How To Select The Right Boardroom Table In 2017

We're ready to help you select the perfect boardroom table for your business in 2017. From researching the best brands to choosing power features, we'll have your on the path to meeting area success in no time. We know that boardroom makeover projects can be tricks, but with the tips, advice, and product suggestions here you'll be able to enjoy the remodeling process from start to finish.

Brands

First things first, you've gotta know what brands you can trust. Sadly, not all boardroom tables are created equal. It's absolutely essential to select a table from a brand that won't let you down in terms of quality and functionality.

We recommend starting your conference table search with Mayline. They offer more than 10 full service furniture collections that include everything needed to craft truly elite work environments. This year, Mayline's Sterling and Medina collections are a must consider.

If you're going for a more high end custom vibe, you can't go wrong with a top notch powered boardroom table from the Global Zira collection. With an abundance of sizes, shapes, finishes, and features, they're in a league of their own.

Shoppers on a budget and not looking to sacrifice quality will want to check out brands like Offices To Go and OFM. Their stunning tables will help you take appeal to the next level without breaking the bank. As an added bonus, most of their tables are stocked and ready for immediate shipment. A nice attribute for those up against tight makeover deadlines.

Shapes

The table shape you choose will say a lot about your interior. If you're going for an upscale modern vibe, boat and elliptical shaped tables are the way to go. For a more traditionally inspired, consider classic shapes like rectangular and oval. In the long run, table shape is preference. That being said, you need to know your options before making a purchase to avoid remodeling remorse. This year, hybrid boat shaped tables will no doubt reign supreme. Tables with straight sides and curved ends offer an upscale contemporary look that has become the preferred choice of interior design teams and shoppers alike.

Size

When designing a professional boardroom, selecting the right table size is typically the most difficult decision. Selecting a table too large will leave your space feeling overcrowded. A table too small won't seat the number of guests needed to be effective. As a rule, you'll want to measure your space effectively. Once you've got your measurements, you'll need to select a table that will leave a 3' perimeter as a walk way.

Wondering how many people will fit around a table? We've got you covered. Much like the perimeter you need to leave around your table, each guest you're hoping to accommodate will need approximately 3' of table space to ensure comfort. This means, a 12' long boardroom table will be about to seat 4 individuals per side without overcrowding. One additional guest per end can also be added if needed for a total 10 seats.

Finishes

Selecting a boardroom furniture finish should be fun. This is where you get to let your individual design ingenuity shine. It's always a good idea to request finish samples to ensure you're happy with the end result. In 2017, modern boardroom makeover projects are turning to coastal gray and white finish options. While traditional tones like cherry, maple, and mahogany will always have their place in classic meeting areas, those looking to think outside the box will definitely want to check out finish options like Textured Gray Steel from Mayline and Absolute Acajou from Global Total Office.

Features

Powered boardroom tables are becoming the industry standard. Don't allow your business to be left behind. Select a power ready conference table to streamline your meetings and improve productivity. Popular power ready table lines like Aberdeen, Brighton, Medina, and Napoli from Mayline offer basic modules for about $235.00 that feature AC and Data ports. If you're a small business, this style of table will get the job done without costing you a fortune.

Those in need of more high tech features will want to go with a custom powered table. We recommend those from the Zira collection as mentioned above. They're easy to spec and incredibly well made. Zira tables can be outfitted with USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Phone, and other advanced inputs to take your corporate gathering sessions to the next level.

Life In The Boardroom: 7 Ways To Improve Your Meetings

If you're looking to improve your boardroom meetings, today's post is for you! Here we'll highlight 7 awesome ways to take functionality, comfort, and performance to the next level. From integrating a powered table into your space, to utilizing folding presentation boards, the tips and concepts showcased here will make your boardroom the best it can be. Enjoy!

1.) Use A Powered Table

The best way to improve your boardroom in 2015 is with a powered table. The powered conference and boardroom table solutions available from brands like Global Total Office, Mayline, and Cherryman Industries help streamline the meeting process while simultaneously boosting functionality. Top powered tables feature USB, HDMI, Audio, Phone, and AC inputs at surface level. This means, no more running extension cords across your room to utilize laptops and devices. Powered tables were once considered high end, but as the furniture industry has grown, these helpful units have become the standard. Don't be left in dust by the competition. Add a powered table to your space today. You'll be glad you did. Excellent powered conference tables like the MNC8 8' Medina model from Mayline are now available for well under a thousand bucks. If you're taking on a boardroom makeover project, give the MNC8 serious consideration!

2.) Provide Plenty of Elbow Room

Don't overcrowd your boardroom table with bulky chairs! While it sounds simple, businesses often purchase overly large chairs that make meetings uncomfortable. This year, slimline chairs like the Joplin from Woodstock Marketing and the Curva from Cherryman Industries are the way to go. These sleek conference room seating solutions will provide your meeting guests with the space they needs to function effectively and comfortably during boardroom sessions. Wondering how many chairs will fit around your table without overcrowding it? We've got you covered! You'll want to provide about 3' of table space per guest. That being said, a 12' conference room table will comfortably accommodate 4 users per side. Additional chairs can be added at table ends if needed.

