design arranges tables and chairs in a zigzag pattern, allowing participants to face each other. This design is often used in collaborative meetings or workshops because it encourages active participation from all members.

Example table:

  • A rectangular table with corners cut to create space for the herringbone pattern.
  • A triangular table with sharp corner cuts that supports the Herringbone formation.
  • A modular table that can be rearranged to fit the herringbone pattern.

Example chairs:

  • Minimalist chairs with low seats and backs.
  • Chairs made of rattan or plastic with a simple, lightweight design.
  • Ergonomic plastic chairs with curved shapes provide comfort.

Classroom
A classroom meeting room design replicates the shape of a traditional classroom with rows of tables and chairs facing each other. This design is ideal for meetings that require conveying a large amount of material, such as presentations or training, as it allows participants to focus on the presenter.

Table example:

  • A long table with seating on one side is suitable for seminar sessions.
  • Small folding tables with adjustable chairs.
  • Semicircular modular tables offer flexibility.

Chair examples:

  • Seminar chairs with small tables attached to the sides for writing.
  • Stackable plastic chairs for easy storage and setup
  • Fabric chairs with high backs for long-lasting comfort.

Banquet
Banquet tables are arranged in a circle, allowing meeting participants to sit around the same table. They are ideal for more casual yet productive meetings, such as panel discussions or brainstorming sessions, as they facilitate freer interaction.

Table Examples:

  • Large, round tables made of wood or glass for an elegant feel.
  • Small round tables that can be combined to form one large table.
  • Oval tables added comfort when sitting around the table.

Chair examples:

  • Banquet chairs with soft cushions and low backs.
  • Chairs with a minimalist design and slender legs for a modern feel.
  • Wooden chairs with extra-comfortable seats.

–sh