Top 7 Lobby Makeover Mistakes

Furniture installations are always a big project. With the space planning, the shopping, and the delivery,  a lot can go wrong, so it's always best to know what you're getting into before any problems arise. Most first-time lobby interior designers underestimate the mistakes that can go down, and they end up paying the price for it later, either in hard work, or out of their pockets. Lucky for you, today's post is all about the  most common mistakes made by interior lobby designers. Study up, and stay ahead of the game!

1.) Forgot to Measure Properly

Any woodworker will tell you "measure twice, cut once," and this is true for design work too. Measuring is perhaps the single most important part of decorating any interior space, especially lobbies. If a lobby isn't properly measured and the furniture layout planned, shoppers can make costly mistakes by buying too much or too little furniture, or even damaging their walls upon installation. Be sure to take careful measurements of the lobby's interior before purchasing the furniture, making note of entry ways, power outlets, windows, and other permanent obstacles. This way, designers can be more aware of what furniture will fit in the space and where it could go before they buy it.

2.) Didn't Inquire About Bulk Pricing

Now that you've measured your space, it's time for the fun part - shopping! Shopping can be one of the most enjoyable parts about interior decoration… except when you have to pay. With rooms like lobbies, reception areas, and waiting rooms that usually require a lot of large, comfortable lobby seating for guest use, furniture can get very, very expensive. A single sofa can easily cost upwards of a thousand dollars and still not be enough seating for the space, not to mention the tables, decor, and reception desk that may also need to be included. Too often, buyer's settle for a higher price where they don't need to. That's why it's never a bad call up the dealer and see if they'll offer you a bulk discount. It's a quick way to get a lot, and save a ton!

3.) Paid for Shipping

Any respectable furniture dealer will recognize that shopping big for lobbies is a huge pain for their customers. As dealers and manufacturers, it's their job to make your experience as painless as possible, which is why most large furniture orders qualify for free shipping. Things like large lobby sofas with leather upholsteries can get expensive enough without having to pay for shipping. Before you buy the lowest priced product, be sure to check the store's delivery companies and shipping rates.You may find out that another company with a higher sell price on that lounge chair is actually much more affordable if you account for shipping rates. Never be afraid to contact the dealer to ask.

4.) Didn't Use Comparison Shopping Engines

Okay, so maybe you don't like to shop, and are perhaps a bit new to the whole experience. However, that doesn't mean you don't have the right to save money. With the prices that stylish lounge furniture sets for lobby use can get to these days, it's definitely worth a few seconds of your time to check out a comparison shopping engine. Websites like Google Shopping, Bing, and several apps provide an easy-to-use, free service that compares prices for the same product from all over the web. This helps ensure that buyers get the best deal possible. Simply enter the name or the product code of the furniture item you want, and the shopping engines will find you the best deal out there!

5.) Didn't Schedule Furniture Delivery

Picture this: So you're hard at work behind the reception desk. Your lobby guests are absently flipping through magazines, observing the fish tank, or filling out clipboards, when all of the sudden, a hoard of sweaty guys burst in with your new fabric guest chairs for lobby and no place to put them. Awkward! 
Furniture deliverers work hard to bring buyers new furniture without damage, but it's not exactly the best example for your business if they show up unannounced with no free space to set your stuff. That's why it's super important to set a day for furniture delivery. It may inconvenience you for a few hours to close up shop or divert guests while the deliverers do their job, but it's far better than having patrons give you that frightened "what's happening" look.

6.) Forgot To Prep Area

If you forgot to schedule delivery, most likely, you've probably forgotten to prep an area for the new furniture to go. Furniture installations can be a breeze or a nightmare. Those who prep reap all the rewards of planning ahead while those who don't suffer the consequences. Before the furniture arrives, make sure you've removed old furniture, designed a layout, and that you've got people to help you set it all up (if the delivery service doesn't provide that). Also, because modern tables for waiting room and lobby use are typically followed by a train of chairs, accents, and lamps, and you can't predict the order in which they'll be unloaded, it's imperative to create a staging area. This is a place where the new stuff can sit while heavier furniture is installed first.

7.) Underestimated Clean Up

So, you may be thinking that the job is done when the new furniture is all set up and the deliverers have gone, right? It makes sense, but you'd be making another terrible mistake. All furniture installations are messy, especially lobby installations. Lobbies often require chairs, popular curved desks for office reception, sofas, and tables of all different sizes. If you bought new, those things will be wrapped up, and that creates a mess. Be sure to prepare yourself for plenty of debris after set up, including cardboard boxes, plastic, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other post-officey things. Try to anticipate the amount of debris ahead of time. Don't get caught with a full dumpster and no place to put any extra waste.