3.) Mount A Flat Screen

The best boardrooms are now using flat screens to improve the meeting process. Mounting a flat screen TV on a perimeter wall will enhance appeal and kick boardroom performance into high gear. With a powered table, you'll be able to link up to your TV with ease and host power point presentations much more professionally. No more drop down projector screens! While a big screen TV will certainly raise the cost of your boardroom makeover project, it's definitely a worth while investment.

4.) Make Room For Storage

All too often, businesses take on boardroom makeover projects and forget to incorporate the storage components needed to complete their space effectively. Adding a single wall cabinet in your space is a must! Many of today's top conference room furniture collections include stylish storage options to match tables and create a cohesive look that's sure to earn your interior the compliments it deserves. A storage cabinet will allow you to neatly organize presentation materials, stationary, and more. Don't forget the storage when tackling your boardroom makeover.

5.) Tablet Arm Seating

You may not have the space to accommodate as many chairs as you'd like around your boardroom table. When it's time to host a large meeting, tablet arm chairs placed around the perimeter of your room will really come in handy. As one of the hottest furniture trends of 2015, tablet arm chairs are incredibly versatile and user friendly. These popular seating solutions will allow additional boardroom guests to participate during meetings and take notes effectively. Brands like Mayline and Global Total Office offer some of the absolute best tablet arm seating solutions on the market.

6.) Bring In A Hospitality Cart

The best meeting hosts provide snacks and drinks for guests. In most professional settings it's actually expected. Don't let your guests down by jumping right into a lengthy presentation without a glass of water or cookie! While it sounds simple, a little hospitality goes a long way. Providing guests with food and drinks will have them more receptive to the info your delivering, thus improving the meeting process. Hospitality carts can also be used at corporate events and in group training room sessions. This makes them a great investment for any business.

7.) Use A Presentation Board

Presentation boards really come in handy during meetings. If you're coming up with ideas, the dry erase surface will allow you to write them down quickly and easily. Lots of us are visual learners that will greatly appreciate graphs and charts shown on presentation boards for reference. All to often, businesses have presentation boards in their spaces and never use them. Don't fall into this category. Make sure to use your presentation board as often as possible. The information being delivered will be better retained and your meeting process will be greatly improved.

Here's 5 Ways To Make Your Boardroom Great In 2015

Want to make your boardroom great in 2015? Today's post is for you! Here's we'll be showcasing 5 great ways to make your meeting area the best it can be. From creating professional appeal to providing visual aids, the tips and product suggestions in today's post are a must read.

Professional Appeal

You'll want to wow your boardroom visitors the minute they walk into your space. That being said, creating professional appeal is an essential part of the boardroom makeover process. When redesigning your space, consider the little details like wall color and room accents. A cool lamp, piece of wall art, or area rug will go a long way in your quest to create the perfect meeting area. In addition,  by keeping your space clean and well organized you'll show just how classy your business is. Earn your boardroom the compliments it deserves by creating professional appeal!

Comfortable Seating

Once you've guests are impressed with your decor, they'll be taking their seats for the first time. Keep in mind that no matter how great your space looks, without comfortable seating, your guests will be disengaged from the content being delivered. Comfort also plays a key role in boardroom productivity and effectiveness. When you comfortable, you work better. It's as simple as that! Enhance your space with well ergonomic conference room chairs that aren't too bulky. This will help you maximize the number of guests that can be accommodated around your table. Let's review a few awesome conference room chairs that are ready to get the job done right!

Best Conference Room Chairs of 2015:

• Cherryman Industries iDesk Curva Chair
• Global Total Office Kate Conference Chair
• Woodstock Marketing Hendrix Chair
• Eurotech Seating Frasso Chair

Power

Modern office design teams and furniture specialists will tell you that powering up your space is a must in 2015! Top rated office furniture manufacturers like Global Total Office and Mayline have introduced cutting edge boardroom tables with easy to spec power options designed to streamline the meeting process. These tables can be outfitted with USB, phone, data, audio, HDMI, and three prong inputs that will help you avoid running extension cords across your room to power devices.

Best Powered Conference Table Collections of 2015:

• Global Total Office Zira Series
• Mayline TransAction Series
• Mayline Medina Series
• Cherryman Industries Verde Series

Storage

By providing wall cabinets and boardroom storage solutions around the walls of your space, you'll be more equipped to keep your interior nice and neat at all times. A well organized space shows professionalism that will surely be appreciated by your guests. Limited on floor space? No problem! Consider adding wall mount hutch units that can be attached above floor level cabinets to provide additional storage. You can also add a hospitality cart to house snacks and beverages effectively!

Visual Aids

Last but certainly not least, you'll want to outfit your boardroom with effective visual aids. In 2015, mobile presentation boards, folding white board cabinets, and flat screen televisions have all been common additions to boardroom makeover projects. Consider incorporating these items into your space. The benefits gained will take your performance to the next level!