Reception Desk Ideas
Reception desk ideas come with the premise of contributing sophistication and order into a home. A reception desk is ideal for a lobby or hall space. It can act as a work desk, in a home or office environment. Beyond this, it can be a beautiful focal point to an opening of a home or work entrance. Take a look at these desk ideas to ensure that you can find both contemporary and traditional pieces to complement your space effortlessly.
Modern Minimalist Reception Desk
$247.99
Modern Minimalist Reception Desk
Latitude Run®
$247.99
Perfect For: Contemporary office spaces and professional environments
What We Like: Versatile design and ample storage
This modern reception desk boasts a minimalist design that seamlessly fits any interior style. Constructed from high-quality MDF, the desk is durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. It features multiple drawers and generous storage space for documents, books, computers, and other office essentials. Available in 3 attractive colors, this reception desk sets the stage for a stylish and professional workday.
Designer Advice:
Pair it with a comfortable ergonomic chair and sleek accessories such as desk lamps or organizers to create an inviting and efficient reception area.
High Counter Desk Divider
$266.99
High Counter Desk Divider
Latitude Run®
$266.99
Perfect For: Reception areas and front-of-office interactions
What We Like: Enhances privacy and spatial distinction
This high counter desk divider is designed to provide comfortable interactions between visitors and receptionists, while offering a sense of privacy and space division within the room. Set at 39.2" high, it allows visitors to stand with ease during conversations. Ideal for reception areas or front-of-office spaces, this versatile desk divider creates a welcoming yet professional environment for your clients and employees.
Designer Advice:
Pair it with a matching high counter stool for your receptionist or representative, and consider incorporating plants, artwork, or organizational tools to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Contemporary Reception Desk with Built-in Counter
$246.99
Contemporary Reception Desk with Built-in Counter
Latitude Run®
$246.99
Perfect For: Enhancing productivity and professionalism in office reception areas
What We Like: Premium laminate construction with high privacy sides
Our contemporary reception desk boasts a premium laminate construction with high sides that surround the desk, providing privacy for documents and confidential information. The built-in counter above the desk serves as a platform for interacting with clients or patients and offers a sturdy writing surface. The 1-inch thick laminate countertop ensures durability, and the spacious desktop enhances productivity while greeting visitors with a modern and professional appearance.
Designer Advice:
Choose a contemporary office chair to complement the reception desk, emphasizing the professional look of your space, and combine it with a sleek filing cabinet to keep paperwork neatly organized.
Classic Reception Desk with Ample Storage
$439.99
Classic Reception Desk with Ample Storage
Inbox Zero
$439.99
Perfect For: Enhancing the workspace for receptionists and office areas
What We Like: Multifunctional and secure
Our classic reception desk is designed to bring efficiency and elegance to your workspace. Ideal for both welcoming guests and serving as an office area, this multifunctional desk features ample storage space to keep everything organized. The lockable drawers ensure that your privacy is protected, all while seamlessly blending into any work environment.
Designer Advice:
To create an inviting and professional atmosphere, pair this reception desk with comfortable seating options for guests and an attractive backdrop or wall art that represents your brand identity.
High Counter Reception Desk
$289.99
High Counter Reception Desk
Latitude Run®
$289.99
Perfect For: Creating a comfortable and professional interaction space
What We Like: The 43.3-inch counter height for standing interactions
This high counter reception desk is designed to allow visitors to comfortably stand while interacting with your receptionist or front-office representative. The 43.3-inch height ensures an appropriate sense of privacy and space division within a larger room, establishing a welcoming yet professional ambience. Ideal for office receptions, waiting rooms, or hotel lobbies, the desk enhances the overall environment without sacrificing practicality or functionality.
Designer Advice:
To fully utilize this reception desk, add a comfortable high stool for your representative and consider using potted plants or artwork to create visual interest and a more inviting atmosphere.
Sleek Reception Station with Tempered Glass Counter
$2379.99
Sleek Reception Station with Tempered Glass Counter
Upper Square™
$2379.99
Perfect For: Offices looking to create a professional and welcoming ambiance
What We Like: Modern design and choice of sophisticated colors
This reception station exudes confidence with a sleek and stylish design that includes a tempered glass counter for comfortable interactions. The desktop features grommet holes for discreet cable management, while silver detailing adds a contemporary edge. The durable, scratch and stain-resistant laminate finish is available in five colors: textured sea salt, textured brown sugar, mocha, mahogany, and gray steel. This product coordinates with a series of desking, conference and reception furniture for a cohesive office environment.
