Conference rooms are a collaborative area used for decision-making and idea-sharing, making them a crucial part of every office space. Over the years, the tables that define boardrooms have changed to reflect the brand styles of different companies. In this post, we will walk through some of the most popular conference table styles and what design you should choose for your company.
Round Conference Tables
Round conference tables have a unique design that breaks away from the hierarchy of traditional boardrooms. In this table, all participants are seen as equal group members, allowing everyone to freely share ideas, regardless of their position in the company. Without defined hierarchies and everyone contributing, you can expect more fruitful conversations and discussions during meetings.
This focus on collaboration means that companies in forward-thinking industries, like tech organizations and startups, prefer this type of table. These organizations value innovation and collaboration, with the team exploring every idea. Having no distinct head at the table also helps create a sense of community, allowing everyone to feel like they are working towards the same goal.
Rectangular Conference Tables
A rectangular conference table features a traditional and standard design. Although this style is not as popular as it was once, you can still find it in several conference rooms worldwide today. Its basic design has a hierarchical pattern with a team leader sitting at the top end of the desk, as this position makes it easier for them to control the meeting.
This top-down approach often leads to staff arranging themselves based on their ranking in the company. Sitting according to their position allows the most senior staff to sit closest to the meeting head, while junior employees often find themselves at the back of the desk. It also helps to remind staff about the chain of command and their roles in the organization.
You will likely find this style in companies with clear lines of authority and a formal decision-making process. These organizations are highly established, are seen as industry leaders, and would likely have been operating for decades. Unfortunately, this linear design pattern can make brainstorming sessions more challenging, as it is harder to share ideas.
Racetrack Conference Tables
Racetrack conference tables provide a perfect balance between round and rectangular desk shapes. This style features subtle curves that help ease the tension of meetings by creating a more welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. Meanwhile, its linear shape helps maintain a structured layout, ensuring that all discussions remain organized.
This unique blend of modernity and traditional values makes racetrack tables the perfect choice for companies that require a mix of formality and teamwork. So, you will likely find this type of table in marketing agencies, design firms, or consulting companies. In this case, even a junior employee is encouraged to share any brilliant idea that pops into their head but also understands their place within the company.
Boat Shaped Conference Tables
Boat-shaped conference tables have become the most popular style in recent years. Its distinct design features a boat-like shape where the desk is thin at the base but wide at the middle. While this design pattern helps ensure the meeting leader is always in control, it leaves room for collaboration from any participant.
One of the core advantages boat-shaped tables have over traditional desks is their improved visibility. Its widening curve ensures that all participants have a clear view of any speaker, resulting in higher-quality discussions. This layout also helps promote a sense of inclusivity, allowing anyone to speak without feeling like they are being cut off from certain parts of the group.
Most people consider boat-shaped conference tables as the modern successor to the rectangular design. So, you may likely find this style in new companies operating in well-established industries. While these organizations are not recognized as pioneers, their fresh values and ideals make them a suitable alternative. By using this table style, these companies can send a signal to potential clients that they are professional, forward-thinking, and ready to embrace new ideas.
