A welcoming and professional waiting room begins with the right seating for your guests. Whether you’re designing a salon, doctor’s office, or tech company lobby, functional and aesthetically pleasing seating can make a significant impact on your business. But how can you design the ideal space for unique needs while maintaining practicality? In this guide, we’ll explore the best simple design solutions for your modern waiting area.
Choose Modular Seating Options
Modular seating offers flexibility without compromising comfort. Modular furniture can be rearranged as needed, allowing you to accommodate individuals and small groups. These are ideal options for offices with shifting needs and varying levels of foot traffic throughout the week. A stackable waiting room chair is another option, with the added bonus of easy storage.
Incorporate Benches to Save Space
Benches are a traditional choice for waiting room lobbies since they can maximize seating in areas with limited space availability. A single bench can accommodate a group of three or more people, and a backless option keeps the visual clutter to a minimum. Benches are ideal for waiting rooms with narrow entryways and offices that cater to family guests, such as pediatric clinics. And the right bench doesn’t have to look plain or dated; there is a range of options in stylish, rustic wood, much more eye-catching and modern than simple concrete.
Don’t Overcrowd the Space
A simple way to give your waiting room a modern touch is to avoid overcrowding and cluttering the space. Resist the urge to stuff the room with furniture and leave space for guests to move freely throughout the area. Some visitors will arrive independently and require ample space, while others will arrive in groups and prefer to sit together. So, provide a mix of seating options to allow people to choose what is most comfortable for them.
Make a Lasting Impression
A waiting room is a guest’s first impression of your business and sets the tone for their visit, so it should make a big impact. Choose neutral, calming tones (e.g., foliage colors) and seating made with materials that are easy to wipe down and keep clean (vinyl, faux leather, or antimicrobial fabrics). This keeps your clientele from getting too overstimulated and presents a clean, professional appearance to everyone who walks through the door. If an entirely neutral office is too plain for your taste, consider adding a pop of color, such as a bright painting or a single accent wall in an interesting hue.
Additionally, small details in seating areas can make a significant difference. Scenic artwork (e.g., beach or park themed) can make guests feel more welcome as they sit. And include more “luxurious” items such as footstools, pillows, and armrests to avoid a bland or uncomfortable waiting area. Side tables, ambient lighting, charging stations, and a magazine rack can also boost feelings of comfort and convenience.
To summarize, a right waiting area doesn’t have to be stuffy or uncomfortable. With a thoughtful approach, it can be a calming, practical, and welcoming space that stands out to your visitors from the moment they walk in. Consider the tips above when choosing seating for your waiting area, and you’re sure to leave a positive impression on your business’s guests.