Designer Advice:
Choose a color that complements your office's overall color scheme, and pair with matching desking and conference furniture for a professional and cohesive look.
Black Reception Desk With Cupboard And Drawers
$329.99 $379.99
Black Reception Desk With Cupboard And Drawers
Wade Logan®
$329.99 $379.99
Black and contemporary, this desk is ideal for a modern office. Not only is it large at 55.9'' long, but it has a cupboard and five cubby holes as well as a pull out tray and additional storage. It features premium laminate construction made from manufactured wood and looks professional and durable.
Sleek Corner Shelf with Drawer
Sleek Corner Shelf with Drawer
Latitude Run®
Perfect For: Organizing and maximizing small spaces
What We Like: The space-saving design and practical drawer feature
This sleek corner shelf with drawer is designed to fit snugly into any corner, making it perfect for utilizing and organizing small spaces in your home. Featuring three open shelves and an additional drawer, this elegant piece is great for displaying decorative items or storing everyday essentials. The corner shelf has a durable construction and is available in a variety of appealing colors to complement your interior style seamlessly.
Designer Advice:
To enhance your room's visual appeal, decorate the shelves with plants, candles, and small artsy pieces that reflect your personality and complement the shelf's color.
Rustic Wooden Coffee Table with Drawers
Rustic Wooden Coffee Table with Drawers
Wrought Studio™
Perfect For: Cozy living rooms and family spaces
What We Like: Ample storage in a timeless design
This rustic wooden coffee table features two spacious drawers and a lower shelf, providing you with plenty of storage options for remote controls, magazines, and other living room essentials. The solid wood construction and warm, natural finish bring a touch of traditional charm to your space. Its versatile design is suitable for both classic and contemporary decors, making it an ideal addition to any living room setup.
Designer Advice:
Pair this coffee table with a comfortable, plush sofa and a soft area rug in neutral colors to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.
Vintage Rolling Bar Cart with Glass Shelves
Vintage Rolling Bar Cart with Glass Shelves
Latitude Run®
Perfect For: Entertaining guests and adding a touch of sophistication to your living space
What We Like: Elegant design and easy mobility
This vintage-inspired rolling bar cart boasts a beautiful brass finish and two glass shelves for displaying your finest bottles, glassware, and cocktail accessories. Its four caster wheels allow for easy mobility, making it perfect for moving from room to room during social events or for flexible placement in your living area. The cart's timeless design effortlessly complements any decor style, adding a touch of sophistication and practicality to your space.
Designer Advice:
For a stylish and functional setup, pair the bar cart with a mixture of crystal and metallic barware, then add a small vase of fresh flowers as a finishing touch.
L-Shaped Reception Desk with Storage
L-Shaped Reception Desk with Storage
Foundstone™
Perfect For: Businesses, retail locations, or corporate offices
What We Like: Versatile design with ample storage options
This L-shaped reception desk features a classic white finish with removable black accents that complement almost any space. Made from engineered wood, it includes a sliding keyboard tray, 3 open shelves, a locking drawer, and a cabinet for efficient storage of both small and large items. Its versatile design makes it an excellent fit for various settings, from local businesses to corporate offices.
Designer Advice:
Consider matching the desk with ergonomic chairs to create a comfortable and stylish reception area. Keep your space clutter-free by utilizing the storage options provided by the desk.
Geometric Shelving Unit with Drawers
Geometric Shelving Unit with Drawers
Latitude Run®
Perfect For: Contemporary living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms
What We Like: Multi-functional design with stylish geometric lines
This geometric shelving unit boasts a unique and eye-catching design, perfect for enhancing any contemporary space. It features a combination of open shelves and closed drawers, offering versatile storage options for books, decor, and personal items. Made from high-quality materials, this unit is not only attractive but also sturdy and durable. The compact size makes it suitable for small spaces, while its functionality caters to various storage needs.
Designer Advice:
For a cohesive look, pair this shelving unit with a matching geometric coffee or side table. Use decorative baskets or boxes to organize smaller items within the open shelves.
