The Complete Guide to Conference Tables

• Adjustable-height desks have a work surface that moves up and down with you. If you only have space for 1 desk and want to make switching between sitting and standing as easy as possible, an adjustable-height desk is the best option. With an adjustable-height desk, you can do all your sitting and standing in 1 place. Adjustable-height desks will have either a gas lift, a manual lift or an electronic lift adjustment mechanism. In some collections, the adjustable-height desk is made up of the bridge on a U-shaped desk or the return on an L-shaped desk. 

• Adjustable monitor risers are a fantastic aftermarket alternative for those who don't want to spend a ton on a stand-up workstation. If you want the benefits of an adjustable-height desk but don’t want to get rid of your old desk, an adjustable-height monitor stand is your ticket. These stands and mounts can be attached to your existing desk (or simply placed on top) to provide a low-cost alternative to a standing desk. 

• Standing-height desks have a work surface measuring around 42" tall. If you have a lot of space in your office, you may want to add a standing height desk to the space and alternate between using that and your regular desk.  

• Standing-height L-desks combine the functionality of a standing-height desk with the versatility of an L-shaped layout, offering an expansive workspace designed for productivity. With their generous surface area, standing-height L-desks are great for those who need room to spread out materials, set up multiple monitors or accommodate collaborative tasks. Perfect for larger office spaces, these desks provide ergonomic flexibility and a professional appearance while supporting a variety of work styles. 

What Are Standing Desks Made Of? 

Materials matter when it comes to durability, aesthetics and budget. Here’s what to consider: 

• Laminate—Cost-effective and durable, laminate is ideal for high-traffic areas and is easy to maintain. It’s a smart choice for those balancing durability with budget constraints. 

• Wood Veneer—Veneer desks provide a premium look without the high cost of solid wood. However, they may need more care to retain their aesthetic. 

• Solid Wood—The highest quality option, solid wood offers exceptional durability but tends to be heavy and costly. This material may be better suited for executive offices or spaces where aesthetics are paramount. 

• Metal Frameworks—Modern and industrial, metal frameworks offer durability and stability. They are typically paired with wood or laminate tops. Steel is common, with chrome or powder-coated finishes. 

Standing Desks Can Set Your Team Up for Success 

Creating an ergonomic and adaptable workspace is essential for employee well-being and productivity. A well-chosen standing desk, tailored to your space and needs, offers flexibility and long-term health benefits. 

As you select the right standing desk and accessories, consider it an investment in a workspace that will support your comfort and productivity every day. 

Outfitting a waiting room is easier said than done. Whether it’s a small reception area or a huge lobby, you’ll need to cater to your guests’ needs as well as the needs of your front desk staff. Here’s what you should consider before selecting your new waiting room furniture.

Reception Desks

The receptionist desk is the centerpiece of the waiting room. As such, selecting a desk that will make a positive first impression on your guests and employees is important. The right reception desk should be beautiful, functional, and durable enough to last you several years. Not only do you want to make a positive impression on guests, but you also want to make sure your receptionists have the space and tools they’ll need to work effectively, including a large enough work surface space and plenty of storage. For a full look into how to select the right centerpiece for your waiting room, read our complete guide to reception desks.

Reception Seating

Keep the seating in your waiting room comfortable and mix it up. Offer guests chairs that they won’t mind sitting in for several minutes at a time or longer, depending on your typical waiting room flow. 

In addition to the support of the chair seats and backs, you’ll want to offer a mix of different seating types for added comfort. You should provide guest chairs with and without arms, some bariatric seating, and potentially sofas, benches, and hip chairs if your typical guest requires it. Learn everything you need to know about adding seating to your reception area by reading our complete guide to waiting room seating. 

Décor

Though it may not be as obviously functional as desks and chairs, décor plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of your waiting area, and it can impact how your guests perceive your business overall. By incorporating the right wall décor, area rugs, plants, and light fixtures into your space, you can make your waiting area feel more like home, which guests will certainly appreciate. Get a glimpse into how to decorate your reception area by reading our complete guide to office décor.

