First impressions are the most lasting
The experience visitors and clients have with the guest seating in your organization can leave an enduring impact on how they view your company.
What Is Guest Seating?
Guest chairs are typically found in a reception, waiting room and used as extra seating at desks. They are provided for visitors, clients, or other team members to sit on while waiting. For many organizations, guest seating is the first interaction key people have when visiting your space, making it essential to invest in them.
Since guests do not usually stay for long, the seating is made for short-term and casual use, so they often lack adjustable ergonomic support.
Features to Look for in Your Guest Chair
Guest chairs come in different colours, heights, and designs. The type of seating you choose can reflect the organization’s style and aesthetics; therefore, you should consider your company’s brand image when making a choice. Other things to consider are the type of clients or visitors you will be hosting and the size of the space in which these chairs will be placed.
Questions like – Will my guests need to move the chair around? How many guests would I have at the same time? How many chairs can I fit in my space? How long would the guests be seated? – should be answered.
With those questions answered, some essential features you need to look for when choosing guest seating include:
Comfortability
Although guest seating is made for short-term use, they still need to be comfortable. A sturdy chair gives clients the impression that the company cares about their comfort and thus makes them appreciate the service they receive even more. For visitors, this experience can pique their interest in the organization.
Practicality
If your company receives a lot of guests simultaneously, the practical thing to do is to have nesting or stackable chairs so that there is sufficient seating for them. These nesting and stackable chairs are ideal for brief periods with many guests (periodic seminars or presentations), so there is ample seating when needed and ample space when not needed. They are also perfect for small spaces since they can be stored away easily after use.
Maintenance
Guest seating is one size fits all, so it’s crucial to opt for one whose durability is guaranteed. Since you will have different guests sit on the chairs, durable seating will save you from needing a replacement frequently. In the same vein, choosing a chair that requires fast and easy cleaning should be prioritized. Having to clean a chair every time a guest sits on it would get stressful.
Ultimately, the kind of organization and its guests should influence the type of finish and fabric the chairs would have.
When choosing guest seating for your office, checking off this list ensures that your visitors and clients have a pleasant sitting experience.
How Much Do Guest Seating Cost?
Finding guest seating that fits your budget should not be an arduous task. From plastic to leather finishes, several factors can determine how much your guest chair will cost. These factors include:
- Quality
- Warranty
- Design
- Finish selection
With these features considered, you should budget between $100 and $1000 for a new guest chair.
Is It Time to Replace Your Guest Seating?
Guest chairs often get overlooked since employees do not get to sit on them daily. As a result, it is easy to miss a guest chair that is falling apart. Here are three indications that you need to replace your guest seating.
- Wobbly structure
- Worn out or ripped fabric
- Damaged armrests
Furthermore, it will benefit your organization if you occasionally try out your guest seating. If it doesn’t feel right to you, it certainly isn’t suitable for your guests and should be replaced.
Seating is an investment in your guests and your people
Ready to make the right first impression on your visitors with stylish, ergonomic guest seating? Office Interiors has been supporting organizations throughout Atlantic Canada to find the best guest seating for over 30 years. Find out how our experts can help you discover the best option to work with your space in your consultation.
For more inspiration, download our FREE guide, Office Trends to Know: How to Enhance Productivity, Health, and Culture in the Workplace today.