Glass Coffee Table with Magazine Rack
Glass Coffee Table with Magazine Rack
Latitude Run®
Perfect For: Contemporary living spaces in need of extra storage
What We Like: Multi-purpose design and sleek appearance
This elegant glass coffee table comes with a built-in magazine rack, providing both functionality and style to your living area. The transparent glass top is not only sturdy but also gives the illusion of a more spacious room, while the lower rack allows for easy organization and display of your favorite magazines, books, or decor items. The table's minimalist and chic design complements a wide range of interior styles without overwhelming the space.
Designer Advice:
Pair this coffee table with a cozy area rug and some textured throw pillows to create a warm, inviting, and conversation-friendly seating space.
Vintage Rolling Kitchen Island
Vintage Rolling Kitchen Island
Hokku Designs
Perfect For: Expanding kitchen workspace and storage
What We Like: Versatility and mobility
Upgrade your kitchen with this vintage rolling kitchen island that offers both functional workspace and ample storage. The solid wood countertop serves as a perfect surface for meal prep, while the open shelves, drawers, and side hooks provide space for utensils, cookware, and other essentials. The locking caster wheels allow for easy mobility, making it ideal for both small and large kitchens.
Designer Advice:
Place this island near your primary workspace and use it for additional countertop or storage area. You can also add barstools to create a cozy dining spot next to it.
Vintage Wall-Mounted Coat Rack with Shelf
Vintage Wall-Mounted Coat Rack with Shelf
Wrought Studio™
Perfect For: Organizing and adding a rustic touch to entryways or mudrooms
What We Like: Dual-function design for storage and display
This vintage wall-mounted coat rack with shelf offers both style and practicality to your home. It features sturdy metal hooks for hanging coats, hats, bags, and other essentials, while the wooden shelf allows you to display decorative items or store keys and small accessories. The distressed finish and antique-inspired design effortlessly blend with various interior styles, from rustic to farmhouse. Ideal for maximizing space in your entryway or mudroom, it combines convenience and chic charm in one piece.
Designer Advice:
Mix and match other vintage or repurposed items to create an eclectic yet cohesive look in your space. Use decorative baskets or bins on the shelf for extra organization.
Chic Corner Bookcase with Adjustable Shelves
Chic Corner Bookcase with Adjustable Shelves
Bayou Breeze
Perfect For: Space-saving organization and display
What We Like: Customizable shelf heights
This chic corner bookcase transforms any unused corner into a stylish yet functional space for storing and displaying your favorite items. With its five adjustable shelves, you can easily customize the heights to accommodate books, decorative objects, or even plants. The sleek design complements various home decor styles, making it a versatile addition to your living room, bedroom, or office. Crafted from top-quality materials, this corner bookcase ensures durability and longevity.
Designer Advice:
For a well-balanced look, arrange your items in a mix of horizontal and vertical orientations, pairing larger objects with smaller ones to create visual interest and harmony.
White Marble Effect Desk With Bookcase
White Marble Effect Desk With Bookcase
Waterproof and stain-resistant, this complete set is ideal for a contemporary and minimal space. It has a marble-effect aesthetic, crafted from maple wood. With shelving, tray and bookcase, this reception office desk is a good choice. It is 55.9'' long.
Sleek, White Multifunctional Reception Desk
Sleek, White Multifunctional Reception Desk
Latitude Run®
This commercial-grade melamine lamination with high impact edges is durable and ideal for a smaller office. It is 47.2’’ long and has three large drawers and a cupboard with generous surface space. Complete with chrome hardware, this office desk also boasts lockable drawers.
White L Shaped Desk With Cubby Holes
White L Shaped Desk With Cubby Holes
Wade Logan®
The ideal desk for an office space, it is multi-functional with plenty of space. Not only does it boast an L-shape, for space and style, but it is complete with four generous sized cubby holes, a pull out tray for a computer and storage for files. It is crafted from manufactured wood and stands at 55.9'' in length.
Designer Advice:
This white, chic piece is easy to style because it’s a blank canvas. It gives you the opportunity to add a chair of style, and for this we’d recommend a white leather chair to unify the marble white finish. To add extra style, you can add anything to the top, such as flyers or leaflets which can be enticing to people passing by. If this is a home addition, why not add some framed coastal/travel photos for additional style.