Accessories

Office boards come in many styles, which means there are many options and narrowing it down can be tough. First, consider what type of room you’ll use the board in and how often you’ll use it. Next, read our comprehensive guide to find the best board for you and your office.

Type 

Whiteboards have a glass, melamine, or porcelain surface meant to be written on with a dry erase marker. You can find whiteboards in any area of the office as they’re ideal for expressing temporary messages to coworkers.

Chalkboards, otherwise known as blackboards, are green or black and meant to be written on with chalk. Although chalkboards were once commonplace, they have been widely replaced by whiteboards over the last several years and are now rarely seen in office settings.

Interactive boards have a touch screen and work with projectors to help meeting facilitators better express their ideas by interacting with graphs and other graphics during presentations.

Presentation boards are wall-mounted cabinets with doors that swing open to reveal a whiteboard and/or corkboard that can be used during meetings but neatly tucked away for a clean look when not in use. Presentation boards are commonly used in private offices.

Bulletin boards are open or enclosed boards with a fabric, vinyl, or cork surface used for pinning up paper and other lightweight items with thumbtacks. Bulletin boards are used in many areas of the office but are especially useful in common areas for announcements.

Announcement boards are enclosed bulletin boards. They typically have a glass door that keeps posted announcements visible while protecting them from theft or damage from the elements in an outdoor setting. The door or doors may be lockable.

Message centers are freestanding multi-bulletin board units that display information on all sides. These are typically seen in common areas, including outdoor spaces where people are expected to approach from all angles.

Map rails are thin strips of cork or fabric material made to run along a wall. These are commonly used in classrooms and hallways for displaying student artwork, learning materials, and, of course, maps.

Directory boards, also called letter boards, are fabric boards with grooves that hold specially made letters. These boards generally help visitors in a lobby find a specific office in a large building.

Construction

Melamine is a plastic material commonly used as a whiteboard surface. Melamine is budget-friendly and lightweight, but this type of surface is more susceptible to staining, ghosting, and denting, so you may need a replacement every few years, depending on how frequently it’s used. Melamine boards often feature a steel backing that makes them magnetic.

Porcelain (or ceramic) is another common whiteboard surface. Although more expensive than melamine, it offers greater durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Like melamine, porcelain boards are easy to write on and often magnetic, but because porcelain is less porous, the surface is less likely to succumb to ghosting.

Glass is not porous at all, which makes it the most durable and most expensive option. Markers erase easily without smudging or ghosting, so these boards should last for many years. Glass markerboards are usually frameless and available in many colors, which gives them a modern appearance most offices desire.

Cork is a lightweight substance obtained from the outer layer of a cork oak tree. This material is often used as the surface on bulletin boards since it easily holds thumbtacks. Plus, cork grows back very quickly, making it a sustainable material.

Rubber behaves similarly to cork but is often preferred due to its eco-friendly design. Rubber is also better at withstanding the outdoor elements and does not support the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria in damp areas.

Fabric is another common bulletin board material. It’s often preferred due to the variety of colors and patterns available. Fabric is often preferred over cork because it better hides pinholes caused by thumbtacks.

Vinyl bulletin boards are weatherproof and easy to clean, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Special Features

Eco-friendly boards are manufactured using recycled materials such as milk jugs and water bottles. It’s common to find eco-friendly outdoor boards since recycled materials are usually weather-resistant.

Enclosed boards have a door, which is usually made of glass and may be lockable. These are ideal for use outdoors where weather resistance is needed and in areas where announcements need to be protected from potential theft.

Mobile boards roll on casters, which are often lockable to keep the board in place while in use. Mobile boards are often used in conference and training rooms with ever-changing layouts and as partitions between workstations.

Reversible boards have a whiteboard surface on both sides or a whiteboard surface on one side and a bulletin board surface on the reverse side.