Complete Guide to Office Conference Tables and Training Room Furniture

Choose the Right Layout

The boardroom example mentioned above can still be found in offices across the world. And for good reason – it’s both simple and effective. This layout allows slightly larger groups (usually 8-12 people) to meet face-to-face with someone at the head of the table to guide discussion and keep things on track. Boardrooms are great for executive meetings, focus groups, and any other gathering that calls for a free exchange of ideas.

What about smaller, informal gatherings? There are plenty of choices for groups of six or fewer to get together and discuss projects as a team. Among the most popular are round conference tables, which have the benefit of putting all participants in front of each other to allow for a more natural flow of conversation. There are also small conference tables – essentially sized down versions of what you’d find in a boardroom – that are perfect for team meetings and breakout sessions.

Training rooms and educational spaces require a different setup because information is coming from a single source, not multiple participants. In this case it’s more practical to arrange conference tables in a row or in separate clusters facing one direction. At the front of the room, you can use a smaller table, desk, or lectern to accommodate the speaker and any materials they’ll need for the session.

The ideal conference or training room format is one that best facilitates communication between speaker and audience. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your configuration by placing multiple conference tables in a layout that addresses both your needs and space.

Quick and Easy…

Let’s say your office needs a dedicated meeting space, but it’s going to serve a few different purposes. One day you might be training a small group of new hires, and the next you’re bringing in current staff for a communications meeting. Your best bet is to go with training room furniture that’s easy to set up and rearrange when needed.

Commercial quality training tables with wheels are the obvious choice for multipurpose rooms due to their practical designs and mobility. These workstations roll on dual-wheeled casters that can be locked in place once you’ve found the ideal configuration. They also have the advantage of being able to fold up and nest together for convenient, space-saving storage.

There are also plenty of seating options available with the versatility to complement the folding training tables. Folding chairs with wheels and stackable guest chairs are a natural fit for classroom environments as they offer the same mobility and storage benefits. Remember, you don’t need all the bells and whistles of a full-time workspace, but seating in a conference room or training area should still be ergonomically designed for the comfort of staff and visitors.

…Or a Long-term Solution

Of course, it’s worth considering stationary conference tables, training tables and desks if your plans call for a more permanent meeting environment. While these workstations aren’t as easy to rearrange and require significantly more space to store, their heavy-duty construction ensures that they’ll continue to serve your business or organization for years to come.

What About Storage?

Adding storage to your conference room or training area is a great way to keep things neat and orderly. No one enjoys heading into a meeting to find papers and reference materials left out from the previous group’s discussion.

Think about what supplies employees will need access to during their meetings. Your space may need a file cabinet for paperwork, a storage cabinet with doors for video equipment, or a bookcase for training manuals and other literature. Mobile filing cabinets work especially well in common areas because they can be easily moved along with conference tables and chairs.

Because conference rooms and training areas are used by multiple groups throughout the day, it’s a good idea to invest in storage that’s secure. Lockable drawers and doors help ensure that important files, supplies, and equipment are available when they’re needed.