White Corner Desk With Chic Front
White Corner Desk With Chic Front
Latitude Run®
Standing at 55.1'', this piece is made from manufactured wood in a clean white finish. An exciting idea for a reception desk, this is simple and effective and can be placed in a corner. It boasts one small drawer and two cupboards, in addition to three cubby holes. It is a brilliant desk idea for a new office, as it offers great function.
Black Marble Rectangular Flat Front Reception Desk
Black Marble Rectangular Flat Front Reception Desk
Black marble is a sophisticated element and this is no exception. This reception desk idea will show you that you can have a chic and functional piece for any space. Easy to assemble, it offers clean lines, modern style and is made from manufactured wood. It is 47.2'' long and has two locked drawers, an additional drawer, a cupboard and cubby holes with chrome hardware.
Designer Advice:
This marble effect style reception desk is a great idea for someone who wishes to impress. Because it is so chic and effortless, there really is not much you need to do to make this stand out. For a quick and simple captivating office desk, this is it. You can pair it with a black leather chair for a demure and striking look.
Buying Guide
Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.
Sometimes the most important thing for a business, a meeting or an event is a cheap reception desk. You don’t need anything fancy. No decorator quality, imposing pieces of furniture, just a good place to keep lists, badges, and to provide a greeter with a good place to stand. It also serves as a psychological barrier between the receptionist and the people who will be met, interviewed, directed or whatever is needed. Hopefully, it won’t be called upon to do any other duty, and in most cases, it will not.
The Super Cheap Reception Desk
This is one that you will see often at public schools or even sometimes at universities. A folding table is draped with a beautiful tablecloth, often bearing the school’s logo. Some folding chairs are provided for the greeting committee who dispense name badges or tickets, trifold programs, or raffle tickets for the grand prize. The table method has the advantage of being roomy but has no real space for boxes of added materials, nor does it have a place to conceal items such as a security button.
The Cheap Display Desk
Beauty parlors, tanning salons, off-Broadway or community theaters and similar establishments might use this reception desk. It is small, just large enough for one person to stand behind it. The front of the desk has glass fronted display panels where previews of wares being sold within are displayed, such as shampoos, lotions or publicity pictures of the cast – depending upon the venue. Behind these shallow display cases is a small desk that is dropped below the top level of the display and a storage area which can be used to hold price lists, programs, tickets, discount coupons, and similar items.
Roomy, Serviceable Reception Desk
Security conscious specialty or department stores might use one of these. Put together using panels of inexpensive, veneered wood, this reception desk might allow two or even three people to sit behind it. They are also very useful at large conventions where hundreds of people might need to be met and greeted within a few hours. The front of the desk is raised sufficiently that the person behind the desk might need to stand or to be seated on a stool. It has a writing surface suitable for the guest or customer to write their name on a badge or to sign a list. The workers are provided with a larger desk that is lower than the one provided for the standing guest, and there is a roomy storage shelf beneath the inner desk where extra supplies can be stored.
The Interview Desk
This desk has two L-shaped desks positioned so the interviewer and interviewee can face each other. The interviewer’s desk is slightly larger, presumably so that it can house files, boxes of applications and similar items. The interviewee’s desk might be supplied with application forms, writing tools and perhaps notepaper, brochures or portfolios, depending upon the sort of interview. This arrangement can handle many kinds of interviews, from employment to vacations in the Bahamas.
A well-appointed space reflects your business culture, mission, and professionalism. Smart looking and high functioning reception desks and suites provide the centerpieces for these public facing receiving areas.
From the first impression to every visit after that, your reception area speaks volumes. Not only about your business but also about how you care for both prospective and current clientele.
If you've been tasked with sourcing, a reception desk or reception suite for your company's lobby or your client's offices, you know the choices on the market are vast and varied. To help you wade through the ocean of possibilities, we've provided a comprehensive guide on how to choose reception desks and suites below.
A receptionist sits at a reception desk. Their job is to greet customers, clients, and patients, check them in for appointments and perform various other tasks in between greetings. A reception desk is made to be aesthetically pleasing and highly functional for both customers and staff.
Typically, these customer-facing desks have a solid front and two sides and consist of two components:
- Reception countertop - allows customers and receptionists to sign papers and conduct transactions.
- Sitting desk - allows the receptionist privacy to do their work in between greeting customers or patients. This desk sits behind (and at least 12 inches below) the reception counter.
Reception desks can be found in a variety of business settings such as health care offices, government offices, stores, bank lobbies, office buildings, city apartment lobbies, hotel lobbies, high-end restaurants and lounges, hair and nail salons, spas, and more.
Besides the shape of your room, you'll want to consider your workspace requirements when choosing a shape for your reception desk.
- Square. Ideal for small offices with just one receptionist working at a given time. It has three equal sides and an open back. Square reception desks offer a simple look perfect for offices without a distinct style.
- Curved. Saves space in small to mid-size areas. The bow out at the front with a curved edge facing the client. The desk behind takes up minimal space and can be situated in a corner or parallel to a wall.
- Round. Offers mobility and ample desk and counter space from all angles. Works nicely with medium to large areas. Will often have an almost complete circle shape with cut out in back to enter and exit.
- L-shaped. It connects two work areas behind the reception counter. It allows the receptionist to rotate easily from one worksurface to another.
- U-shaped. Spacious enough for large reception areas to allow for multiple receptionists working at once. It offers a reception counter in the front with a desk behind and two additional work desks with or without counters above.
To ensure you get the correct size reception desk, there are some general rules of thumb you can apply when selecting the correct one for your space.
- Measure and sketch out your space carefully.
- Be sure to include any architectural elements that may get in the way, such as windows, inward swinging doors, built-in workspaces, etc.
- Calculate how much room you will need to leave on all sides for staff and clients to move about freely.
- Add at least an extra 60 inches or more for turning radius behind the desk.
- Leave 3 feetor more between the reception desk and any surrounding walls or furnishings for traffic flow.
- The width of your desk shouldn't overpower your reception area.
- A single-person reception desk (48+ inches) works best in small areas.
- A two-person reception desk (71-73 inches) will be more appropriate in a mid-size reception area.
- In a large space, such as a bank or office tower lobby, a very wide desk (8 feet or wider) will balance out the expanse of the area.
- Typically, there are three heights for reception desks between 28 inches to 34 inches. The choice will largely depend on the height of a person using it.
The busy reception area will see a constant stream of activity. As such, your desk will incur wear and tear from the rigors of daily exposure. The material you choose for your reception desk will be dictated mostly by desired durability and budget. Below we've listed the common materials used to make reception desks and suites.
- Laminate - Affordable and durable. It does not scratch or dents easily. Available in a range of solid colors and wood grain prints.
- Wood Veneer - Falls in between laminate and wood in terms of cost and durability. Veneer is a thin layer of genuine wood adhered to particleboard. Gives the appearance of real wood without the cost. It requires some maintenance. Styles include traditional, transitional, modern, and contemporary.
- Solid Wood - Long-lasting and most costly of all the materials. Prone to scratching, denting, and scuffing. Most popular option for luxury venues such as hotels, banks, and law firms. Lends itself towards all décor styles.
- Metal - Strong, durable, and affordable. Includes metal types such as aluminum, steel, and iron. Works nicely in industrial and minimalist offices. Can be combined with frosted or clear glass.
- Glass - Durable, moderately priced, easy to maintain. Frosted glass provides privacy for the reception suite as clear glass would not. As a design accent, glass is used for the countertop section of the desk with other components constructed from metal, veneer, laminate, or wood. Glass is contemporary or industrial in style.
As with standard desks, reception desks offer an array of features and storage solutions to fit your needs such as:
Behind Desk:
- Built-in drawers, cubbies, and storage cabinets.
- Pre-drilled holes for cords and wires.
- Power outlets at desk level for computers and office equipment.
- Large desktop workspace.
- Pull-out keyboard drawers.
- Monitor platform.
Desk Front:
- Customer-facing receding toe-kick to avoid scuff and dents from shoes and kicking.
- Wider countertop overhang in the front for use with stools or chairs.
- Flat front for business signage or customer greeting plaque.
- Modular coffee bar unit for reception desk suites.
- Decorative metal or glass accents.
- Under-counter lighting on the desk front.
